Weekly: A happy life
Old Happy: “I’ll be happy when I get there.”
New Happy: “I am creating a happy life each and every day.”
It's so easy to imagine a good life as a destination: somewhere we arrive when we have finally eliminated our problems and struggles. Then, we think, I’ll experience perpetual joy. But there is no life where that is possible.
A meaningful, happy life will inevitably involve difficult experiences and emotions. You can’t work towards a cause that you care about without feeling stress; you can’t craft a fulfilling relationship without tending to your wounds; you can’t grow as a person without experiencing fear. It will always be an experience of wins and challenges; joys and pains; meetings and farewells; transfigurations and disintegrations. All of our experiences contribute to the mosaic that is a happy life.
Here are a few small ways to put this idea into practice.
Write down what a good life means to you. The clearer the picture in your mind, the easier it will be to make decisions that align with it.
Meet your difficult emotions and experiences with compassion. Remind yourself: it’s an inevitable part of being a human; it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you.
Every day, ask yourself: what’s one way I could experience a bit of joy today? Often, it’s the small moments that really matter most: a delicious meal, an evening walk, or a connection with a loved one.
Tips and Tools
1. A loving relationship — This week's animation.
2. Grief & hope — You can do both.
3. They come and go — Your feelings matter.
4. Your three selves — Past, present, future.
5. Does it color your day? — How to cope with setbacks.
More from TNH
Book — Order New Happy today to find true happiness.
Podcast — Get a daily morning pep talk — in five minutes or less
Speaking — Book us to speak to your team about well-being, resilience, and productivity.
Articles — Read more articles on our website.
Community
What is something you’d like to experience in your life?
“Travel around the world with my kids.”
“Reap the rewards of a business that I started. I want to look back one day and think “wow, I can’t believe I made this.”
“Peace and ease.”
“I want to experience the freedom and joy of writing children’s books, my dream accomplishment, without scrutinizing myself.”
“I would love to visit all 50 US states So much beauty in our country. 36 seen and 14 to go!”
"To be debt free!”
“To live a simple life in a simple house on the Mediterranean.”
Before You Go
The Definitive Guide to Happiness
A groundbreaking new approach based on a decade’s worth of research and brought to life with beautiful artwork, New Happy shows you the proven path to happiness.
No spam, just joy.
