Weekly: Is this all there is?
It's World Kindness Day! Every year, I like to use this moment to reflect on and recommit myself to what matters most to me.
The New Happy philosophy (and company) was born from my own personal experiences.
In short (much more to come in my upcoming book):
I thought that success would make me happy. It didn't.
I thought that praise or being liked would make me happy. It didn't.
I thought that getting stuff I wanted would make me happy. It didn't.
What has made me happy is kindness, and its many expressions and related virtues, including compassion, care, love, and service.
As far as I can tell, based on my ten years of studying happiness, that's the secret to happiness. And if you're thinking to yourself, "Is that all there is? Really?" — yes, that's it. But, my god, how it it is.
All we have is each other, and what we can do is to be good to each other. When we do that, we experience the joy that we're looking for in all of those other places.
This is what we have: a world.
This is what we can make: a kinder world.
This is what your power is: you can start right now.
This is what it does: make you happier.
This is it! Isn't it marvelous?
It's also a day to thank YOU for being here, and for the kindness you have shown me and The New Happy. Every comment, every share, every response, every review: each one matters to me. You have made it possible for me to devote my life to this work. It's the greatest privilege, and I am so thankful.
This Week
A favorite poem by George Eliot reads:
"If you sit down at the set of sun,
And count the acts that you have done,
And, counting, find
One self-denying deed, one word
That eased the heart of him who heard
One glance most kind
That fell like sunshine where it went —
Then you may count that day well spent."
Try This
There's no one out there reading this who doesn't want to be kinder.
But, as philosophers, religions, and scientists have noted, we sometimes struggle with turning our intentions into action. That's why we need deliberate rituals that help.
Every day, as you get into bed, take Eliot's advice and take a count. Where did you bring a little bit of light to someone's day?
If you don't find anything, don't turn towards yourself with shame. Treat yourself with kindness: it's a moment to learn and to improve. Did you need to take care of yourself in some way? Was your day too busy? Did you miss asking for help when you needed it? You can learn from it, and try to remedy it tomorrow.
More Tips and Tools
1. Four things to stop saying to yourself (Podcast)
2. Stop comparing (Instagram, TikTok)
3. Transform a challenge (Instagram)
4. Your worth is not based on what happens to you (Instagram)
5. Use your imagination (Instagram)
6. Swap your lens (Instagram)
7. Intentions to make you happier (Instagram)
Community
What was a kind act you did recently?
"Rang my mum and talked to her for an hour, even though I was tired. She loved it."
"I bought macarons for my coworker since we talked about them, and she loved it so much!"
"I was buying the last pack of cupcakes and two little kids were sad because they wanted them so I let them buy it instead!"
"I volunteer and hold babies in the NICU who need love & snuggles. It's the best."
"I made soup for a neighbor."
"I sent a virtual hug to my friend after his dad had two mini strokes."
"My sister and I were estranged for 6 months. We just reconnected yesterday. I offered her to carpool with me to visit our grandma. She was speechless at the gesture."
Inspiration
1. How iconic Disney characters were originally designed (CreativeBloq) — Even Disney doesn't get it right on the first try, so stop putting pressure on yourself to do that!
2. This is not a pothole (Washington Post) — Artist Jim Bachor is turning broken roads into art.
3. Why did we all have the same childhood? (The Atlantic) — The legacy of the 'Cool S.'
Before You Go
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