Weekly: That’s real love
We're four days out from the publication of NEW HAPPY. And I just wanted to take this moment to say a very sincere thank you to each and every one of you for all of your support.
This week's newsletter is all about the power of real love. It's something that I feel like all of you have given to me. Support, encouragement, and kindness in such abundance. Because of you, I've been able to become more of myself. Because of you, I've been able to learn and evolve. Because of you, I've been able to become a happier person.
I've been doing many interviews about the book and the philosophy, and most of them ask me one question: "Are you happy?" (Fair game, given this strange work I do.) My answer is yes. Yes, I am happy. I'm happy because of what I have received and what I have given. And that happiness is thanks to all of you. Thank you for reminding me, at every moment, that happiness is something we share with one another. I am truly grateful to you.
With love,
Stephanie Harrison, founder of The New Happy
This Week
Old Happy: I should save my love until I find the right person.
New Happy: I should share my love with every person that I meet.
Imagine having someone in your life who loves you for all that you are. This person accepts and embraces every part of you. They show you the best of you and encourage you to nurture it. They celebrate your wins, they sit with you in your challenges, and they remind you that you're never alone.
Now, remember this: you can be this person for someone. That's how powerful your love is. This isn't something that has to be confined to a romantic relationship, either; you can share your love with all of the people in your life. Sometimes, we think that we have to save our love; in reality, we need to share it, for that's what helps us and the people around us to feel joyful. Real love is something you don't run out of.
It's surprisingly simple to get started on sharing your love. As you can see from the community responses below, what makes people feel loved in this way is usually the little things. This is backed up by research. One 2020 study found that these small, everyday experiences of love are connected to higher well-being — the more moments of love received, the happier they were.
This weekend, sit down with someone who matters to you and as, "What do you need right now?"
Listen to what they say. Then, use your creativity, care, and compassion to fulfill that need.
For example:
“I need a break.” — Give them the night off from parenting, surprise them with a trip to your favorite restaurant, or take on one of their regular responsibilities.
"I need appreciation.” — Find five ways to compliment them over the next few days.
“I need to connect.” — Ask them how they are feeling, go for a walk and talk, or do something new and fun together.
When you love someone for all that they are, you also help them to become all they can be.
Tips and Tools
1. The wave of a feeling — This week's animation.
2. For the dreamers — Keep going.
3. Do we need more and more? — Or do we need to appreciate what we have?
4. You're enough — You really are.
5. What we don't see — What we miss when we make assumptions.
More from TNH
Book — Preorder New Happy today and discover the real secrets of 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 makes you feel loved?
"When someone remembers a small detail about me."
"Forehead kisses, a surprise letters in the mail, a simple ask to see each other."
"When people thank me for the work I do for them."
"A random hug."
"Doing what you say you will."
"Small but thoughtful gifts."
"When my best friend makes me food."
"When people listen to me and ask questions with genuine interest."
Inspiration
1. A 100-year-old WWII veteran received his college diploma 60 years after graduation (People) — In case you need a reminder that it's never too late to chase your dreams
2. This incredible 8th grader saved his school bus from crashing after the bus driver became unresponsive (KTVQ) — A true young hero!
3. They used to award Olympic medals for art? (NYT) — Question mark indeed. What?!
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.
