Happiness - It's a Big Deal

Last month Graham asked the question “what’s the secret?”

“The secret to what?” you might ask. Well, for starters, “what makes for a good life”?” What brings lasting happiness?”

Policy makers and leaders worldwide nowadays are calling for measurable progress on human well-being and happiness, not just economic factors such as GDP growth. The media abounds with “Happiest Country in the World” stats – incidentally, New Zealand ranks 8th in the world, (behind Norway, Denmark and Iceland, but ahead of Australia). New World have even based a TV advert on it.  Apparently, it’s a big deal. And I agree, 100%.

At the Beacon our focus is primarily on what benefits the community. It’s a deliberate and conscious effort to unite community, accentuate what adds to our well-being, and re-frame what doesn’t.
We humans can’t always change our circumstances, but we do have the power to change how happy we are by the way we approach our lives. Here are 10 areas that can make a big difference to our happiness, all of them within our control:

1. Caring about others – an outwardly focused expression of love

2. Close connections with people – providing love, meaning, support, self-worth, a sense of belonging.

3. Nurturing our body – has a profound effect on our mind.

4. Mindfulness – take time to smell the roses

5. Learning – keeps us curious and engaged, giving a sense of progress and accomplishment

6. Something to look forward to – a sense of hope for the future

7. Resilience – how we respond to stress, loss, failure or trauma

8. A positive outlook – Fostering feelings of joy, gratitude, contentment, inspiration, pride

9. Self-acceptance – helps us to show kindness and forgiveness to ourselves and others

10. Be part of something bigger – religious or spiritual beliefs, meaningful work, family. “It’s not about me”

Kerrie Subritzky

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