Recently, in the midst of one of life’s constant busy periods, I decided to look around for a good sense of perspective. Who is doing it right? Who seems to be enjoying life more than they are stressed out by it? My first thought: children! They’re always laughing, carefree and spreading joy in their wake. So I asked a bunch of children under the age of five what made them happiest. What did I learn? Take a read and find out. |
Next, I spoke with another group that constantly inspires me with wisdom and positive perspective: retirees. They’ve been in my shoes. They have seen stress, they have seen heartache, they have overcome challenges. But somehow, they have a great and healthy outlook on life. And so, I set out to discover: what makes them the happiest? In their own words:
- When my family is happy and healthy, that gives me the ultimate happiness!
- Peace and contentment for all.
- Family.
- Family, health and love!
- When my family, children, their spouses and my grandchildren are healthy, happy and life is going well for them, I am at peace.
- My “ABSOLUTE happiest” is the happiness and well being of our children, grandchildren, children’s spouses, my wife and myself
- Love.
So what did I learn from this simple little experiment? There may well be a secret to enjoying a life of happiness and contentment. Children suggest that the key is living in the moment and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Starting each day fresh and focusing each moment on things that bring you joy. Meanwhile, friends with the wisdom that comes with age agree: it’s the little things that lead to ultimate happiness. But they suggest something critically important: that the key lies within living for others— that is, realizing that life is not just about ourselves and finding our own happiness— but helping others find their happiness as well.
My friends at Life Vest Inside do this daily— by sharing good news, encouraging those in need of support and suggesting ways that we can spread kindness and joy to others. Children do this daily— just by simply living their lives in their carefree manner, they bring joy to those around them. So do retirees— their selfless outlook and the sense of peace they have acquired serve as an example to a younger generation that ‘YOU CAN DO IT!’
As we begin a new week, let us look outside ourselves as a way of filling us with joy. I hope you’ll stop back to share your experience!