The Happiness Trinity

When a new year arrives, it is common for us to look back and wish we had done better in the previous year. To make matters worse, the past three years have been exceptionally difficult for all of us. All the more reason for us to now make a determined decision to strive for greater happiness in the coming year. But how does one achieve happiness?

The true nature of happiness has been a topic of debate since the beginning of time. Does anyone really know what true happiness is? There are many opinions, views and theories on the matter, but I believe in the end one’s personal happiness is something only you can truly define or measure for yourself.

With that said, no matter what our personal idea of true happiness might be, it will always require the foundation of three key elements: wellness of body, mind and soul. Without an optimal trinity of physical, mental, and spiritual health, one cannot truly live your best life.

A happy life begins first and foremost with physical health and self-care. Our lifestyle habits define the quality of our life. Constantly indulging in the short-term pleasures of unhealthy lifestyle choices will not ensure a happy life in the long-term. Happy people eat nutritious food, get enough exercise, sleep well, manage their stress levels, and aim to maintain a sensible work-life balance.

A sense of being happy itself is one of the countless emotions we experience in life, and while it’s not possible to always feel happy, we can still choose how we respond to life’s challenges. Choosing to see a difficult situation as an opportunity rather than an obstacle, and choosing faith over fear, are common traits among many accomplished people.

When your body, mind and soul are healthy and harmonious, you will bring health and harmony to the world ~ B.K.S. Iyengar

The happiest people are however not necessarily those who have never struggled or suffered trauma. In fact, people who have always had it too easy are unlikely to even recognize happiness, because they have no unpleasant life experiences to compare it to.

No, the happiest people are the warriors who have survived many wounds and overcome many setbacks and obstacles in their life. They are the people who seek and find healing and strive for self-empowerment, no matter what they may have suffered in the past.

Happy people embrace their own flaws and shortcomings, and carry the fewest grudges and judgments towards others. Forgiveness lifts the burdens of anger, bitterness and resentment from their shoulders, to make space for more joy and happiness. Even if people aren’t friendly or kind to them, they become happier by being forgiving, tolerant and empathetic.

However, also bear in mind the people we associate with the most tend to have the most significant effect on us. So, we must choose your friends and associates well and ensure that they are not draining our energy or damaging our well-being. Being kind, tolerant and forgiving does not mean we have to be anyone’s doormat.

It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make your happiness a priority. It’s necessary ~ Mandy Hale

Holding ourselves up to others for comparison is another bad habit lots of unhappy people struggle with. We grow and become more content when we step back and focus on ourselves instead. We often don’t know the struggles of others; best to focus on our own. Comparison is a futile exercise, as nothing is ever as it seems. Everyone is just doing their best. Do not envy others, because nobody’s life is perfect.

Finally, to be truly happy, spirit is the third piece of the puzzle. Without a meaningful connection to God, Source, Spirit, the Divine, true happiness, inner peace, and a sense of purpose will elude us. A daily spiritual practice is an essential part of achieving a happy, joyful life.