One, there is no secret. Generally speaking, there are no hidden, esoteric keys to happiness, just obvious things, the impact of each small and easily dismissed individually but incredibly powerful in the aggregate, especially when repeated, day in and day out.
Two, it’s a lot more than three things.
Three, it’s a journey not a destination.
It may help to think of happiness as a skill set, a way of thinking, of coping, of approaching the world and the challenges thereof. Happiness is not so much a personality trait as it is a mindset, a collection of behaviors and chosen deliberate responses. Happiness is a choice, a choice to look on the bright side, look for the best in everything and everyone, a decision to walk on the sunny side of the street. Do it often enough and you will develop the Habit of Happiness and its sidekick, an Attitude of Gratitude.
Closing Quotes:
“The mind is its own place, and in itself / Can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven.” – John Milton, 1608-1674, Paradise Lost
“Remember happiness doesn’t depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely on what you think.” – Dale Carnegie, 1888-1955, How to Win Friends & Influence People
“The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts: therefore, guard accordingly, and take care that you entertain no notions unsuitable to virtue and reasonable nature.” – Marcus Aurelius, 121-180 AD
As always, I share what I most want and need to learn. – Nathan S. Collier