Ah, the pursuit of happiness—the elusive butterfly we all try to catch, yet it seems to flutter just beyond our grasp. We’ve all heard the tales of those who ventured into the depths of positive psychology and embarked on the renowned Yale course in search of the elusive secret to true bliss. But what is happiness, really? How do we navigate the treacherous terrain of barriers that stand between us and our joyful destination? Join me on this exhilarating journey as we unravel the pursuit of happiness—one step, one smile, and one burst of laughter at a time.
Demystifying Happiness
Let’s start by demystifying happiness and debunking some of the common myths that shroud this elusive emotion. Contrary to popular belief, happiness is not a constant state of euphoria. It’s not about being cheerful every minute of the day or plastering a smile on our faces even when we don’t feel like it. Happiness is authentic—it embraces the full spectrum of human emotions, from joy to sadness and everything in between.
The PERMA Model: The Symphony of Happiness
To set the stage for our quest, let’s explore the PERMA model—the foundation of genuine happiness. This model, developed by the brilliant Martin Seligman, unravels the key elements that compose our emotional tapestry.
Positive Emotion (P): The heart of happiness lies in the array of positive emotions that color our lives. From the warmth of a hug to the thrill of an adventure, positive emotions bring sparkle to our days.
Engagement (E): Have you ever lost yourself in an activity, feeling so engrossed that time seemed to vanish? That’s the magic of engagement. When we’re in a state of “flow,” we dance effortlessly to the rhythm of life, completely absorbed in what we’re doing.
Relationships (R): We humans are social beings, and our happiness thrives in the harmony of meaningful relationships. Whether it’s our cherished friends, loving family, or even our furry companions, the connections we share create a beautiful melody in the symphony of happiness.
Meaning (M): Finding meaning in life gives our happiness depth and direction. When we connect our pursuits with our values and contribute to something larger than ourselves, we discover a profound sense of purpose—a guiding lighthouse that illuminates our path to happiness.
Accomplishments (A): Ah, the sweet taste of success! Whether it’s acing a test, completing a challenging project, or achieving a personal goal, accomplishments add vibrant colors to the portrait of happiness.
The Sneaky Barriers to Pursuing Happiness
In our pursuit of happiness, we often encounter sneaky barriers that lurk in the shadows, threatening to snuff out our joy. From the pesky “Comparison Goblin,” who loves to whisper, “You’re not as successful as your neighbor’s cat,” to the crafty “Procrastination Monster,” convincing us to delay joy—these villains seek to rob us of our happiness.
Embracing Imperfections and Learning from Positive Psychology
In a world obsessed with flawlessness, let’s rebel and celebrate imperfections with a joyous grin! Positive psychology teaches us that embracing our quirks and learning from our failures is the key to growth and lasting happiness.
The Yale Way to Pursuing Happiness
As we continue our pursuit, we’ll delve into the world of the renowned Yale course on happiness, guided by the wisdom of Professor Laurie Santos. From debunking the myth that money can buy happiness to exploring the science of gratitude and acts of kindness, the Yale way to bliss unravels the secrets to lasting joy.
The Adventure of Happiness
My dear fellow happiness seekers, this is an adventure—a thrilling journey filled with laughter, self-discovery, and moments that take our breath away. So, buckle up and join me on this ride, where we’ll navigate the twists and turns, celebrate the highs and lows, and discover the wondrous joy that awaits us.
In the upcoming articles of this series, we’ll explore the barriers that stand in our way, embrace our imperfections, and embrace the Yale way to bliss. So, let the pursuit of happiness begin—it’s time to dance to the rhythm of joy and unravel the secrets to true bliss.
If you need support in your pursuit of happiness, I’d be happy to provide a consult to see how I might be able to help. You can book that here. For those living in Arizona, I offer individual and group counseling. For those living anywhere, I provide educational, supportive, and experiential wellness services.
