What is happiness and how do you actually find it?

So, What Is Happiness?

Happiness isn’t just giggling at a meme or winning a prize—it’s deeper than that. Sure, those moments feel great, but real happiness often means feeling at peace with your life, even when it’s messy. It’s less about constant highs and more about a quiet sense of “I’m okay, and I’ve got this.” Everyone’s version is unique—maybe yours is tied to adventure, connection, or just a good playlist. The cool part? You get to define it.

What the Big Thinkers Say

People have been chasing happiness forever—here’s what a few wise ones figured out:

• Epicurus (ancient Greece) said happiness is about simple pleasures and good company—not over-the-top indulgence. Picture a cozy dinner with friends instead of a stressful chase for more, more, more.

• Gretchen Rubin (modern author) argues happiness comes from knowing yourself. In her book The Happiness Project, she says aligning your habits with your values—like choosing a quiet night in if you’re introverted—unlocks real joy.

• Thich Nhat Hanh (Buddhist monk) ties happiness to mindfulness. He believes peace in the present moment—like truly tasting your food or feeling your breath—beats worrying about tomorrow.

These ideas show happiness isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about what fits you.

Happiness Myths We Need to Ditch

We’ve all fallen for some happiness traps. Let’s bust a few:

• Myth #1: You need tons of money to be happy. Nope. Research says once you’ve got food and a roof, extra cash doesn’t add much joy. Billionaires carry more stress than most people

• Myth #2: Happy people don’t get sad. Wrong again. Emotions are a package deal—happiness doesn’t mean ignoring the lows. It’s more like surfing waves than staying on the shore.

• Myth #3: Success = Happiness. Not a promotion or the instagram lifestyle. It might feel good for a hot minute, but studies show chasing achievements often leaves us empty. Happiness isn’t a trophy—it’s a vibe.

Clearing out these myths is like decluttering your mind—suddenly, there’s room for the real stuff.

Your Happiness Toolkit

Want more happy vibes? Try these—they’re simple but powerful:

1. Pause and Notice: Take 30 seconds to soak in something good—the sunset, a song, a comfy sweater. Studies say this “savoring” rewires your brain for positivity.

2. Get Moving: A quick stretch, a walk, or a silly dance party—movement pumps up feel-good chemicals. No gym required.

3. Reach Out: Text someone you miss or smile at a stranger. Connection is happiness fuel—psychologists say it’s the #1 thing that keeps us content.

4. Do Something Tiny for You: Read a page of a book, doodle, or water a plant. Small wins stack up.

5. Say “It’s Okay” to Yourself: When you mess up. Don’t spiral. Self-kindness—like telling yourself “I’m learning”—beats self-criticism every time.

These aren’t rules—just experiments. Find what clicks for you.

A Real-Life Happiness Shift

Here’s a quick story: Last year, I was burned out—working late, scrolling endlessly, feeling blah. I thought a vacation would fix it, so I booked a trip. It was fun… until I got home and the blah returned. Then a friend challenged me to try something different: every day for a week, I’d write down one thing that made me smile. Day 1? My dog’s goofy zoomies. Day 2? A random “thinking of you” text. By Day 7, I realized happiness wasn’t in some big escape—it was hiding in plain sight. Now, I keep that habit. It’s not magic, but it’s shifted how I see my days.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’ve enjoyed these tips and want to dive deeper into your happiness journey, I offer 1-on-1 coaching to help you create a personalized happiness plan. In our sessions, we’ll work together to identify what’s holding you back and create a step-by-step plan to overcome those obstacles. Plus, I’ll be there to cheer you on and keep you accountable every step of the way.

I only take on a few clients at a time to ensure I can give each person the attention they deserve. So if you’re interested, don’t wait—click this link to apply.

Your Turn

Here’s your nudge: What’s one small thing you can do today to feel a bit happier? Could be calling someone, stepping outside, or just breathing deeply for a minute. Happiness isn’t a giant leap—it’s little steps that add up.

Catch you next time—keep finding your joy, one moment at a time!

P.S. If you’re serious about boosting your happiness, don’t forget to check out my 1-on-1 coaching. Spots are limited, so click this link to apply and secure your spot.