Dear Readers,
I am excited to announce that I will be starting a series of articles on a topic that holds immense value in our lives: HAPPINESS 🙂.
New Series on – Happiness
Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but,
if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you. – Nathaniel Hawthorne.
We all seek happiness, yet often misunderstand what it truly means and how it impacts our lives on a biological, emotional, and societal level. This series will explore various dimensions of happiness, from its scientific definition to its profound effects on our overall well-being and the relationships we cherish. To be happy, you don’t need anything special or extraordinary. Happiness often stems from simple, everyday moments and a positive mindset. Research has shown that people can experience profound happiness from small acts, such as spending time with loved ones, practicing gratitude, or even being outdoors (Emmons & McCullough, 2003; Ryan and Deci 2000). Wonder why people simple at heart with simple life have higher level of happiness and are comparatively healthy and live longer. Save your wealth by being happy! 😉
However, alongside our exploration of happiness, we will also delve into the darker side of societal dynamics. We will examine how toxicity, wrong judgments, and the obsession with proving oneself right, along with an overwhelming self-centeredness, are weakening the very fabric of our society. These behaviors are not just personal struggles—they are societal issues that make our collective organism fragile and more vulnerable to disconnection, mistrust, and conflict. For example, we see how unhealthy expectations and toxic behaviors manifest in many areas of life. Divorces, breakups in romantic relationships, which stems from misplaced expectations, cheating and the inability to handle personal struggles with kindness and understanding that could have been avoided through better communication and emotional intelligence. In workplace environments, toxic behaviors like bullying or undermining others arise from insecurities and unhealthy competition. Even within families, patterns of toxic dynamics like unhealthy expectations, manipulation, and competition can cause long-lasting damage, leading to emotional scars and dysfunctional relationships that carry on through generations.
What is Happiness?
Happiness is often defined as a state of well-being and contentment, but what does that really mean at a deeper level? Scientifically, happiness can be understood through two key components: hedonic happiness, which focuses on pleasure and the avoidance of pain, and eudaimonic happiness, which is centered on meaning, purpose, and self-realization (Ryan & Deci, 2001).
While we often associate happiness with transient pleasures, true happiness is more than a fleeting feeling; it involves a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose. It’s not just about what we achieve or acquire in life, but also about how we relate to ourselves and others.
Biological Changes Associated with Happiness
When we experience happiness, several key changes occur in the brain and body. These include the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, which are linked to feelings of pleasure, well-being, and emotional bonding. These neurochemical responses not only affect our emotional state but also have a profound impact on our physical health. Positive emotions are shown to reduce stress, improve immune function, and promote resilience in the face of challenges (Pressman & Cohen, 2005).
In essence, happiness isn’t just an abstract emotion but a complex biochemical process that plays a pivotal role in our physical and mental well-being. This series will delve deeper into how happiness impacts the brain, the body, and our relationships.
Why Happiness Matters
As we move forward, we will explore how happiness influences our everyday lives, how it shapes our interactions, and how societal concepts of success and happiness sometimes distort the pursuit of true fulfillment. We will also discuss how happiness can be cultivated, and why it is vital to focus on building a life that aligns with who we truly are, rather than chasing external markers of success.
Additionally, we will explore how toxic behaviors such as the need to constantly prove oneself right, self-centeredness, and judgment not only harm individual relationships but also weaken society as a whole. These patterns disconnect us from each other and create environments where true happiness and collective well-being become harder to attain.
I am eager to embark on this journey with you all, and I hope you find value in the insights shared in this series. Remember, happiness is a journey, not a destination—and I invite you to explore it with an open mind.
Happiness plays a crucial role in professional success by enhancing work efficiency, creativity, and overall performance. Research has shown that individuals who experience positive emotions are more productive, resilient, and better at problem-solving (Lyubomirsky et al., 2005). Happiness reduces stress, improves focus, and fosters better collaboration, which is vital in today’s fast-paced and competitive work environment. For instance, a study published in Harvard Business Review highlighted that employees who report higher happiness levels are 31% more productive and three times more creative compared to those who feel disengaged or unhappy. Furthermore, happy professionals tend to build stronger relationships, both with colleagues and clients, leading to quicker and more effective results in tasks and projects. Thus, happiness not only boosts personal well-being but also acts as a catalyst for success in professional life.
So next time you see someone around you that has happy vibe.. take them seriously!! 😉
As part of this initiative, I would love to hear your thoughts and contributions on the topic. Whether you have personal insights, suggestions for future articles, or topics you’d like me to explore, feel free to reach out. Your voice matters, and I am happy to share your story. Please write to us at divinelighteneryworks@gmail.com. Together, we can explore happiness and the impact of societal behavior from multiple perspectives.
Scientific References
- Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2001). On happiness and human potentials: A review of research on hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Annual Review of Psychology, 52, 141-166.
- Pressman, S. D., & Cohen, S. (2005). Does positive affect influence health? Psychological Bulletin, 131(6), 925-971.
- Diener, E. (1984). Subjective well-being. Psychological Bulletin, 95(3), 542-575.
- Diener, E. (2000). Subjective well-being: The science of happiness and a proposal for a national index. American Psychologist, 55(1), 34-43.
- Lyubomirsky, S., King, L., & Diener, E. (2005). The benefits of frequent positive affect: Does happiness lead to success? Psychological Bulletin, 131(6), 803-855.