We sometimes say to ourselves or to those close to us, "If only X would happen, I'd be happy." But often X arrives, leaving us disappointed when true happiness continues to elude us. Positive psychologist Martin Seligman has been studying the sources of authentic happiness for years. His studies have shown that many of the aspects of life traditionally associated with happiness really have little long term impact on life satisfaction and true happiness; for example, climate, education, money, age, health, and negative events have little impact on happiness. Marriage, spiritual practices, and social life have a somewhat greater impact.
It turns out that our happiness is shaped primarily by the following three factors in our lives:
-- Satisfaction with the past, as shown by gratitude and forgiveness
-- Optimism about the future and hope about future outcomes
-- Contentedness in the present, experiencing meaning and purpose in life
These findings suggest that if we desire true happiness, we will seek to make peace with the past and appreciate what we have been given; work at looking forward to what is coming with excitement and hope rather than dread; and find contentedness and purpose in our present lives through the pursuit of meaning and purpose. A tall order? Perhaps ... but I think it's a journey worth pursuing.
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