While the media often portrays pleasure as a key to happiness, research shows that without
community and a deeper sense of purpose, a focus on pleasure alone may only lead to depression and emptiness.
Much of our deep happiness comes from close supportive relationships, our faith communities, a positive outlook, and flow. It is in our relationships that we express our higher ideals and intentions. Without others, would our efforts matter? We need others in order to grow, share our challenges, set backs and victories. A key aspect of this happiness is our experience of friendship, family and community.
Consider the times of the greatest happiness in your life. What were these experiences? Did they happen just from having a good meal topped off with a great desert, or did it come from sharing your story at the meal? Take a moment to reflect, what strengths did you use in this story? Were there challenges? How did you overcome them? There is a deep gratification that comes from using
our strengths in the service of our friends, family and community. Take a moment today to celebrate and share them.
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