Happiness is marveling at Van Gogh’s paintings and feeling the soul behind each brushstroke. There’s something profoundly moving about looking at Starry Night or Sunflowers and realizing how much emotion and perspective he poured into his work. In these moments of awe, I remember happiness doesn’t always come from achieving something—it often comes from witnessing beauty, from feeling deeply, from connecting to someone’s truth through art. Van Gogh reminds me that even in suffering, beauty can be born, and in that, I find joy.
Reading The Little Prince changed the way I see the world. It taught me that the most important things in life are often invisible to the eye—love, connection, and purpose. Happiness, for me, is realizing these essentials, stripped bare of distractions. It’s in quiet conversations, meaningful glances, or simply knowing that I am loved and capable of loving. The book reminds me that what truly matters isn’t complex—it’s often the simplest, most human truths that bring the greatest happiness.
In today’s busy world, I’ve come to appreciate the wisdom of the 80/20 principle: doing more with less. Whether it’s in work, relationships, or personal goals, I’ve found that focusing on what truly matters—those vital few things—brings more satisfaction than spreading myself too thin. Happiness grows when I declutter my mind and space and put energy only into what creates real value. This intentionality has helped me stay grounded and free.
Believing in God has also been a steady source of happiness in my life. Faith gives me a sense of direction and comfort, especially in times of uncertainty. It reassures me that I am not alone, that there is meaning even when I can’t see the full picture. Paired with a positive mindset—something I often find through the inspiring stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul—Think Positive, I’ve learned that hope, gratitude, and trust in the divine are powerful tools for inner peace and happiness.
Lastly, I’ve come to see that happiness is not a one-time achievement but a continuous process of becoming. Atomic Habits taught me the power of small, consistent changes, and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People encouraged me to align my actions with my values. Every day, I try to improve, to be just a little better than yesterday. In that striving—in that quiet, steady progress—I’ve found a deep, fulfilling kind of happiness that no external reward could ever match.