The answer is gratitude. Crazy, right? I feel that in today's society, happiness isn't about wanting what you already have. It's about chasing what you don't have. That is, society projects happiness as obtaining something - money, popularity, success, beauty. But in the end, the greatest source of happiness lies in appreciating the people and things you have had from the very beginning.
The funny thing is, I already knew this answer. Being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have been taught gratitude since my first day in primary. In fact, our current prophet Thomas S. Monson has stated "gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues." As a result, I felt almost stunned that this answer was "breaking news" to people! But then I felt overwhelmed with a deep sense of gratitude that I have known "the science" behind happiness my entire life. Specifically, I am grateful for my testimony of this gospel, which literally means "good news," and for the knowledge I have on how to live my life in such a way that I can be happy and make decisions that result in ultimate joy. I am so grateful for a loving & merciful Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ, who know me personally, listen to and answer my prayers, and bless me and my loved ones on a daily basis.
Regardless of belief, I know that recognizing and expressing gratitude will make a huge difference in anyone's life. Gratitude has a funny way of putting life back into perspective. In one way or another, we have all been blessed with incredible beauty in our lives; it's evident in the bodies we have, the relationships we build, the talents we possess. In that sense, I am going to make it a goal to express my gratitude more often, so that I can keep focused on what matters most in life and spread the joy to those around me.
So what do YOU think? What are your views behind the "science" of happiness?
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