By John Moore, Columnist
I‘m part of an email chain of former classmates who attended school in a small Quebec town in the 1960s. Today, we are scattered all over the world. Many of these classmates have gone on to do incredible things in life and yet have never forgotten their humble beginnings. Each year we share memories and things that have happened in our lives during the past year. In my little message I reflected on some of the hangouts we used to go to as teenagers. I happened to mention my two grandchildren in a family update. I noted how in the moment they are. One who is five loves chocolate while the other who is one, loves to eat. They are both extremely happy when doing this simple activity. One of my classmates noticed this and said, “This definitely works for me, Be Happy.”
I started thinking about this and concluded my greatest wish for everyone in 2024 is to be happy. Is it too much to ask? A Harvard research study known as the Happiness Study has been ongoing since 1938 and is the longest research study of its kind on this subject. It concludes real happiness is derived from our relationships with others. It is especially important to have good friends and connections all through life. It is important, especially as we age. Having good relationships with family and friends is great for our overall well being. The study concludes it promotes physical, mental, and spiritual health.
Over the Christmas holidays we had the opportunity to go to a number of gatherings. I noticed how happy people were to see one another as for some it had been a while given the events of the past few years, particularly Covid. We resurrected our own annual Boxing Day celebration as we had not had one since 2019. It was great to have a house full of people and laughter. It was a happy event for sure. One lady who is ninety-two and visiting her daughter from Bathurst was full of little quips and all the while smiling as she said them. Upon leaving she said “Why should I use a cane when I have the arm” her eyes twinkling as she moved ahead to take her daughter’s arm and winking at me as she left. For me that was sheer happiness to be able to witness such an inspirational moment.
The most significant commentary on happiness is by Pope Francis. It is being hailed as a great recipe to help achieve true happiness no matter whether you are religious or not. It is intended for all humanity. The Pope concludes” Never give up. Never give up on people who love you. Never give up on happiness for life is an incredible show.” Google Pope Francis entire message on happiness for it is an amazing read and rings so true. The philosopher and poet Max Ehrmann who wrote Deserata in 1927 is a must read as well. Here is part of what he wrote, “And whether it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. Whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life may be, keep peace in your soul. With all its shame, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.
Happy New Year and May 2024 be your best year yet!
Image by Freepik
