Emily Esfahani discusses happiness.
Chasing happiness can make you unhappy. That's what happens to a lot of people at a time when looking for perfect happiness seems to be the most important. The evidence is that suicides growth and the concern for happiness go hand in hand. Life has improved from the material point of view but more people are suffering from depression and anxiety.
According to Esfahani happiness should be built on four pillars. Lets see them:
1- Sense of belonging. We all need to belong to a place connected to people we care about and who care for us. We must build links wherever and with people we value and feel valued. But real belonging always comes from love and not from common ideas or shared status.
2. Purpose. It has little to do with finding a good job but with what you are ready to offer. The purpose should not be having a baby but what you are ready to offer to that baby as a parent.
3. Transcending is the third pillar and here means being in control of reality and routine. We need transcending moments when we are above and feel connected with a superior reality. Some may get this state through art, religion, music or literature.
4. Telling stories is the fourth and last pillar. It is about how you tell the story of your life. To make it simple, you can see your life from a negative perspective or have a positive view of it.
