As the hustle and hurry of the seasons pick up, Middle and Upper School Psychologist Shanna Riss offers a few keys to achieving the gift of happiness:

Where does happiness come from? Sometimes we think happiness is rooted in experiences, or relationships, or things. These certainly can bring us a type of happiness, but we want to go deeper. Happiness comes from within. The more we learn about ourselves, the more we can live a life imbued with meaning and purpose. I believe we are solely responsible for our own happiness. We are the artists of our own life. Happiness comes from living as simply and lovingly as we can. 

When we allow ourselves to experience the beauty, relationships and life around us, we experience contentment and peace. If you choose to be happy, no one can make you unhappy. If you choose to be unhappy, no one can make you happy. 

In times of struggle, the most effective way through difficulty is to be of service to someone else. Help others always, and when you do this, your own happiness will awaken and the veil of discontent will lift. This is true for children as well. Take your mind off your own sorrows, and with your loving heart, do for others. 

Those that exude happiness become lights that draw others. Think about a time in your life when you felt genuine joy. What did that joy feel like in your body? How does the memory make you feel? Let those sensations wash over you, and try to hold on to the feelings and live with that joy daily. 

We live in the midst of a very busy life, even chaotic at times. Let’s be the anchor, the steady. Remain connected to the part within that is unimpressed by the seasons of mood and disappointment. Adopt the philosophy of cultivating and captaining your own happiness, and spread goodness wherever you go. Commit to a purpose. Marvel at nature. Remain connected to what brings you peace. Life is ever changing, so it is our responsibility as parents and educators to give ourselves and our children the gift of impenetrable joy, love, and happiness.