The three grand essentials of happiness are something to do, someone to love, and something to hope for. — Alexander Chalmers

We are in the midst of the holiday season when we’re supposed to feel joyful. For many people, the holidays are a dismal time.

Depression, despair, and sadness abound. I’ve experienced these feelings and I know how hard it can be.

I felt a deep sense of loss during the holidays immediately after my divorce.

It was difficult to wake up in an empty apartment on Christmas morning when I was used to hearing my children’s laughter and excitement as we opened presents.

Not being able to share that experience with my children was devastating.

Fortunately, I’m on the road to healing from this trauma and I’m learning to find happiness in everyday moments.

I enjoy meeting new people and giving them words of encouragement.

I enjoy having a cup of coffee on my front porch in the morning.

I enjoy cuddling my dog on the couch while I watch a documentary.

I enjoy taking a walk in the park and enjoying the beauty of nature.

I enjoy simplicity and peace.

Thousands of books have been written on the keys to happiness, but Alexander Chalmers has summed it up in a simple sentence:

I would like to share the ways that these keys to happiness have worked in my life to provide me with a constant feeling of fulfillment and joy.

Keys to Happiness #1: Something to Do

In addition to running this website, I also operate a home caregiving agency and an event planning business.

Although juggling these responsibilities is stressful at times, it is also fulfilling.

However, I do not allow people to define me by my profession. My work is a means to an end, not who I am.

If I never held another job in my life, I’d still have something to do: serve people in the community; work on issues that are important to me such as homelessness, education, and health; and create art.

These things make me happy and give me a sense of purpose.

Keys to Happiness #2: Someone to Love

Love is risky and can tear your heart apart.

But it can also fulfill your soul’s desires and allow you to experience unbridled joy.

Sometimes we feel as if we don’t deserve to be loved. But that is a lie! Love is a gift that we are all worthy of receiving.

I am thankful that I am loved unconditionally by my friends, my extended family, my wife, and my children.

I’m also thankful that I can return the same love to them.

Keys to Happiness #3: Something to Hope For

My children give me hope.

Their eyes are my looking glass into the future.

There is so much possibility and wonder in their faces; so many things to accomplish.

It is my responsibility as their father to equip them and give them the tools for success.

I hope and pray that they will realize their full potential and make a difference in the world.

You Deserve Happiness

If you take these keys to happiness and apply them to your life, you will experience a sense of freedom that goes beyond understanding.

Your whole perspective on life will change.

You will feel better and be more fulfilled.

Find your joy and live in it every day.

You deserve to be happy.

I wish you love, peace, and of course, happiness this holiday season.

Frederick J. Goodall, Mocha Man Style Publisher, and Editor-in-Chief

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