What Is Happiness?

What Is Happiness?

By Daniel Ferguson


Happiness. Something we all search for right? But what is it and how do we find it? I've started reading a new book lately called New Happy by Stephanie Harrison inspiring this blog. So what are my thoughts?

There are lots of things that can make us feel happy: a nice cake, a hug, a good sleep, a great movie, but what creates long term happiness? Now you won't always feel happy, that's not something we can ask for; the question is more how do we feel good about our life and its purpose?


                                                                New Happy

Alice's Story

Overall, Alice didn't feel happy with her life and her day to day. She got small doses of happiness from nice food, good friends and coffee dates, however afterwards it never stook around. She often felt like she was putting on a character when around her colleagues and was constantly worried about judgement from others. She knew she was a good person but struggled to get this across to people, in which she continuously fell back into her shell. So how could Alice feel better within herself?

Discovering Who You Are


In New Happy, Stephanie Harrison expresses happiness to be about discovering who you are and sharing yourself in ways that helps others. For me that first stage is vital: "Discovering Who You Are." Once you know what your identity is in life and who you want to be, life feels a whole lot better. Decisions are made with more ease, due to a confidence in them aligning with who you want to be, your day to day feels more energetic as you are walking your own path and even in those dark moments, where we feel low, we know it's going to be okay because these hurdles are the true ones to be jumping over: it's your life you are living.

How do we discover ourselves?

You know that gut feeling you get? That feeling which just feels right, you don't fully know why, but it just does. I want you to trust that feeling. The next time you are experiencing conflict within yourself or a decision, choose the option which feels true to you: that gut feeling. You know those books where the next chapter you read is determined by which option you choose, in your life's book, choose the option which is your gut feeling.

Now this feeling isn't always going to turn out exactly how you thought, but is it not more exciting to live a life where you make decisions based on what feels authentically you?

How do we start?

What values do you possess? What characteristics do you feel suit you best? What are your strengths? Write these down.

Build an authentic you, by understanding what values you want to have, what behaviours make you feel like yourself and then acting on these qualities and strengths.

If you are struggling to find these, that's okay, the journey of finding these can be even more exciting, start by thinking and being aware of this process and see what you can learn about yourself each and everyday.

Sharing you, to help others

The second stage to Stephanie Harrison's definition is "sharing yourself in ways that helps others." Learning who you want to be is great and discovering that is even better, but once we discover these values and characteristics, how do we share them, to have a productive impact on others?

Use your strengths to help others by sharing your experiences with them and aligning them with your behaviours. For example:
  • You are a kind person: do kind acts
  • You really enjoy reading: share the books that have changed your life to people
  • You are a very committed person: commit to your friendships
  • You are funny: entertain
  • You are good at archery: coach
Write down your strengths and find ways to use them to help others.


I hope you have enjoyed this blog and have learned something. I wish you all the best in discovering what happiness means to you. It's a journey, make it true to you Feel free to reach out.



Find Daniel Ferguson on:
LinkedIn: Daniel Ferguson
Instagram: @danferguson_sp
Twitter: @DanFergusonSP





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