Coach Theresa Ip Froehlich

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“The art of being happy lies in the power of extracting happiness from common things.” Henry Ward Beecher

What brings happiness to your heart? What gives satisfaction to your soul? If you were to sit down and write a list of ten things that bring you happiness and satisfaction, what might they be? And if you can select only three out of that list of ten things, which ones would you select?

Being as goal-oriented and achievement-oriented as I have been all my life, I have always wanted the happiness that comes from achieving big goals. I would tell myself, “When I get my Master’s degree, I’d be happy!” After I got two Master’s degrees, I started saying, “If I get my Ph.D., I’d really be happy!” The trouble is while I am so focused on achieving the big goal that gives me happiness, I miss the opportunities to extract happiness from the daily common things like smelling the flowers and having a cup of coffee with a good friend. My journey to the Big Happiness seems to turn into the journey to Big Stress.

Last night I met a woman attorney named Judy. She raised five children, now all grown adults. As she plans for the legacy she wants to leave with her children, she asked her oldest son which piece of family possessions he would like to have when she is ready to pass on. He said to her mom, “All I want is the pumpkin pie recipe from grandma!” The pumpkin pie recipe, handwritten by grandma, has been framed and hung on Judy’s wall ever since her mother passed away on the very day this son was born. Judy’s eyes welled up in tears as she pondered on the simple request that gives her such a profound sense of connection through the generations.

Indeed, capturing happiness is an art. It’s about recognizing what is really important in life. In the end, it is the small and ordinary thing that brings us extraordinary pleasure and satisfaction.

So if you sit down and list ten things that bring you happiness and satisfaction, what might they be? And if you can select only three out of that list of ten things, which ones would you select? Now evaluate these three things. In what ways do these bring you lasting joy and satisfaction?

I help people figure out what to do with their lives, to discover their purpose and calling, to identify their strengths, and simply to more effectively navigate life. Please visit me at www.theresaipfroehlich.com