# Discover the Joy of Engaging in Your Passions
Written on
Chapter 1: Embracing Joyful Moments
Life is essentially a tapestry woven from small moments of happiness.
I have been fortunate to experience camping trips over the past few years, often balancing work with outdoor adventures. My preference leans towards long multi-night hikes in the mountains, where the surreal beauty of nature captivates me. The lush greenery of the mountains has undeniable health benefits, much more so than the starkness of rocky terrains.
One memorable summer, while camping at over 700 meters elevation with friends, the night sky was a canvas of twinkling stars, a gentle breeze danced through the air, and a radiant moon illuminated our surroundings. Lying on a cozy portable mattress, I gazed up at the crystalline clarity of the stars, feeling as if I could reach out and touch them. That fleeting moment was pure bliss, a true "aha" experience.
The following day, as we gathered around the campfire with laughter and camaraderie, a wave of happiness washed over me. I reminisced about my earlier camping trips in my twenties, which faded as life took a demanding turn. Pursuing my master's degree in a new country was a challenge, particularly during the initial semesters, which felt like a mental and physical grind. However, by the fourth semester, as I began to forge friendships in Canada, I eagerly anticipated reigniting my camping adventures.
Canada’s colder climate added a unique twist to the camping experience, offering a sense of tranquility that I cherish. This simple yet fulfilling activity underscores the importance of engaging with friends, family, and nature, fostering deeper connections and inner happiness.
Now, let’s explore how we can identify these joyful activities and weave them into our everyday lives. Often, we become so consumed by material pursuits that we overlook the genuine joy found in nature.
Happiness is vital for mental health; research indicates that those who are happier experience lower stress and anxiety levels. A study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology reveals that positive emotions broaden our awareness and foster exploratory thinking, ultimately enhancing our mental well-being and reducing depression levels.
Moreover, happiness significantly impacts physical health. Numerous studies demonstrate that joyful individuals tend to have more robust immune systems and reduced inflammation. According to research in Psychosomatic Medicine, those with elevated positive emotions show lower cortisol levels—a hormone linked to various health issues, including high blood pressure and heart disease.
Furthermore, happiness plays a crucial role in enriching our social interactions. Happy people are more inclined to engage in social activities that cultivate strong relationships. Research from The Journal of Happiness Studies suggests that individuals who frequently experience positive emotions are more likely to establish and maintain fulfilling connections.
Section 1.1: Identifying Your Sources of Happiness
The journey to understanding what brings you joy starts with self-reflection. Consider your past experiences: Which restaurant delighted your taste buds? Which book captivated you? What movie left you feeling elated?
Reflecting on these little moments of fulfillment can be enlightening. For example, during a challenging work project that seemed to stall indefinitely, I took solace in a simple lunchtime ritual. While working from home, I would often order food instead of cooking. One day, as I relaxed in my living room, my gaze fell upon my pets—my cat, Kiwi, peacefully asleep, and my dog, Pepsi, gazing at me with serene eyes. In that instant, I felt an overwhelming sense of contentment, as if life was perfectly complete.
This moment of tranquility reminded me of the importance of self-reflection in discovering what truly makes us happy. Think about the activities that make time fly by—what were you doing, and who were you with? Remember, happiness is something you must actively pursue through introspection.
Section 1.2: The Role of Experimentation
A few years ago, I enrolled in a product management class to better understand the field. The instructor emphasized an essential principle: vision, strategy, design, and execution (VSDE). Regardless of how strong your vision or strategy is, without execution, it’s all in vain. This lesson resonated deeply with me—the key to success lies in taking action.
Don’t hesitate to explore new activities. If someone claims that camping brings them joy, don’t take it as gospel. It’s possible that this activity may not resonate with you. The only way to discover your own sources of happiness is through experimentation.
Get out there and try various activities. Perhaps camping isn’t your thing, but gardening, painting, or learning a new language might bring you joy. Experimentation is vital for uncovering your hidden passions and discovering new ways to relish life.
You don’t need years of trial and error to find happiness. A simple 30-day challenge can reveal whether a new habit or activity will bring you long-term satisfaction.
Chapter 2: Finding Happiness in Everyday Life
The first video, "What Makes You Happy? Do More of That," encourages viewers to identify and engage in activities that bring them joy.
The second video, "How To Find What Makes You Happy [5 Steps]," outlines actionable steps to help individuals discover their sources of happiness.