A happy life is all about doing what makes us happy, but more importantly it is about having love in your life and being around people we love and care about. We all have to spend time outside these circles, but being around that annoying co-worker or angry teacher who we just can't make a connection with makes the time we spend with loved ones even more important.
It gives us time to let down our guard, decompress and just have some plain old fashioned fun. This is what achieving a happy life is all about.
The benefits of surrounding yourself with loved ones are pretty incredible.
Parents are Happier and Live Longer.
There's no love like that between caring parents and children. Now I'm not suggesting you have children before your time, but did you know parents with good relationships with their children have longer, happier lives? Studies confirm this. Mothers who stay close with their children live on average ten years longer than women who don't have children! That's a benefit of being around loved ones that's jaw dropping.
Having children not only provides us with the amazing love that comes with it directly but it also gives us purpose as we take on the role of being a parent. And this role does not stop when our children get older, it is an ongoing role of supporting and sharing experiences with your closest loved ones.
If you do not have children yourself (I don't yet either), you can still get this love from your family if you have them and are close to them. I have two nephews and a niece and I love them more than anything. I find it hard to believe I would have more love for my own children. I just hope I get a chance to find out!
The Validation That Comes With Mutual Understanding.
It's a unique form of happiness to be understood. Except in the rarest of circumstances (like love at first sight!) this type of mutual understanding can only be found when you are with your loved ones.
They know you and you know them deeply and your conversations and interactions can go far beyond the surface level. This validates both yourself and your loved ones dynamically and the end result is a happiness that you will carry with you even when you are apart.
Knowing You Have People You Can Count On.
Part of achieving happiness is removing as much unnecessary stress and anxiety from your life as possible. One huge cause of negative emotions is uncertainty in times of turmoil. Surrounding yourself with loved ones offers some insulation from this type of pressure that can drain you of both happiness and momentum towards success. Loved ones will do all they can do to help you when you need it. Just knowing they are close can be a huge boost to both happiness and confidence. From my own experience I know this is true and I feel blessed that I have people in my life that I can count on. If I didn’t I may not have achieved the things I have. I sincerely hope you have people in your life you can count on. If you feel like you don’t then there are ways of building support networks and bringing people into your life that will help you when you need it.
Access to Honest Viewpoints.
In our circle of loved ones most of us have at least one person we can count on to be brutally honest when necessary. It may be a brother, sister, cousin or life long friend, but whoever it may be they can be your most valuable resource.
New friends often don't have the courage to be blunt and honest for fear of hurting feelings. This is only natural. This access to an honest, though possibly painful, viewpoint may not seem like a source of happiness, but ultimately it is. Living without this type of counsel can be a true challenge. In the long run you will live a happier life, the longer you have the type of trusting relationship with a loved one that allows even the harshest things to be said (when your best interests are at heart).
Keep an open door policy with loved ones. Everyone concerned will be much happier you did!
Please take the time to look through the rest of the content on this site to help you find techniques and exercises which can help you in your journey to achieve greater happiness.
Alternatively you can get in touch with me and see how I can help you personally and get you results fast like I have done with all my other clients.
I wish you all the happiness you can possibly get! Take care of yourself!