Introduction
“Happiness is what you are…
Happiness is something everyone seeks, yet not everyone finds easily. Every day, people chase different paths in the pursuit of happiness—whether it be through relationships, money, career success, or material possessions. However, despite their efforts, many find that happiness doesn’t come from these external sources. It’s a realization that hits when you understand that true happiness isn’t something found outside—it’s something that has always been within you.
Happiness is a process of uncovering layers of who you are not, so you can discover who you truly are. Think of it as peeling away layers of an onion, where each layer represents your fears, doubts, and negative beliefs. As you strip away these barriers, you reach your core—the essence of who you are. And it is here, at your core, that you will find the true meaning of happiness.
You don’t need to renounce the world or live in isolation to be happy. Happiness is found in living in harmony with yourself and understanding the factors that influence your inner joy. This book, The Empowered Happiness Manual, is a guide to help you unravel the mysteries of happiness, empower your mindset, and unlock the secrets to a truly joyful life.
Chapter 1: Happiness – Understanding the Basics
Happiness isn’t something you search for or chase. It’s a state of mind that resides within you. While many people associate happiness with material wealth, career success, or social status, these things only bring temporary satisfaction. The true essence of happiness is about connecting with your true self.
The Foundations of Happiness
- Take Control of Your Mind and Body: Your body is made up of billions of cells, and all of them answer to you. These cells are not influenced by the opinions or actions of others. You are their commander-in-chief. If you learn to take control of these cells—both physically and mentally—you will gain mastery over your entire being. Taking responsibility for your body and mind allows you to become the architect of your own happiness.
- Be True to Yourself: Every human being is born with the potential for happiness. Think about how happy and carefree a newborn baby is—untainted by the expectations and comparisons that come later in life. As we grow older, we often lose touch with this fundamental joy. We start comparing ourselves to others, developing insecurities, and striving for approval. To reclaim your happiness, it’s essential to reconnect with your true nature, which is vibrant, loving, and full of energy. Accept yourself for who you are, including your flaws. Instead of blaming yourself or others for your shortcomings, work on improving them with self-compassion and patience.
- Clear your Mind of Negativity: The human mind is incredibly powerful, but it can also be a breeding ground for negative thoughts. Fear, frustration, anger, and stress cloud your mind and distance you from happiness. It’s important to let go of these destructive emotions. Remind yourself that negativity is not a natural state—it is a mindset that can be changed. Focus on filling yourself with positive energy, love, hope, and compassion. The more you cultivate these emotions, the closer you’ll be to experiencing true happiness.
Chapter 2: Why Do People Feel Sad?
“Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not; and often we call a man cold when he is only sad.” ― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Sadness is an emotion everyone experiences at some point in their lives. The world is full of challenges—wars, natural disasters, loss, and personal difficulties—and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. It’s perfectly natural to feel sadness, whether due to personal loss, rejection, or self-doubt. But while sadness is an inevitable part of life, it doesn’t have to define your life. The key is to understand that sadness, like all emotions, is temporary. Even though it may feel like it will last forever, it’s important to remember that sadness fades, often faster than we expect.
What is Sadness?
Sadness is an emotional response to difficult situations. When you’re sad, it can feel like the entire world has turned dark and unwelcoming. It’s a feeling that often weighs heavily on your heart and spirit, and many people find themselves crying or feeling physically drained when they are sad. Although crying can be a release, it’s important to recognize when sadness is lifting and allow happiness to take its place.
Common Causes of Sadness
- Loss: One of the most common reasons for sadness is loss, whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or moving away from a familiar place. Any form of loss can leave a person feeling empty and heartbroken.
- Self-Image: Many people feel sad because they are dissatisfied with how they see themselves. They compare themselves to others and feel they are not good enough, leading to feelings of inadequacy, especially in social or professional situations.
- Strained Relationships: Whether it’s family conflicts, workplace tension, or issues with friends, relationships can be a major source of sadness. Struggles for independence, unreciprocated efforts, or misunderstandings can cause significant emotional distress.
While it’s natural to feel sad, it’s essential not to dwell on these feelings. Happiness is something you can achieve even in difficult times by focusing on your emotional growth and resilience.
Chapter 3: What Is True Happiness?
“True happiness is to enjoy the present without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with hopes or fears, but to rest satisfied with what we have.” ― Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Happiness comes in many forms, but understanding what true happiness is can be enlightening. It involves two key components: experienced happiness and remembered happiness.
- Experienced Happiness: This refers to the joyful moments you experience in your daily life. It’s the relief you feel after completing a task, the bliss of a shared laugh with friends, or the contentment of a peaceful moment. Experienced happiness is about living in the present and finding joy in everyday activities.
- Remembered Happiness: This is how you reflect on your life as a whole. When you think about your past—your childhood, family vacations, or personal milestones—do you remember these times fondly? Remembered happiness is shaped by how you perceive your life overall and whether you feel satisfied with the course it has taken.
While these two forms of happiness don’t always align, both are essential for a fulfilled life. Striking a balance between living in the moment and appreciating your past experiences can lead to a deeper sense of contentment.
Chapter 4: Empowered Happiness Mindset – What Does it Mean?
Do you want to be happier in life? Would you like to improve your relationships or be more successful in your business? The key to achieving all of this lies in your mindset. Your thoughts shape your reality. Many people focus on the negative aspects of life, constantly complaining or worrying, which only invites more negativity. But by focusing on the positive and thinking about what you truly want, you begin to attract more good things into your life.
The Power of a Happiness Mindset
Happiness is a choice. It’s not something that depends on external validation or the actions of others. While it may feel like your happiness is tied to how people treat you, the reality is that you control your own happiness. By adopting an empowered happiness mindset, you take responsibility for your own joy, no matter what happens around you.
When you make up your mind to be happy, you unlock the power to define the level of happiness you experience. Even in difficult times, you can still choose to hold onto happiness if you stay connected to your core self. This core self is unchanging and unaffected by external circumstances. By living from this core, you can maintain a sense of happiness even in the toughest of times.
Chapter 5: Traditional Happiness Ideas vs. New Age Happiness Ideas
Traditionally, happiness has been viewed as a state of being free from suffering, anxiety, or sadness. People imagine a future where all of life’s problems are solved, and only positive things remain. This idealized version of happiness is often seen as a distant goal—a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. However, life is full of change, and this mythical state of constant happiness is unattainable.
Embracing Change for True Happiness
In contrast, new age ideas about happiness emphasize accepting life’s changes and finding joy in growth. True happiness isn’t about achieving a permanent state of bliss, but about embracing the ups and downs of life. Pain, sadness, and challenges are natural parts of life, and by learning to accept them, you can grow stronger and experience a deeper sense of fulfillment.
Happiness in the modern era is about transformation, not constancy. It’s about laughing through your pain, understanding that it is a precursor to growth, and finding satisfaction in the journey of life.
Chapter 6: Empowerment for Happiness – What Does it Mean?
From the moment you were born, you didn’t get to choose the life you were given. But as you grew older, you started to understand the concepts of happiness and sadness, good and bad, and you began to wonder what it truly means to be happy.
Taking Charge of Your Happiness
Happiness isn’t something you can buy or depend on others for. It’s a result of your actions and choices. If you feel disempowered or unhappy, start by identifying the things that bring you down. Write them down and acknowledge them. Only by facing these issues head-on can you begin to move past them.
Once you’ve identified what makes you unhappy, focus on the things that bring you joy. Even small acts of happiness can make a big difference. Learn to manage your time, set priorities, and create a life that allows space for both your responsibilities and your happiness.
Finally, never let others dictate your happiness. When someone tells you that happiness is impossible, prove them wrong. Empowerment for happiness means taking control of your life and refusing to let others bring you down.
Chapter 7: Why Adopt the Empowered Mindset for Happiness?
Having a positive mindset can transform your entire outlook on life. When you think positively, you gain clarity, confidence, and courage. Negative thoughts—such as jealousy, fear, or anger—can lead you off your path, making it harder to think clearly or act effectively.
The Benefits of a Positive Mindset
A happy mindset helps you to create a better future for yourself. It allows you to attract positive experiences, develop stronger relationships, and find joy in your daily life. On the other hand, an unhappy mindset traps you in a cycle of negativity, making you feel fearful, lonely, and defensive.
When you adopt the empowerment mindset, you become a stronger, more stable person. While there will always be challenges in life, learning to focus on the positive and avoid getting dragged down by difficult situations will help you stay on the path to happiness.
Chapter 8: Tips for Becoming Empowered for Happiness
“Happiness is not a possession to be prized, it is a quality of thought, a state of mind.” ― Daphne du Maurier
Here are some tips to help you become empowered for happiness:
- Reward Yourself: Give yourself small rewards for accomplishments, no matter how minor. Don’t wait for others to praise you—celebrate your own wins.
- Be Kind to Yourself: If you don’t like something about yourself, work to change it, but be kind in the process. Avoid negative self-talk, as it limits your potential for growth.
- Learn to Forgive: Don’t beat yourself up over past mistakes. Forgive yourself and use those experiences as lessons for the future.
- Celebrate Your Successes: Focus on your achievements, both big and small. Reflecting on your wins will help reinforce positive feelings and motivate you to continue growing.
- Love Yourself: The most important step to empowerment is learning to love yourself. When you love yourself, you’ll find it easier to love others, and you’ll attract more love and positivity into your life.
Chapter 9: The Pros and Cons of an Empowered Mindset for Happiness
Life is full of challenges, and it’s easy to get stuck in a rut, both emotionally and intellectually. However, by adopting an empowered mindset, you can protect your happiness from being influenced by external forces that are out of your control, such as difficult coworkers, personal losses, or even bad weather.
The Advantages of an Empowered Mindset
- Motivation: You’ll wake up each day feeling more energized and excited for what lies ahead. You won’t dread getting out of bed, and you’ll have a more optimistic outlook.
- Creativity and Productivity: Happiness leads to increased focus and creativity, making it easier to complete tasks and pursue your passions.
- Stronger Relationships: Happy people are more approachable and attract more positivity. In turn, the people around you will also be happier, creating a positive feedback loop.
Is There a Downside?
There’s no downside to adopting an empowered mindset for happiness. The more you embrace positivity and happiness, the better your life will become.
Chapter 10: What Brings People Happiness
We’ve all asked ourselves at some point, “What really makes people happy?” Spoiler alert: It’s not just puppies and pizza (though they help). Happiness, at its core, often comes from simple things:
- Connection: Spending time with friends, family, or even your favorite pet. It’s scientifically proven that good relationships make us happier, so don’t ghost people!
- Purpose: Whether it’s nailing that yoga pose, finishing a work project, or baking the perfect brownie, having a sense of purpose drives happiness. (Yes, even the brownie counts.)
- Self-care: Sometimes happiness means binge-watching a guilty-pleasure TV show with no regrets. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.
Ultimately, what brings people happiness is a mix of little moments of joy, doing what feels good, and building connections that matter.
Chapter 11: What I Need to Be Happy
Here’s the big question: “What do I really need to be happy?” Is it a million-dollar mansion, a trip to Paris, or the newest gadget? Not quite. The essentials for happiness are actually far more affordable and far less materialistic:
- Good Health: Honestly, health is wealth. Being physically and mentally well gives you the energy to enjoy life, laugh more, and chase those dreams.
- A Sense of Belonging: You don’t need a huge social circle, but feeling accepted and loved is priceless. (Even if it’s just from your cat, who tolerates you.)
- Gratitude: The ability to appreciate what you already have, like that cozy bed or your daily coffee, is a happiness hack. Gratitude is basically the happiness “cheat code.”
Remember, happiness isn’t found in material things but in moments of contentment and connection.
Chapter 12: What Is Needed to Be Happy
Ever wonder if there’s a happiness checklist? Turns out, there is—kind of. Here’s what’s needed to be happy (and no, it’s not unlimited Wi-Fi):
- Positivity: Not in the “toxic positivity” way, but in appreciating the good. If you can smile after spilling coffee on your favorite shirt, you’re halfway there.
- Balance: Happiness isn’t all work or all play. It’s about finding that sweet spot where you work hard but still have time for fun (or naps).
- Flexibility: Life is unpredictable, and the happiest people know how to roll with the punches—whether it’s a canceled plan or surprise meeting.
So, what’s really needed? A dash of optimism, a sprinkle of balance, and a whole lot of humor.
Chapter 13: How to Feel Joy When Depressed
Feeling joy when you’re depressed can feel like finding a unicorn. But believe it or not, small actions can help spark joy, even on the darkest days:
- Baby Steps: Start small. If getting out of bed feels like climbing Everest, reward yourself for doing just that. Each small victory counts!
- Self-compassion: Don’t beat yourself up for feeling low. Depression is a tricky thing, and treating yourself with kindness is the best gift you can give yourself.
- Find a Tiny Joy: It could be a funny meme, a silly dog video, or the taste of your favorite snack. These little pockets of joy can make a big difference.
When feeling joy seems impossible, remember: it’s okay to take it one tiny step at a time. Celebrate every little win.
Chapter 14: What Is Real Happiness in Life
Real happiness isn’t found in Instagram likes or the number of vacations you take. It’s simpler, quieter, and more meaningful:
- Contentment: Real happiness isn’t the fireworks kind; it’s the cozy warmth you feel when things are “just right.” It’s the joy in a quiet Sunday morning or a walk in the park.
- Growth: Real happiness also comes from personal growth—learning new things, overcoming challenges, and becoming the best version of yourself.
- Peace: Inner peace is the ultimate happiness goal. It’s knowing that even in chaos, you can keep your cool (or at least not freak out too much).
Real happiness? It’s all about finding joy in the ordinary and the everyday.
Chapter 15: What Is True Happiness in Life
True happiness isn’t about smiling 24/7 or having a Pinterest-perfect life. It’s deeper, and spoiler alert: it’s an inside job.
- Self-Acceptance: When you can look in the mirror and not critique every little thing—that’s happiness. True happiness is accepting who you are, quirks and all.
- Connection Over Perfection: Stop chasing the “perfect” life and start enjoying the one you have. The happiest people aren’t perfect—they’re just present.
- Resilience: Life throws curveballs, and true happiness comes from the ability to bounce back. Even when things go south, a resilient person finds their way back to joy.
True happiness is less about chasing and more about embracing what’s already there.
Chapter 16: What Makes Us Happy Scientifically
Believe it or not, science has some solid insights into what makes us happy. Here’s the nerdy (but cool) breakdown:
- Dopamine and Serotonin: These are your brain’s “happy chemicals.” Dopamine gives you the thrill of accomplishment (like finishing a project), while serotonin boosts your mood (sunlight is a great serotonin booster, so get outside!).
- Exercise: Not to sound like your gym teacher, but physical activity actually increases those happy chemicals. So next time you’re feeling down, try a quick walk or dance party.
- Social Interaction: We’re wired for connection. Studies show that even small acts, like chatting with a neighbor, can lift your mood.
Science confirms what we kind of knew all along: human connection, movement, and those little happy hits of dopamine are key.
Chapter 17: What Makes a Human Happy
What really makes a human happy? It’s not that complicated (thankfully). Here’s what humans need to thrive:
- Love: Whether it’s romantic, familial, or platonic, love is at the heart of happiness. Even a hug from a friend can boost those good vibes.
- Purpose: We all want to feel like we matter. Finding meaning in your work, hobbies, or relationships gives life a sense of fulfillment.
- Laughter: The ultimate cure for anything. Humans are wired to laugh—it relieves stress, connects us, and frankly, just feels good.
The recipe for happiness? Love, purpose, and a good laugh (bonus points if it’s from a dad joke).
Chapter 18: Figuring Out What Makes You Happy
If you’ve ever wondered, “What actually makes me happy?” you’re not alone. Figuring it out is half the fun (and the journey):
- Experiment: Try new things. Take that pottery class or go to that improv night. You never know what might light up your happiness meter.
- Listen to Yourself: Notice what makes you feel good—whether it’s a solo coffee break or a night out with friends. What makes you happy might surprise you.
- Check Your Gut: Sometimes, your brain overthinks. Trust your gut feelings—they usually know what makes you smile.
Figuring out what makes you happy is a lifelong experiment, and it’s okay to switch things up.
Chapter 19: Find Out What Makes You Happy
This chapter is your official permission slip to go on a quest—a quest to find what truly makes you happy.
- Reflect: Think back to moments when you felt genuine joy. What were you doing? Who were you with? These clues will help you figure out what lights you up.
- Make a Happy List: Write down things that make you smile—big or small. Keep adding to it whenever you discover something new.
- Stay Curious: Life is full of surprises, and happiness can be found in unexpected places. Keep exploring, keep experimenting, and always stay open to new experiences.
Your happiness is waiting—go find it!
