The Detour Project

The Foundation for Happiness

Call “happiness” whatever you want – peace, balance, success, mental health. They are all one in the same and part of the whole. A miserable, meaningless existence is a pretty difficult life to sustain. I know because I lived one for a very long time. However, as it turns out, living a meaningful life full of passion and purpose is pretty simple. On the following page, there is an outline of the concepts and strategies that we’ll explore in more detail in this book. It’s what I’ve learned over the years and put into practice with great success.

My grandpa told me over and over throughout my life that to have a good house you have to build a solid foundation. I think it’s such a simple and profound metaphor and lesson for all aspects of our lives – our relationships, our careers, and our lives. My grandpa moved to this country with nothing when he was 17 years old and could not speak a word of English. He built a career and a family here and was an inspiration to us all. His passing on Christmas Day in 2006 was a devastating blow to our family, but I will never forget his lesson.

The foundation for happiness:

Take responsibility for your actions, choices and behaviors.

• Life is sometimes difficult, and can seem unfair.
• The world doesn’t owe us anything.
• We are responsible for our own happiness and well-beings.

Practice acceptance, mindfulness, and gratitude.

• Let go of expectations.
• You can only exist in this moment, be present.
• Reflect daily on who and what you are thankful for.

Slow down.

• Focus on one task at a time.
• Stay connected with nature.
• Mind your commitments, distractions and media consumption.

Explore your passions and cultivate your natural talents.

• This is how you will find your purpose in this life.
• Do it without expectation, comparison or judgment.
• Don’t focus on end results, just start.

Cultivate positive, meaningful relationships.

• Take risks, be open, be vulnerable, and be honest. Be YOU.
• Define and defend your boundaries.
• Learn to listen

Next: My Background

** this post is an excerpt from Building a Foundation for Happiness