Happiness: Its causes and effects

Photo: A very happy Alan & Carole

The Christmas season seems like an ideal time to contemplate happiness. Most of us seem more relaxed and cheerful around this time of the year whether it’s because we have a few days away from what’s normal, because we are seeing family and friends or perhaps the likelihood of giving and receiving gifts.

So, what actually causes the changes in our system to bring about happiness? Many studies have been carried out over the years by psychologists, scientists and religious groups, resulting in various avenues of thought. Positive Psychology aims to assist in training our minds to create happier lives while Neuroscience is interested in the connection between training the mind to be positive and the actual changes in the structure of our brain.

Back in 2007 at a conference for happiness, the Dalai Lama inspired his audience to consider that genuine and lasting happiness may be the result of positive values in our lives such as kindness, generosity and compassion, thereby creating a more caring society. He added that to do so would entail new ways of thinking about ourselves, our environment and our problems.

With a background in competitive swimming, I was interested (and amazed) to hear how former Olympic champion swimmer Jon Konrads, my idol back in the sixties, dealt with bi-polar disorder and depression. It brought home the fact that you never really know, nor even stop to consider just what obstacles those who have achieved greatness have had to overcome. It is a sober and humbling realisation that most of us start out on an even playing field: it is Life and its lessons that mould our beliefs and our opinions about ourselves and the human race in general.

So, armed with all of this wonderful knowledge and as it’s the “happy season” for most, I guess all that I need to do is to live every day in the best possible way that I am able and to absorb all of the enjoyment that presents itself for you just never known what’s hiding around the corner!

I’m opting for enjoying the Christmas season to its fullest and aim to keep an eye out during 2022 for all of those positives embedded in the chaos of my life. How about you? #ChildrenofChange #CaroleKellyAuthor #memoir #author #books #reading #travel #swimming #MtMorgan #Ballroom #selfhelp #steinereducation #happiness

Photo: Happiness is when your rugby league team wins

Carole and daughter Karyn at AAMI Stadium, Melbourne