How to find happiness and live longer, the ultimate gift

 A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, 
  and good news gives health to the bones.
Proverbs 15:30







People are searching for happiness in all sorts of places.  Discover the giving of health and happiness and in return you may discover something for yourself. 
reading time: 1.5min


People are spending billions of dollars collectively chasing new ways to feel happiness and live longer.  With this world largely operating upon the understanding that money can buy you what you want, the questions of health and long life require a different approach.


This proverb provides an answer that really gets to the simplicity of the matter.  It comes down to our attitude and outlook on life.  Interestingly, I found that this fundamental principle has also been recognised secularly with researchers finding that optimistic people decreased their risk of early death by 50% compared with those who were more pessimistic (Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., 2002).


More than this, the proverb highlights our ability to have an effect on those around us by spreading a little bit of joy. I was stuck in the supermarket line last weekend with a 45 min wait to get to the checkout.  The staff were stressed and working well over their knock-off time to clear the back log.  The checkout chick in my line was overwhelmed in trying to calm down the angry mob.  A simple smile and friendly conversation made a noticeable difference and really highlighted the truth of this proverb to me. It may be cliché but it always works.


The lesson is to not get caught up in your own problems, but rather take a moment to brighten someone else's day.  Not only are you giving them the gift of joy and good health, you may find that you feel just a little bit more joyful yourself.