The Catholic Writers Guild

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

We all are trying to cope with unprecedented challenges the pandemic brings in every area of our lives. Our emotions roller-coaster and it’s difficult to find happiness in the chaos. But there’s a way you can help yourself out of so much unhappiness. With or without a pandemic, we all have a Happiness Set Point, a pretty constant level of happiness that can be reset.

When we fall in love, inherit some money, have a miraculous healing, get that dream job or dream home, our happiness level rises—but it doesn’t stay there. Within six months, we return to our Happiness Set Point.

According to scientific research presented in  The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want, by Sonja Lyubomirsky, several factors determine this set point. Genetics influence 50 percent of it. Current life circumstances make up only 10 percent. So married or single, homely or knockout gorgeous, sick or well, at home in a shack or a mansion makes little difference. That’s because we adapt easily to our circumstances. So genetics and past circumstances make up the 60 percent of the happiness equation that we can’t change.

Control forty percent

We can control the other 40 percent, which compares to the number on the scale that our fluctuating weight eventually falls into like a trap door. We can maintain our weight set point with diet, exercise and determination. Only drastic surgery can alter that set point. But with our Happiness Set Point, we can change our baseline. To benefit from this free therapy:

• Don’t take things for granted.
• Create bursts of enthusiasm.
• Stop brooding.
• Distract yourself with positive influences.
• Live in the present.

(Continue reading on JoyAlive.net)

Nancy Ward

Nancy Ward, convert, journalist, author, and speaker, writes from Texas about Catholicism, conversion and Christian community at NancyHCWard.com, JOYAlive.net, and other websites and magazines. Through her Sharing Your Catholic Faith Story workshops, retreats and DVD, she shares her conversion story in Catholic parishes and at conferences, equipping others to share their stories. She contributed to the award-winning The Catholic Mom's Prayer Companion, facilitates two Catholic Writers Guild critique groups, serves on the Guild’s Board, and speaks at national writers conferences.