The Third Key to Happiness

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This original article by Helen Mitas was 
previously published in Woman With Drive
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What makes us happy?

I asked myself this question when we were on a family holiday in Sri Lanka a few years ago. A war-torn, third world nation where the happiest people had nothing but a small hut with a dirt floor, no running water and hardly a possession to their name.

As I reflected on when I felt the happiest in my life, I came up with this list:

  • My wedding day;
  • The birth of my gorgeous son;
  • Special times with my friends & family;
  • Holidays;
  • Romantic getaways with my husband; and
  • Front row VIP seats at a George Michael concert

It then occurred to me that what all these moments had in common was that none were linked to material gain. Sure, some required an outlay of cash but it all came down to the experience. The old maxim that “money does not buy you happiness” is one hundred percent true.

As I looked over my list, I also realised that there are three main keys to happiness – someone to love, something to do and something to look forward to. Most people can readily tick off the first two but the third is often the missing key.

We find ourselves working harder than ever to get a bigger house, a fancier kitchen or a better car. As we keep striving, we steadily become more overwhelmed, stressed and fatigued. Soon, every day starts feeling like Groundhog Day on the daily treadmill of life.

It does not have to be like this. To break out of that repetitious cycle, we need find that missing third key to happiness in our lives. Here is what you can do to get there:

  1. Plan date nights with your partner. Yes, you need to literally schedule it to make it happen.
  2. Plan catch-ups with friends. We have all had that great night out with close friends that ended with promises to “catch up again soon”. Lock in a date for the next catch-up before the night ends so that it becomes a regular occurrence.
  3. Research and experiment with new experiences or something that you have always wanted to do.
  4. Start ticking items off your bucket list. If you do not have a list, now is the time to write one.

In writing this article, I asked my Hypnofit community what they look forward to. These are some of their replies:

  • Kicking off the heels and relaxing with a hot bath and a glass of red
  • The long weekend
  • Going on my overseas holiday
  • The completion of my gym session, sweat and sore muscles included
  • Footy season
  • Mornings with no alarms
  • Impromptu gatherings with friends and family on a laidback Sunday afternoon in the backyard

So what are you looking forward to?

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