The Happiness Principle

They say, "happiness resides within," making it seem as simple as ordering a cappuccino at Starbucks. The challenge, however, is that no one gives us a roadmap. We all yearn for happiness with greater permanence, something we can pull up at will. In the meanwhile, we wander around like blind mice, occasionally bumping into cheese.

It all begins with a little self-reflection and introspection. The problem is, if you're anything like me, you're thoroughly convinced that you know everything you possibly could about yourself, and for good reason. After all, you've been with yourself 24/7, every single day since the moment you were born. I have to admit, it came as a complete shock when I discovered just how clueless I really was. And that, my friends, is the inevitable reason why so few people take this journey. We simply have no idea that the answer to most of life's problems are right there inside waiting to be discovered.

Have you ever seen the movie The Wizard of Oz? It's about a young girl having a rough day who'd do just about anything to get out of Kansas. She's then magically transported to the bizarre land of Oz and spends the entire movie trying to get back home, only to realize that the power to do so was right inside her the entire time. I don't know about you, but to me Dorothy's adventure seems a lot like our eternal search for that elusive Happiness.

We spend most of our lives mindlessly responding to stimuli without giving it a second thought. We get up, go through the morning routine, and proceed with our day like some pre-programmed robot reacting to whatever happens around us. Maybe you stub your toe on your way to the bathroom, hear some news story that royally ticks you off, or casually remember a slight by a friend who blew you off at the last minute. Seriously, how many times have you found yourself feeling sad, empty or ill at ease with absolutely no idea how you got there, or stuck on some resentment you just can't shake? I'd wager that it happens more often than you realize, as you feel powerless and consumed by emotions. The truth is, though, you are merely stuck in a prison of your own creation. The untapped power to change everything is right at your fingertips.

This book is intended to help you navigate the treacherous waters of everyday life. It's a reference guide of insights, motivation and simple exercises to help tap into the inner you. The basic fact is that you will be your own best teacher on this path as you personalize and apply these concepts. Frankly, I suspect that you are already intuitively familiar with many of these but will now embrace them with a fresh outlook and perspective. The goal is to shed new light, like a moment of clarity or spark of brilliance, to help you get the most out of the amazing blessings life has to offer.