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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | NOVEMBER 2025 19 By Dr. Jerry L. Turner, Resident Have you ever paused during a routine day, maybe while sipping your morning coffee, and caught yourself wondering, "What truly makes me happy?" In our busy world, happiness can feel like a distant goal, but research in psychology tells us it is often simpler than we think. According to Dr. Judy Ho, a clinical neuropsychologist, true happiness is not the absence of challenges. It is a deeper sense of purpose that can stand strong through life's highs and lows. Our day- to-day routines can nudge us toward that peaceful, purposeful life, so long as we remember a few simple habits and share them with the younger generations who watch us closely. First, consider starting your day with a moment of stillness. If you enjoy mornings on the porch, pause for a few deep breaths, noticing how the air feels and what makes you grateful for another sunrise. This gentle mindfulness exercise, backed by clinical findings (Ho, 2024), helps begin each day in a calmer state of mind. Next, keep a short "joy list" on hand. This can include simple pleasures, like calling an old friend or walking around the block to admire the neighbors' gardens. By setting an intention to do one joyful thing daily, you train your brain to look for pockets of positivity. Your body also craves care to maintain a happier outlook. Research by Dr. Joshua Hicks (2024) shows that staying hydrated, moving your muscles (even a gentle stroll), and carving out enough time for sleep are powerful ways to boost your mood. Take a moment to "think like a kid," as experts say, and notice the delight in ordinary things, a funny-shaped cloud, a well-loved family photo, or that old song that gets your toes tapping. When you come across bumps in the road, remember we all slip sometimes, and kindness toward ourselves helps us get back on our feet. Sharing these tips with a grandchild is especially rewarding. Helping them keep a gratitude journal or joining you on a short walk not only lifts their spirits, it reinforces yours, too. In the coming weeks, try weaving one of these happiness habits into your routine. Before you know it, you will feel a subtle shift, a lightness in your step. After all, happiness is not out of reach, it is there in the little joys, waiting to be noticed. Until next time, stay curious, stay kind, and keep finding those warm, simple moments that make life so sweet. References: Ho, J. (2024). Personal communication. Thriving Through Happiness: Simple Everyday Joys there in the little joys, waiting to be noticed. Until next time, stay curious, stay kind, and keep finding those warm, simple moments that make life so sweet. References: Ho, J. (2024). Personal communication.