Reader’s Digest
37 Secrets to a
Happier Life
I believe the secret to
happiness is embodied
in 3 Cs—communityFootprints in the Snow
Thinking and caring for others instead of brooding
over personal troubles can boost one’s mental health
and emotional well-being. John’s providential rescue
and dramatic return from the brink is a poignant
example of this at work. Although Pam’s superhu-
man efforts were by no means less than heroic, what
really brought John back from the jaws of death was
that critical moment when he came out of his stupor
and considered the possibility of Pam, his saviour,
dying while searching for him if he ran away. His
decision to cooperate with her in order to prevent
such a tragedy not only saved both their lives, but
also started John’s ascent from the deep, dark well
of depression. Compassion and empathy rests in
every human heart. Expressing these emotions up-
lifts both the giver and receiver, kindles the spirit
of brotherhood and makes the world a better place.
—Dr Anupam Deka, Guwahatihappy; and cooking,
which can evoke
incomparable delight.
If happiness is tied to
people, rather than a
worthy goal, then it is
doomed for failure.
We must understand
that happiness does
not come to us, but is
found within us.
—Dr Hetal Doshi,
AhmedabadYou can only be as
happy as your country
is and India is not happy
at all. The World Hap-
piness Index 2018
placed India at 133 out
of 156 countries. People
usually gauge happiness
by comparing it with
past experiences or
with that of their peers.
But if we focus on our
own performance, in-
stead of comparing it
with others, we would be
happier. We chase social
status, but what good is
it if we are not admired?
Remember, happiness
comes from within. So
let’s not stay trapped
in the quest for
social approval.
—Vandana Chopra,
ChandigarhOVER TO
YOU
Notes on the
December issueservice, which offers
the joy of giving;
compassion, which
is integral to making
yourself and others12 february 2020
Dr Anupam Deka gets this month’s ‘Write & Win’ prize of `1,000.—EDsÆ