THE SECRET TO A HAPPY LIFE? Prioritize Fun

This is a summer like no other, with life returning to normal after a year and a half of lockdowns and restrictions. If you’re feeling conflicted about stepping back into the “business as usual” rat race, you’re not alone. The stress and isolation of a global pandemic and social upheaval have led us to rethink our values and consider a reset. What do we do now? If you ask me, it’s time to dedicate ourselves to a very important pursuit –– having fun.

- Howard T. Scott

Fun is serious business. In fact, we need it to be healthy. When we do things that bring us joy, our brains are flooded by chemicals that trigger good feelings, euphoria even. These chemicals are neurotransmitters called endorphins, and they act as painkillers and happiness producers. Childhood is a time of free flowing endorphins because kids are great at doing things that feel good, just for the pleasure of it. Adults? Not so much.

REDISCOVERING THE JOY PRINCIPLE

Twenty years ago I found myself trapped on a treadmill with no end in sight. I was smack in the middle of a lucrative career as a lawyer –– following in the footsteps of my father and his father –– and I was completely miserable. Like so many of my colleagues, I was staring down the barrel of alcoholism and depression. I knew I had to do something, but what? I decided to start out by giving up booze for 30 days, and that proved to be the single most important choice of my life.

When I stopped drinking it was as if a veil had been lifted from my eyes. I was thinking more clearly and I just felt good! Those neurotransmitters were firing and my judgement was sharper than it had been in years. I started moving my body just for the love of movement. I went on hikes, found a trainer. I found myself and I found joy again. Today, I can be found sailing around the Caribbean and writing novels. I do what feels good. I have fun!