At a time when loneliness, depression, and suicide are on the rise, the two Chopra brothers, Deepak and Sanjiv, have been educating us on the secrets of finding happiness beyond sharing it in greetings at the start of every year – Photo Inc. Magazine

 

For Happiness in 2025

By Azher Quader
Chicago, IL

Today at the break of dawn, a new year began. 

There was the usual flurry of greetings from friends and family and the familiar greeting “Happy New Year” made the rounds.

Everyone is wishing everyone to find happiness in the year ahead.

Have you ever wondered what is the secret for happiness? 

At a time when loneliness, depression, and suicide are on the rise, the two Chopra brothers, Deepak and Sanjiv, have been educating us on the secrets of finding happiness beyond sharing it in greetings at the start of every year.

Read and listen to this amazing podcast featuring Dr Sanjiv Chopra the younger brother, who teaches at Harvard Medical School. 

He gives a talk on “Happiness” sometimes at our medical meetings where I first heard him explain with illustrations. It was simply captivating for those of us who were hearing it for the first time.

I am sharing it to dispel the darkness that has surrounded some of us during the sad days of 2024. Here is the short answer for those who do not have the time in their busy lives to spare a few minutes to listen to the whole podcast.

The four key traits for achieving happiness are: 

1. “Choose friends carefully, 

2. Forgive those who hurt you,

3. Find a cause to serve others, 

4. Be grateful for the many gifts you have.

As a new year rolls in and we try to somehow distance ourselves from the grief and sadness of the events in the Middle East in 2024, which killed thousands and left millions homeless, I hope, we can all use a dose of how to find happiness on the other side sorrow. Listen and learn to make these important choices, to find real happiness in life. It is indeed a matter of choice.