The article also provided science-backed exercises designed to help address and improve the relationships in your universe. So if you’re thinking of taking one step towards a happier and healthier life, consider cultivating warm relationships. Here are a few ideas to try:
“Eulogy for the living” – tell someone why you’re grateful for them – right now. How much you appreciate them. Maybe this is someone currently in your life or a former teacher, co-worker, neighbor, or friend who moved away. Another is to take a risk and try talking to strangers, especially if that person looks like they could use a little support. Connect at a more meaningful level than just “How are you?” Try asking an open-ended question inviting dialogue like “How’s your day been?” Last, stop postponing your happiness until you land a new job, get a salary increase, or take retirement. Don’t wait. There is no time like the present to take small steps to warm up existing relationships and begin to build new ones. As an estate planning attorney, I am so fortunate to work with a wide range of clients. They come from all walks of life, and each has their own estate planning goals, but one thing I can say about virtually all of them is that they care deeply about their loved ones. It’s all about relationships; these clients want to ensure their loved ones, whether a spouse, a child, a friend, or a pet, is well-cared for when my client is no longer around to do so. But before that time comes, I think making the most of the time we each have left by improving and strengthening the relationships in our lives makes perfectly “happy” sense. And please, let me know if I can be of any help to you in 2023 with your estate planning needs. In closing, if you would like more information about the study, Ms. Dunn cited a book, “The Good Life,” co-written by Dr. Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz, who jointly run the ongoing study at Harvard Medical School. I hope you all have a healthy and happy 2023!