What does it take to be happy, the question that is often followed by a heart break, a bad day, disappointment, just when we are looking for meaning in our life.

A 75 year-old Harvard’s Grant and Glueck studies – the key to long term happiness and fulfilment. And the clearest message came out by Robert Waldinger, Director of the Harvard Study of Adult Development, was that :

“Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.

The quality of life essentially lies in the quality of relationships. And, it is greatly proportional to one’s emotional, physical, and mental well being.

It lies in the genuine and honest connections.

Mindmaven defines Positive Alacrity : a skill that defines creating micro-experiences which causes an emotional uplifting in others.

The crux lies under what happens when we deconstruct the meaningful relationships; one important aspect that stands out is – How we interact.

Interaction makes a huge difference, it may not be in bigger things like writing a 300 word letter. But in simple ways –

Appreciating an employee at work for his/her contribution at work.

Thanking your partner, conveying how their contribution has impacted your life.

Being grateful for the meaning / purpose anyone added to your life, which impacted you.

So, what it takes to be happy – Positive Alacrity and consistency in delivering small acts in simple and mundane experiences.