Diana Brown
District Governor 4250
2025-2026
Happiness has become a subject of investigations, surveys, analyses, comparisons, and applications in work and family life—a true force of well-being. Is it a passing feeling, fulfilled when we acquire something, reach a goal, or accomplish a dream? These fleeting moments quickly pass, and the human condition seeks another determination. Thus, happiness becomes a conscious choice: a long-term state that includes gratitude, satisfaction, contentment, confidence, and optimism.
Optimism allows us to see problems as transient and solvable. Being happy means recognizing that difficulties occur, but solutions are also present, and each person must draw upon talents to find them. Yet, do all of us have this vision? Positive feelings arise from exercising strengths and virtues, consciously or not.
The invitation is to recognize core values as the foundation of true happiness: wisdom, knowledge, courage, love, humanity, justice, temperance, and spirituality. The permanence of happiness is rooted in positive emotions.
Dr. Martin Seligman, in Authentic Happiness, explains that kindness fosters lasting satisfaction, and the frequency of positive experiences predicts happiness more than intensity. Many factors contribute to lasting happiness. Four steps are suggested: first, embrace a philosophy of life—how do we make sense of our existence? Second, value family, a permanent support through trials and joys. Third, nurture friendships, our chosen family. Fourth, engage in meaningful work. Investing in these aspects with optimism leads to happiness.
If we combine activities, attitudes, uncertainties, and accomplishments, and ask ourselves, “Are we happy?”—then resolve pending points and forge ahead. Happiness is attainable and sustainable, a constant work in progress.
As the Dalai Lama writes in The Art of Happiness, achieving genuine happiness requires transforming outlook and thought, applying many factors from different directions.
Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo recently affirmed that well-being should be a universal right, and Rotary promotes happiness through fellowship. “The motive power of Rotary is friendship,” said Paul Harris at the 1921 convention in Edinburgh. Friendship is essential to happiness. True Rotarians live happiness in all aspects of life and share it by example.
Be happy!
