I had to laugh when I read this USA Today newspaper headline: “Psychologists now know what makes people happy.” I didn’t know happiness was a secret to be discovered by my noble profession! Curious, I kept reading. Here is what psychologists found to be true about happiness:

1. The happiest people are those who spend the least time alone and pursue intimacy and personal growth.

2. Happy people don’t judge themselves by what others do or have.

3. Materialism is toxic for happiness.

4. Optimism is important, even in dark times.

5. Actions matter. It’s not just what you believe or your outlook on life that contributes to happiness.

6. People who give to others and aren’t self-absorbed are more satisfied with life.

7. Happy people know their strengths and use them.

8. People who feel gratitude are happy.

9. The strongest link to happiness is a willingness to forgive others.

Happiness is unrelated to events, money, power, fame or anything else our culture associates it with.

Happiness is a choice, as the Scriptures declare: “Happy are the people who are in such a state. Happy are the people whose God is the Lord” (Ps. 144:15).