How do we find happiness after a profound loss? In this episode, Sam and I conclude our journey through Mo Gaudet's "Solve for Happy," sharing an emotional reflection on the author's poignant insights into the loss of his son, Ali. We unravel the continuous process of resolving happiness, focusing on how illusions of self and suffering influence our perceptions. Through heartfelt discussions, including my own struggles with self-blame concerning my children's actions, we examine balancing expectations with reality in our quest for happiness.

Raising children not only transforms our lives but also demands self-growth. We reflect on the bittersweet reality of watching our children evolve from babies to pre-teens and the deep bonds that shape us as parents. A touching conversation with Vincent underscores the importance of cherishing the present moment and embracing our children's growing independence. We delve into the necessity of confronting and healing our pasts, emphasizing the joys and challenges of parental reflection.

Finally, we turn our focus to the impact of loss and the ways we celebrate and remember those who have passed. Drawing inspiration from Aiden's life and legacy, we emphasize living with gratitude and choice, inspired by the resilience of friends who have faced serious health challenges. Through a poignant conversation with my mom, we find peace and inspiration in daily life. Wrapping up, we highlight the transformative power of books, previewing our next read, "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin, and inviting you to join us on another enlightening journey through happiness literature.

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Can contemplating the universe’s design really lead to greater happiness? Join Denise Russo and Samantha Powell as they wrap up their enlightening series on happiness with a thought-provoking exploration of "Solve for Happy: Engineer Your Path to Joy." In this episode, we ponder the grand question of whether the universe is intentionally designed or merely random. Tune in to hear personal anecdotes, such as Denise's poignant story about artist Cody Fry and his evocative song "A Little More," as we discuss the profound impact that different perspectives can have on our quest for joy.

Relinquishing control can be the key to peace and happiness, and we delve into this idea by examining philosophical debates around intelligent design. We discuss how managing expectations and accepting life’s inevitable uncertainties—like loss and change—can help us cope better and find serenity. We also reflect on how our personal beliefs and religious backgrounds shape our acceptance of these complex concepts, finding common ground in our shared human experiences.

Navigating loss and embracing life’s unpredictability is a journey we all face. Reflecting on the story of Job from the Old Testament, we consider how recognizing a larger design at work can bring solace. By focusing on what we can control—our reactions and expectations—we can discover a balanced state of joy. This episode encourages listeners to actively embrace life with gratitude, transforming how we perceive events and enhancing our overall well-being. Join us as we conclude this remarkable year-long series, aiming to inspire a proactive approach to finding happiness.

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.