Jozanne Elizabeth Jozanne Elizabeth

Sustaining Happiness from Within

Last year, I enrolled in a happiness course (yes, you read that right) called the Science of Well Being, led by Dr. Laurie Santos, the renowned professor from Yale. The lessons, though seemingly simple, left a lasting impact on me. I've wholeheartedly integrated them into my daily routine, and I can proudly say that I've reached a level of contentment I hadn't experienced before – my happiness meter now stays remarkably steady.

The course kickstarts by revealing that our happiness tends to maintain a relatively constant level. Sure, external factors like a new car, a salary bump, or a lavish house might temporarily spike our happiness meter. However, the euphoria is short-lived as our brains swiftly adapt, considering these new aspects as the new normal and eagerly seeking the next dopamine hit. Similarly, negative news, like failing a class, may impact us temporarily but we still return to our normal happiness level.

The truth is true happiness isn't found in material possessions. It's an inside job that requires rewiring our brain's default programming.

The initial lessons revolved around the art of savoring special moments. Taking a step back to reflect and relish an experience intensifies and prolongs the positive emotions associated with activities we love. If you’re like me and you love decadent desserts, choose your favorite and eat it slowly, appreciating each mouthful. To capture and prolong your appreciation, take a picture. Whether it's indulging in a favorite dessert or appreciating a scenic sunset, staying present in the moment enhances the experience. This act of savoring will work with anything you enjoy doing. You could take a hot bath, read your favorite book, walk outside, exercise, cook, or listen to music. Choose any activity that you really enjoy and savor it. I love to savor the sunrises and sunsets viewed from within my community. I’ve captured some really magical moments.

The next lesson encourages us to perform acts of kindness beyond our usual behaviors. Whether it's tipping generously, complimenting strangers, or allowing someone with a single item to cut in line, research indicates that such gestures contribute to our overall happiness. Give it a try and see how it makes you feel.

Social connection plays a vital role in our happiness meter too. Genuine interactions and rich social connections create a sense of belonging. Make a conscious effort to connect, putting away the smart phones and engaging in meaningful conversations. Try sparking a conversation with a stranger on your commute. Trust me, the impact is uplifting and resonates throughout the day.

Regular exercise isn't just a physical health booster; it's a natural mood enhancer. Working out releases endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin, collectively known as the "happy hormones." Personally, I've made exercise a priority, dedicating six days a week to a mix of weight training, cardio, high-intensity workouts, and yoga. On the days that I miss a physical workout, I feel more sluggish, and I start to notice aches in unlikely places.

Meditation, another favorite of mine, involves intentional moments of silence to find inner peace amidst life's distractions. Focusing on breath, a thought, or a chant fosters positivity and enhances concentration, promoting a sense of connectedness. You’ll soon find that you’re much less annoyed when things don’t go your way. You’ll be able to concentrate for longer periods. And you may even have a feeling of more connectedness to life and humanity.

Who hasn’t heard the phrase, “Laughter is the best medicine?” Instead of succumbing to negative self-talk, laugh at yourself, share a laugh with a friend, or indulge in a comedy or funny video. Laughter has the incredible ability to alleviate stress and elevate our mood.

Practicing gratitude by starting the day with appreciation sets a positive tone for your day. Look around and acknowledge the engineering marvels (hello skyscrapers), blue skies, or cherished relationships. There's always something in or out of sight to be grateful for.

Finally, journaling serves as a personal outlet for processing experiences. Whether relishing sweet memories or releasing negative emotions, putting pen to paper can be incredibly therapeutic.

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Jozanne Elizabeth Jozanne Elizabeth

A Professional Woman's Perspective on Overcoming Fear in the Workplace

Statue of brave girl in bronze

In the fast-paced and competitive world of financial services, women often find themselves navigating a challenging landscape dominated by men. The prevalence of testosterone-fueled environments can breed various fears that significantly impact women's performance in the workplace. From the fear of speaking up to concerns about being labeled or ostracized, addressing these fears is crucial for empowering women in male-dominated sectors.

Understanding the Essence of Fear: At its core, fear is an emotion that triggers a fight-or-flight response, making us feel threatened. Whether real or perceived, fear can paralyze us, inhibiting our mental, emotional, or physical well-being. While fear is often considered a false emotion appearing real, it can be very genuine when rooted in intuition rather than conditioning.

Conditioning links our experiences, beliefs, and past encounters, while intuition is our innate knowing. Intuition, often manifested as a gut feeling, includes a fear response that acts as a protective mechanism. An example of this is feeling unease while walking alone in an unfamiliar area, especially at night, signaling potential danger and prompting precautionary measures.

Embracing Our Shared Humanity: To diminish our fears, it's important to acknowledge that fear is a universal aspect of being human. Our brains haven't fully evolved to differentiate between real and perceived threats, making fear a natural part of the human experience.

Fear tends to arise in response to the unknown, keeping our talents and capabilities hidden when we are afraid to act or fear judgment. Recognizing and embracing our shared human experience of fear can lead to understanding and greater compassion in the workplace.

The Impact of Fear on Women in the Workplace:

  1. Fear of Speaking Up: Women in financial services often hesitate to voice their opinions, fearing they won't be taken seriously.

  2. Fear of Being Labeled: The fear of being perceived as overly assertive (labeled a B*) or too emotional can hinder professional growth.

  3. Fear of Being Left Out: Isolation resulting from a lack of inclusion can make women feel like outsiders in male-dominated industries.

  4. Fear of Sexual Harassment: Reporting or addressing instances of sexual harassment may evoke fear of being labeled as "too sensitive."

Addressing the Source: The ego mind, attached to identity and past experiences, is a source of fear. By recognizing fear as a product of the mind, individuals can liberate themselves from its constraints. Taking personal responsibility for thoughts, actions, and reactions allows us to become more conscious of the fears holding us back.

Strategies for Overcoming Workplace Fears:

  1. Building a Supportive Network: Engage in mentorship programs and networking opportunities that connect women with experienced professionals.

  2. Promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Actively participate in corporate initiatives aiming to create an equitable environment for all employees.

  3. Training and Education: Advocate for training sessions on unconscious bias, diversity, and inclusion to establish a non-judgmental environment.

  4. Leadership Representation: Challenge leadership to actively increase the representation of women in leadership roles.

Empowering Professional Women: Overcoming fear in the workplace is crucial for unlocking the full potential of professional women. By addressing fears and creating a culture of inclusion, organizations can empower their female employees, creating a more diverse, innovative, and high-performing workforce. It's time we break the barriers that limit women and pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous future.

Heart-Centered Consciousness: Shifting focus from fear-based thinking to heart-based consciousness allows us to transcend limiting beliefs and fears, creating a workplace environment that encourages authenticity and collaboration.

Of course, this is written from a woman's perspective. While I may not be totally fearless, I'm aiming to act fearlessly in the pursuit of empowerment and equality!

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