We asked some of the happiest folks we know to tell us their secret.

Ashley Roxanne Peterson, DO | Osteopathic Doctor & Entrepreneur

For me, giving back is what makes me happiest. I do not know if you have ever felt lonely or as though you are the only one struggling but I have and let me tell you: it is not easy. Thus, I want to be able to help as I can to make someone else’s lives a little easier. Whether is is giving my time to a pre-medical panel, organizing an event, or giving to cause – Altruism is my self care of choice. There are four ego defenses that are considered mature: SASH which stands for Sublimation (making bad thoughts/impulses into good ones ie a person who likes fighting becomes a boxer), Altruism or community service, Suppression (dealing with emotions at a more appropriate time) and Humor (addresses the problem but does not offend most). Any of these 4 actions are how I deal with most problems that come my way – especially during COVID-19 when gratitude is abundant when I can just wake up, go to work, smell, and breath okay. Read more>>

Jacquelyn Pritz | Dance Artist, Choreographer, Arts Administrator

I enjoy the simple, little pleasures that appeal to the senses. Warm weather. Spending quality time with friends. A fresh cup of coffee. Sweating from pushing myself physically. Laughing with my family around the dinner table. Animal cuddles. Getting the lyrics right. A coordinated outfit. The first delicious bite of a homemade meal. Read more>>

Lori Harris | Interior Designer

My passion for creating beautiful spaces I believe have come from bits of my life. How these spaces make me feel is what I love and what makes me most happy. What you fill your home or space with can create a sense of joy, peace and happiness. I want for others I encounter and work with to feel this happiness through design as well. Read more>>

Michael Ross | Painter & Carpenter

I believe in cultivating a joyful disposition. That way, when things that make you happy happen, you can fully enjoy them and revel in them. And then when sad or hard things happen, you can feel them fully yet also make it through without falling apart. Here’s what works for me: It starts in the morning: usually running, sometimes yoga. This wipes the fog out of my eyes and gets my blood flowing. It’s easier to be happy when you feel good in your body. Sometimes I say a little prayer, usually while looking out of my window onto the trees and sunrise or dawn outside. This reminds me of how beautiful the world is and how lucky I am to be in it. It’s easier to be happy when you feel grateful. I make paintings and I also work on house renovations, but either way, having a good workday makes me feel content. At the end of the day, I like to sit quietly and look at what I’ve done and think about what I’ll do tomorrow. This reflection allows me to absorb and digest what’s been done and what will be done. Read more>>

CoCo Hubbeling | Photographer and Visual Artist

So many different things make me happy. I love working with my hands and working with other people. Generally being creative, being around creatives, and learning new things makes me happy. I also love being with my family and friends. I get energized from other people, I find that their spirits lift me up and make me feel like I can accomplish anything. Read more>>

Beej Burton | Content Creator & Higher Ed. Professional

Being able to create and knowing that what it is that I create can impact another positively makes me happy. I say that because i believe that it is easy to find reasons to not be happy living in the world that we do. We are surrounded by so many environmental, social, and personal factors that can deter us from finding what makes us happy. I find myself fortunate to have lived the kind of life where I was able to discover what makes me happy. There is a great sense of joy that I receive knowing that I was able to positively impact another person’s life. To be able to distract them from the “hustle and bustle” of everyday life. I find it unique to posses the skill of entertainment, and I believe not a lot of people posses it. Knowing that I have that ability to entertain but also educate simultaneously in what it is that I create is something that solidifies my feeling of happiness. Read more>>

Lakyan Hackworth | Baker & Influencer

What makes me genuinely happy is making other happy and having a peace of mind. I have always had a love for people, a smile can changes someone’s mood. I love making others happy because it gives me a sense of fulfillment. You never know what someone is going through so a simple compliment, smile, cupcake or act of kindness can change someones days. Read more>>

Catalina Gomez-Beuth | Artist, Mom, and Wife Capturing The Feelings of Souls and Expressing Them With Colors.

Being able to spend time with my family and being able to see my kids grow. Felling their support to pursue my career as an artist and to find in them the inspiration for my work fills me with happiness. Read more>>

Deshannon Celestine | Motivational Speaker & Humanitarian

Making a difference people will feel when I’m gone! The world needs more people who walk in love. Whatever happen to those who simply seek to make a difference. Who get high off of helping one another. I’m all about women empowering women. Creating a safe place and a resource center where single moms can gain what so many crave. Encouragement. Read more>>

Sarah Hodgin | Momcierge & Mom

When I am living in the moment. I love to be able to slow down and to spend time on experiencing activities and collaborations. I love to be immersed in the moment and connect to the senses. Read more>>