The quest for happiness is one of the oldest and best-known battles that each of us will face over the course of our lives, one that will ultimately shape our experience here on earth. What would you say if someone were able to share a secret to finding this happiness? You may be in luck!
If you ask a psychologist how to define happiness, they are likely going to fall short in finding the right words. Why? Most subscribe to the fact that happiness is an ‘elusive state’, one that is highly individual for each person. Therefore, what you experience as ‘happiness’ in your life may differ dramatically from what constitutes ‘happiness’ for me. With this in mind, how could one ever find one secret or trick to creating this incredible feeling and way of living?
While the state of happiness may be vastly different from one person to the next, there are many common ties. These are the small details that are universal, a framework upon which this much bigger, broader concept is built. For example, at the root of ‘happiness’, experts say you can often find self-confidence, meaning in life, strength of character and interpersonal skills. All of these traits help them to face life’s challenges and come out ahead, freeing themselves from the dark clouds that may come into our lives.
There is a concept that has been explored by many historians, religious theorists, and numerologists alike, and that’s the power of the number 3 throughout society. Just stop and look back for a moment. In most cases, when the number of 3 is mentioned, it is with a sense of power, completeness or importance. Numbers like trifecta, triad, triplicate, and trilogy can be seen everywhere. There is just something about the number 3 that feels ‘right’.
The Christian faith is centered largely on the Holy Trinity (Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer). Meanwhile, God himself is said to possess 3 incredible attributes including omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence. This isn’t the only faith that prioritizes the number 3. Those whole follow the Buddhist teachings learn of the ‘Three Jewels’ – the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
What about outside of the arena of faith? Our lives are comprised of 3 important periods of time – the past, present, and future. They can also be defined by the 3 important phases of our own life cycle, including birth, life, and death. We subscribe to 3 primary colors and 3 notes in a basic chord when studying music. In order to live a happy and complete life, it is said that we will find the balance and unity of the body, mind, and soul – another example of the number 3 at work.
It stands to reason, then, that we would be able to use the power of the number 3 in our own lives in order to find balance, peace, and happiness.
Try following these rules based on the power of the number 3:
#1. There are three people/groups of people that hold a place of importance in your heart: family, friends and yourself (never forget to love yourself).
#2. The 3 hardest things you will ever have to say in life are: “I’m sorry”, “I love you”, and “Help me”.
#3. It is said that these 3 things can adequately define a person: hard work, honesty, and their personal achievements.
#4. These 3 things, if overlooked, can completely destroy even the healthiest of relationships: jealousy, indifference, and dishonesty.
#5. Hold onto these 3 things that should be seen as a high priority at all stages of your life: honor, hope, and peace.
#6. While the former 3 are a high priority, there are 3 other things in life that you should be careful to never take advantage of: love, trust, and self-respect.
#7. Never forget the three things that, once lost, can never be taken back: an opportunity, a spoken word or a moment in time.
#8. Be careful, these 3 things have the power to completely tear a person down: anger, guilt, and pride.
#9. While these things may be tempting, never fall into the trap of relying on these three things in your quest for happiness: power, material possessions, and ego.