The Art of Joy and Happiness

I always wonder why some people get it and others don’t. I am referring to the joy that comes from helping others. No, this letter was not a mix-up. For with a topic like this, it would seem most appropriate for a holiday issue, but that is only because it’s then when we are really forced to look within to reconcile our less-than-perfect ways.

A spring issue is the ideal time to do some spring-cleaning. So prepare my dear readers. Although spring-cleaning of the home is always a good way to start the season, I am suggesting a bit of spring-cleaning of the soul. I will be the first to admit that it is easy to get caught up with life’s many demands and challenges. Here is my call for you to pull over and allow life to catch up with you. Walk outside and think for a moment about what really brings you joy.

Once you have completed this exercise, go out there and celebrate it. I promise you: this new course of action will bring you happiness. If you are still skeptical, I invite you to read our cover story on Sir Richard Branson, and explore the first class acts of Oral Lee (Mama) Brown. Here are two individuals whose lives vastly differ, yet they are both masters of the art of joy and happiness that stems from selflessness. One might think it is easy to donate your wealth and time when you are a billionaire, yet Mama Brown is a testament that it is possible to help others regardless of your station in life. I hope that reading this issue of Dolce will inspire and empower you to answer the call to start fresh this spring and bask in the simple pleasures of life: nature, beautiful food, good friends and most of all, what joy means to you.