[Haruchunja] The 7 True Conditions of Happiness <1>

Editor's NoteThere are countless principles about happiness in the world, and each person pursues happiness with their own unique theory. If you feel that you are not enjoying enough happiness right now, it is worth questioning whether your values and methods regarding happiness might be mistaken. Professor Chae Jeong-ho, who has worked as a psychiatrist for 37 years and treated over 30,000 people with mental health issues at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, points out in his book The 7 True Conditions of Happiness that our mistaken preconception of happiness as 'fortunate events (幸) that happen by chance (福)' is flawed. He introduces happiness that can actually be achieved through effort and universal principles of happiness applicable to everyone. By implementing these one by one in our lives, even if not immediately, you will eventually find yourself closer to a happy and well-lived life. Word count: 876.

We often try to forcefully solve things that are impossible, sad, or painful. Additionally, there is a savior complex toward others, the feeling that 'I must rescue them from there.' This mindset assumes that 'problems must be solved' when viewing oneself and the world. Such thoughts prevent us from seeing things as they truly are and lead to judgment. The moment we become obsessed with the compulsion to solve problems, acceptance becomes distant.

Healthy acceptance is completed through the following three elements. It is a way of actively embracing the given situation without blindly being optimistic or resigned with nihilistic attitudes. The first is 'normalization.' Everyone makes mistakes or errors, so it is recognizing that what I am experiencing is not strange but perfectly normal. For example, no matter how brave a firefighter is, it is normal for a human being to feel fear and retreat when facing fierce flames. In other words, normalization is accepting that all my behaviors are normal and that anyone else could behave the same way.

The second is 'validation.' While others may be different, at least I acknowledge that I can be this way. Validation is a term translated from the English word 'validation.' 'Valid' is also a word stamped on visas that permit entry when traveling abroad. In psychology, the term 'acceptance' is sometimes used to mean acceptance and acknowledgment. Validation means telling oneself that even if one is somewhat inadequate or unsatisfactory, it is okay and valid.

The third is 'self-assurance.' Even if one is lacking, struggling, and nothing goes as planned, it is accepting that oneself is a valuable being as is. Once you acknowledge yourself in this way, you can gain the strength and courage to move toward a good life even in difficult and challenging situations.

- Chae Jeong-ho, The 7 True Conditions of Happiness, Influential, 18,800 KRW

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.