One of the greatest sources of joy in my life has been the expansion of my social circle through blogging. I had the pleasure of connecting with Laura Bennett, who, like me, is passionate about leveraging social media to connect with readers—especially following the release of her debut book in 2014. In Cool Aunty: The Essential Guide for Fabulous Aunts, Great-Aunts, Godmothers, and All Women Who Cherish Children, Laura emphasizes the deep, loving connections that exist between “aunties” and their nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Recognizing Laura’s insights into happiness, I was eager to learn from her experiences.
What daily activity brings you the most happiness?
I love calling my nieces and nephew just to hear their voices. It instantly brightens my day.
What’s a lesson about happiness you’ve learned since your teenage years?
As a young girl, I believed happiness came from being popular. Now, I understand that true happiness often leads to popularity instead.
Do you have a motivational phrase that inspires you?
“Keep going.” A dear friend reminds me of this whenever I celebrate a success, highlighting that more achievements await if I maintain a positive mindset.
What behaviors do you notice in others that impact their happiness?
I used to let my lack of traditional milestones—like being a wife or mother—define my happiness in my mid-30s. Shifting my perspective to celebrate my role as an engaged aunt and entrepreneur allowed me to redefine my happiness on my terms. I’ve come to see myself as “childfull,” filling my life with love from the children around me, which has been incredibly rewarding. This realization led me to create CoolAunty.com in 2008 and author Cool Aunty: The Essential Guide for Fabulous Aunts, Great-Aunts, Godmothers, and All Women Who Cherish Children. Many women have recognized their immense value as aunts and godmothers, which brings joy to us all.
Do you actively work on enhancing your happiness? If so, how?
Absolutely. Each day, I practice the art of letting go—not in the sense of giving up, but rather understanding that the outcomes of my efforts may not always be obvious. When I try something I believe will bring me joy and it doesn’t pan out, I trust that future successes will arise from unexpected places. This process of releasing preconceived notions about what should make me happy, and embracing the belief that all endeavors eventually lead to greater happiness, is my ongoing journey. Happiness is undeniable, and I refuse to stop believing in it.
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