There's a Path to Happiness - It's called the ARC
Have you ever heard of the ARC of happiness by Jonathon Fields?
It’s a simple theory that suggests having experiences to look forward is a major factor in our happiness. Here’s why:
A is for Anticipation.
We receive so much joy out of anticipating something we’re excited about. We talk about it, get giddy, do a countdown - it gives us a burst of happy energy.
R is for Relish.
Once it’s here, we truly relish in the experience. That vacation, the best concert ever, peace and quiet, we earned it and it’s beautiful and everything is right in the world.
C is for Contemplate.
When you return from an experience you’ve been looking forward to, you look back and smile, laugh, think about it. It’s like it became a photographic part of you with your special people, it was that good.
That’s why I plan parties, and even better - now family retreat vacations. I love the planning, the details, the anticipation. Being there is my favorite. No work, usually a glass of wine is involved, no phone scrolling, just genuine connection and experiencing something you’ve never done before. Relishing in the laughs, the music, the warm sun.
Then, driving home with that, God, that was awesome feeling. Thinking of it days, weeks, months later as something that felt pure and right. The “I need to do that more” contemplation.
That’s why I do this because Anticipating, Relishing and Contemplating experiences has brought great joy to my life. And I do this for us Parents because we forget to do anything for ourselves.
If you’re already booked for our retreat this June, you may have already experienced the first letter of the ARC, Anticipation. Daydreaming about watching live music, drink in hand, while the kids run and play. Smelling that nostalgic smell of s’mores and the warm feeling it creates when you’re sitting around a fire with great people. The anticipation of it has me totally giddy with excitement.
Picture yourself in these chairs reading a book while the kids are doing an art project. This is the Noon Lodge, and our Camp Wyld this June still has room for you and your family to make incredible memories.
Always daydreaming,
Karen
Karen Cook is a mom of three littles living with her husband and family San Diego (via LA via NJ). Founder and Chief Experience Officer of The Wyldflower Collective - a parent focused community providing joy-filled events and Camp Wyld retreats with on-site supervised kids camp - so we can catch a breath. Follow her story on Instagram at www.instagram.com/thewyldflowerco