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Family & Relationships Discover how Mary uses practical, research-tested strategies to start flourishing By David Hochman llustrations by Patrick Leger Published June 07, 2024 Mary is a
fictional character representing older Americans, but the advice she follows here is based on science and facts. For more ways to find meaning and joy in your own life, go to
aarp.org/gethappy. CHAPTER 1: MARY'S STRUGGLE MARY GONZALEZ-LEWIS, 60, SITS IN HER HOME ON A STORMY DAY, FEELING LIKE SO MANY OF US—FED UP WITH MISERABLE HEADLINES, WORRIED ABOUT WHAT’S
COMING NEXT, AND WONDERING IF SHE’LL HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO GET BY WITHOUT HAVING TO LEAN ON FAMILY OR WHITE-KNUCKLE IT ALONG. ISN’T THIS SUPPOSED TO BE “THE HAPPIEST TIME IN LIFE”? CHAPTER
2: HUNGRY FOR CHANGE MARY ARRIVES AT THE OFFICE OF HER COUSIN CANDACE, A BEHAVIORAL THERAPIST. SHE KNOWS HOW IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS ARE AND THAT EXPRESSING YOURSELF IS BETTER THAN SUFFERING
IN SILENCE—EVEN THOUGH BEING VULNERABLE CAN BE REALLY CHALLENGING. Mary, the stress you’re feeling is completely valid, and it’s important to acknowledge it. Now, let’s talk about some
practical techniques that can help you find a bit of calm. First, breathe … think 4-7-8: in for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds. Repeat. Improving yourself by learning
something new is one of the best ways to feel more vibrant and in control of life as you age, experts say. CONTENT CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT CHAPTER 3: MARY’S MIDLIFE EMERGENCY KIT A
WEEK LATER, MARY VISITS WITH HER BEST FRIEND, ELSA, WHO IS EAGER TO HEAR ABOUT THE NEW HABITS OF MIND AND BEHAVIOR THAT MARY IS PUTTING INTO PLACE IN HER LIFE. My cousin told me to write
down three funny things I notice every day, since that simple practice seems to work for some people. Or so she says. Who knew you could find anything funny about getting a biopsy? I even
laughed about my stupid boss. Hi, Mary, I’m Dr. Needleman. This sales presentation is super important. Hold my calls. You’re gonna do great! Let’s go, Elsa! I read that exercise isn’t just
for people Heather’s age. Anything to get the body moving can really help with stress. And it’s working a bit, I think. Hey, wait for me! Oh, this is better, El. There’s even a name for it:
‘savoring.’ Ooh, look at that butterfly! Don’t make fun of me, you dork. People in another research study who took note of positive things on a daily 20-minute walk felt significantly
happier after just one week. THAT EVENING, MARY IS STILL EAGER TO GROW AND LEARN. I always love your place, Elsa. I wish my space could feel like yours. Huh? It’s not hard, it’s hygge. It’s
not hard, it’s hygge. HYOO-guh. That’s Danish for prioritizing life’s good and simple pleasures. Soft lighting. Cozy blankets. This sunset. Quality time with friends like you. HYOO-guh.
That’s Danish for prioritizing life’s good and simple pleasures. Soft lighting. Cozy blankets. This sunset. Quality time with friends like you. Can I live more hygge? You sure can! CHAPTER
4: SIMPLE FIXES, BIG PAYOFFS TWO WEEKS HAVE PASSED, AND MARY IS EMBRACING HYGGE AT HOME: A FUZZY BLANKET, SOME NEW CANDLES, SOME NEW HEAVY SHADES ON THE WINDOWS. IT FEELS LIKE A NEW SPACE.
Wow, small changes really can make a difference. THOSE HAPPINESS TIPS REALLY WORK BACK AT THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE Fascinating. Happiness researchers say that five acts of kindness on a single
day, once per week for six weeks, deliver increased happiness over that period. Why not start today? Scientists have found that not only do acts of kindness boost happiness, they improve
brain and heart health—and even increase your longevity. WALKING HOME ... CONTENT CONTINUES AFTER ADVERTISEMENT CHAPTER 5: SEEKING FINANCIAL AND HEALTH ADVICE MARY, DETERMINED AND
PROACTIVE, VISITS A FINANCIAL PLANNER FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HER LIFE. AND WHY NOT? RESEARCH SUGGESTS THAT PEOPLE TYPICALLY REGRET THE THINGS THEY DIDN’T DO MORE THAN THE THINGS THEY DID. NO
FOMO FOR HER! CHAPTER 6: FROM FLOUNDERING TO FLOURISHING A FEW MONTHS INTO HER SELF-IMPROVEMENT JOURNEY, MARY REFLECTS ON THE SOURCES OF HER NEWFOUND WELL-BEING: NURTURING RELATIONSHIPS,
EXPRESSING HERSELF GENUINELY, CONTRIBUTING TO THE WELL-BEING OF OTHERS, EMBRACING OPPORTUNITIES WITH A “YES,” EXPERIMENTING WITH NEW EXPERIENCES AND CHERISHING THE POSITIVE. _David Hochman
is a longtime contributing editor for_ AARP The Magazine _and_ AARP Bulletin. _His bylines appear in_ The New York Times, Forbes, GQ, Food & Wine _and many other publications._ _Patrick
Leger is an illustrator and animation designer based in New York. His work has been published by_ The New Yorker, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Vanity Fair, _HarperCollins
and Random House._