🐝😁 Be Happy 💬Deep Dive Discussion with Will Perez
Happiness—what does it really mean? Is it a fleeting feeling, a destination, or a lifelong pursuit? In this thought-provoking episode of JOYrific, Jamie Braithwaite sits down with Will Perez, a PhD candidate in American Religious History and Director of the LDS Institute at FSU, to redefine happiness as something far deeper than mere emotion. Together, they explore the historical and spiritual roots of happiness, from Thomas Jefferson’s “pursuit of happiness” to the Greek concept of eudaimonia—human flourishing. Through research, personal stories, and faith-based insights, they discuss how happiness is intricately tied to holiness, virtue, and personal growth. Listen in as they challenge cultural scripts of happiness, embrace the messiness of raising teenagers, and discover how the pursuit of happiness is ultimately a pursuit of Christ.
🔹 Why happiness is often misunderstood
🔹 The surprising connection between happiness and holiness
🔹 Lessons from Church history: Joseph Smith’s search for happiness
🔹 Parenting, emotional surveillance, and allowing children to flourish
🔹 The story of Oliver Granger: Why sacrifice matters more than success
Join us as we shift the focus from feeling happy to being happy—a journey of becoming and embracing the sacred process of life.