I believe happiness is all around

The search for meaning is an essential part of what makes us human. It answers a deep need within us to find some kind of purpose in life. We want to know we're doing something significant with the time we've been allotted.

I personally believe that there's a concrete link between meaning and happiness. It's well documented that people who have a vocation or calling in life are significantly happier than those who don't because their daily lives have real meaning.

Where it's Saving the Japanese Dolphins or setting up your own amateur animal welfare shelter, find a cause that fires you up. It needn't take up hours – start by organizing a recycling system at home, holding a fund-raising quiz night or writing a letter to the government. People who are committed to causes report being happier because they can recognize their contribution.

People who have a passion, be it for Mo Lam (Northeast Thai opera) or mountain-biking , lead more meaningful, purposeful lives. Think back to what you loved doing before work took over and find a way to incorporate it back into your life.

Visit an elderly neighbor, become a mentor to someone at work, or volunteer in your local community. By making a difference to someone else's life, we bring a great deal of meaning to our own.

Think about the kind of person you are: Creative? Compassionate? Courageous? Romantic? When we know who we really are, we can live a life that enhances our identity and makes us happier. A certain amount of self-knowledge is vital in order to lead a meaningful life, down all your strengths and weaknesses to get a clearer perspective and, if you dare, ask a close friend or family member to write down how they see you to get an all round picture.

Rather than seeing your weekly phone call to your family members as a chore, consider it part of your mission to create a strong, connected family. Likewise, if cooking for the kids is a drag, remind yourself you're helping with their health and development. Remembering the meaning of why we've doing things, helps us enjoy them so much more.