I’ve reflected on how it is that happiness is so prevalent in Sequim among so many retirees. I’ve written about how Sequim is the happiest place I’ve ever lived, and my own research in communicating with hundreds of Sequim residents who have retired in Sequim from all over the United States has proven that many others feel the same. A national survey by the Huffington Post concluded that Sequim, Washington is the Number One Place in the U.S. to Grow Old and Be Happy. [Read Happiness in Sequim.]
Happiness in Sequim
In an earlier article I wrote, “While the list of things in Sequim that contribute to our happiness are important, I think retirees who move to Sequim have figured something else out from a lifetime of conscientious learning and growing. I think they figured out how to answer the question, “how can I be happy?” [Read How Can I Be Happy?]
Years ago Sequim was named one of the 10 best places to retire in America in a national travel magazine. Here’s what I think. Happiness in a place is not just the result of a wonderful climate and weather, or great recreational opportunities, or one’s career work or retirement activities–it is also and primarily the result of a person’s deepest beliefs about happiness. Happy people have a way of thinking that is different than unhappy people.
Happiness a Key to a Wonderful Retirement
Life’s journey is different for each of us, but I believe our elder years are meant to be the best years of our lives. Wisdom comes with age, if we are teachable and humble. There’s a peace and contentment that comes with a lifetime of experiencing life in all its dimensions. We gain a control over our emotions, and we have balance and moderation in our lives. There is more stability and predictability, less stress and uncertainty. We know what we want, how to live, and what not to do in order to be happy.
What I find amazing is how so many incredible people are retiring to Sequim. In what is almost mystical, Sequim is attracting extraordinary people, but I don’t think it’s coincidence or happenstance. These are people who know what happiness is, and how to live it, and they know how to find the ideal place suitable for a retirement that is full of happiness. These are people who are mature on every level, mentally, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. [I recommend my book Manage Your Energy Not Your Time.]
I’ve lived in Sequim for 22 years, and I am one example of thousands who find living in Sequim to be a big factor in my own happiness. And my work as a real estate broker representing buyers from all over the country brings me a great deal of joy. Working with so many genuinely happy clients is also a big factor in my own happiness.
What would you attribute to your happiness?
Last Updated on September 1, 2019 by Chuck Marunde
Although circumstances such as where I live can affect my happiness, at the deepest level I would truly say that I most attribute my happiness and contentment to knowing Christ and His perfect peace and love that has no end.