my theory of change

for a kinder & more loving world

from the bottom up

i’m still strategizing my top down contribution 🙃

LONELINESS

1 in 5 in the US experience daily loneliness (2024, Gallup)

1 out of 4.3 (23%) adults worldwide experience daily loneliness

DIVISION

bipartisan votes in Congress has decreased from 55% in the late 1980s to around 24% in recent years (2020, Brookings)

20% of votes were bipartisan, indicating a continued decline in cross-party collaboration (2024, US Congress)

ISOLATION & ECHO CHAMBERS

68% of U.S. adults believe social media algorithms primarily show them content that aligns with their existing beliefs, reinforcing polarization (2023, Pew)

Harvard Study of Adult Development, Vaillant

Build Strong Relationships:

• "Social connections are the most powerful predictors of happiness." (Source: Harvard Study of Adult Development, Vaillant, G. E. (2012). Triumphs of Experience)

1. Practice Gratitude:

   • "Participants who kept a gratitude journal reported greater life satisfaction and a reduction in depressive symptoms." (Source: Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). "Counting blessings versus burdens.")

Engage in Meaningful Activities:

• "Having a sense of purpose in life significantly predicts greater well-being and life satisfaction." (Source: Ryff, C. D., & Singer, B. (1998). "The Contours of Positive Human Health.")

Embrace Resilience:

• "Resilience is associated with better mental health outcomes in the face of stress." (Source: Masten, A. S. (2001). "Ordinary Magic.")

Limit Social Comparison:

• "Social comparison processes can negatively impact self-esteem and life satisfaction." (Source: Wood, J. V. (1989). "Theory and Research Concerning Social Comparison.")

1. Spend Time in Nature:

   • "Exposure to natural environments is associated with reduced stress and improved mood." (Source: Kaplan, S. (1995). "The restorative benefits of nature.")

Harvard’s Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies of human health and happiness (since 1938), shows these key insights into living long, happy lives:

1. Quality of Relationships:

   • Maintaining a sense of community and social engagement is vital. The study consistently highlights that strong, supportive relationships (family, friends, community) is the strongest predictor of happiness and health in later life. It's not the number of friends, but the depth and quality of relationships that matter most.

2. Loneliness is Harmful

3. Loneliness has a profound impact on physical and mental health, leading to earlier decline in brain function and a shorter lifespan.

4. Emotional Intelligence & Regulation:

   • People who can manage stress and maintain emotional balance tend to fare better in life both mentally and physically. Managing our emotions and communicating effectively contributes to better relationships and overall well-being.

5. Coping Mechanisms:

   • Developing healthy coping strategies for stress and adversity is essential for resilience and long-term satisfaction.

6. Physical Health:

   • Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy lifestyle correlate strongly with happiness and longevity. Those who remained physically active, even in small ways, tend to live longer and report higher satisfaction.

7. Purpose and Meaning:

   • Finding meaning and purpose in life, whether through work, hobbies, or community involvement, contributes significantly to happiness. People who find meaning in their work and maintain a sense of purpose, even after retirement, generally report higher levels of happiness.

8. Adaptability:

   • The ability to adapt to life’s challenges and changes is crucial for maintaining happiness and well-being over time.