Helping Egyptians Pursue Happiness? Global Tips for 2017

I have just returned from Egypt, where I have given three talks in Alef bookstore branches in Cairo and Alexandria, Jan. 17, 18 and 19 at 6-7 p.m. in the affluent neighborhoods of Kair Abdo, Mohandissin, and Maadi.
A sign announcing the topic as “The Pursuit of Happiness,” was posted in compact, multi-level bookstores where 65 English speaking people ages 15 through 65 made their way to hear and to learn. A printed sign invites the public to address, “What do you think happiness is?” It states that the talks are jointly sponsored by Alef Bookstores and Egyptian Association of Group Therapies’ and Processes (EAGTP). It asks that you consider:
1.    How many hours a day do you feel happy?
2.    Are you happiest alone or with those you love?
3.    Do you know what robs you of feeling happy? What is it?
4.    How would you like to feel happier in 2017? 
I have spoken to the public before, but never in Egypt. I was aflutter with excitement and curiosity. Who would give up dinner hour to make their way up flights of stairs to attend this talk in English? What would motivate them to come? How many would attend? How old would they be? How much would they know about the science of positive psychology, the newest star in the galaxy of optimal living?
Traffic in Alexandria can be wicked around the dinner hour, and I was totally embarrassed to appear 20 minutes late on Jan. 17.
Discouraged at my assumption that all would have given up on me, I maneuvered the narrow, winding staircase and was enthusiastically greeted by 40 people squashed into a tiny space on the third floor. Bright and motivated, they had question after question, relevant and astutely stated in clear and sophisticated English. Graduates of American University in Cairo and other universities, they were hungry to learn.
Together, we gathered answers to the questions, not only from them, but from two audiences on the two next evenings. These results are from a total of 75 educated Egyptians, ages 15 to 65.
1.    Most felt actively happy at least three hours daily, but many felt happiness at least six hours a day.
2.    They were three times happier with others than alone, though some mentioned reading, running, and knitting as solitary activities that produced happiness within.
3.    They do know what robs them of happiness. Some reasons revolve around stress, most specifically, packing too much in a day to allow time to feel happy, or inadequate sleep. But a sense of social isolation was as frequent a cause of unhappiness: feeling alone and lonely is a large problem for some.
4.    They are ready to feel happier in 2017 and agreed to commit to making five very brief and easily constructed happy moments in their day. The research tells us that we can make ourselves happier if we construct moments of pleasure in our days. They were delighted to learn that it is easy to construct these moments if one makes time for them. Some ideas they thought of included a hot bubble bath, a candle in a scent they enjoy, a 10-minute walk to refresh after a long day, and time with those they love spent in easy activities.
Fortunately, for the last talk, the major Cairo newspaper, Al Ahram Weekly, sent Mai Samih, a sophisticated English-speaking reporter with astute questions on how to be happier. She plans an article online and in print, about increased happiness in 2017. Word should reach many readers. 
In the final analysis, what do we know about making ourselves happier in 2017?
•    Happiness is a collection of happy moments. If you begin to see yourself as someone who expects to feel happy, you can engineer this.
•    As Dr. Christopher Peterson tells us, “Other people matter,” and those you love matter most.
•    Happiness results when you touch someone you love, both physically and emotionally.
So this year, join our Egyptian neighbors and create happiness for yourself. I can just about guarantee that you’ll be glad you did!
To consider: Name five simple things that can increase your daily happiness. Now, will you make time for them? Why or why not?
To read: Dr Christopher Peterson, Pursuing the Good Life. 2013 Oxford University Press.
To explore: Dr. Martin Seligman and colleagues, www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu 
Find Dr. Judith Coche teaching happiness as part of her work at The Coche Center, LLC, a practice in clinical psychology in Rittenhouse Square and Stone Harbor. Reach her through www.cochecenter.com.