Ryan Abramson: Positive. Authentic. Always saying yes to happiness.

Happiness. It’s a word that often feels just out of reach, especially when life’s challenges cloud our skies. But what if I told you that the power of: "Ryan Abramson: say yes to happiness."  Yes, happiness lies in our daily choices—our willingness to embrace gratitude, seek help, and celebrate both the highs and lows of life? I’ve learned that being happy doesn’t mean being free of struggle. Instead, it’s about accepting life as it is and choosing to see the beauty, the possibilities and the positive.

Gratitude: The Foundation of Happiness

Every morning in my home in Bucks County, I take a moment to be thankful for the life I’ve been given. It’s not perfect, but when I look around—at my family, my friends, and the small joys like a sunrise or a good cup of coffee—I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. Research supports this practice: a study by Harvard Health shows that people who regularly express gratitude are happier, healthier, and more resilient.

Gratitude allows us to focus on what we have rather than what we lack. For me, this means reflecting on the incredible joy I’ve experienced through my travels, my work, and the people who have shaped my journey. It also means being thankful for the lessons learned through challenges. After all, those moments of growth often come from the hardest times.

Accepting Challenges and Asking for Help

One of the hardest lessons I’ve had to learn is to be okay with not having all the answers. I used to think that asking for help was a sign of weakness, but now I see it as a sign of strength. Whether it’s leaning on friends during tough times or seeking professional guidance, saying yes to help has brought me closer to others and, in turn, closer to happiness.

Challenges are inevitable. When I was in college at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, I had an English professor who assigned us a project that changed my life. During one week of the semester, instead of having class in the lecture hall, the assignment was go out into the city and pull together an essay that captured a theme from art, history, religion and literature. In Washington, DC, the options are nearly endless. With incredible museums, libraries and places of every faith imaginable, writing a clear and succinct essay was a challenge. Without much of a clue of where to begin, I decided to open a book...and the first page I turned to was a poem by William Wordsworth.

He wrote in Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey, "With an eye made quiet by the power of harmony, and the deep power of joy, we see into the life of things."

William Wordsworth was a renowned English Romantic poet celebrated for his deep connection to nature and his exploration of the human spirit through poetry. His works emphasize the beauty and restorative power of the natural world. Wordsworth played a pivotal role in shaping Romantic literature and often wrote that harmony comes when we accept that life’s struggles are part of the journey and allow them to teach us, rather than defeat us.

My essay pulled together the sights that surround the city of Washington at night - especially as they transform from the daylight to the night - focusing on the how the shadows and moonlight consistently provide a different perspective from the brightness of a sunny day. (Link is not my essay, but some photos to help you understand.) It is a choice to see something different as good; not a comparison of sun and darkness, but beauty in each moment with no regard to the time of day.

Patience and Perspective

In the assignment prior to the one above, my professor wrote a note on my paper: "Ryan Abramson: Happiness isn’t instant." It requires patience and trust that things will work out. As someone who loves a good plan, this has been a tough one for me. But life has shown me time and again that the best things—whether relationships, career opportunities, or personal growth—take time.

When I was in high school, I had a teacher who would lecture each day and would write his notes on the board as he spoke. My brain was joyous! I loved the organization of the outline. The 1, A, little a, roman numeral i, etc. The plan was so clear. The ideas flowed from one to another. In college, I learned that it was OK to plan, but the plan could not get in the way of seeing more than your own view.

The Joy of People and Memories

I wouldn’t be who I am without the incredible people who’ve brought joy into my life. From my family to my friends, to the mentors who believed in me, I owe so much to the love and support of others. Reflecting on these connections and celebrating the good memories we’ve created is a daily practice that keeps me grounded and grateful. The Ryan Abramson of the teenage years has grown into an adult that welcomes the opportunity to learn from others; to be challenged by others; to celebrate with others.

Respecting Differences and Embracing the World

In today’s divisive world, happiness often comes from understanding and respecting those who are different from us. Living in Bucks County, a community rich in diversity, I’ve learned that appreciating different perspectives enriches my life in countless ways.

Equally important is taking the time to simply appreciate the world around me. Whether it’s a walk through the woods or a quiet moment to watch the sunset, connecting with nature reminds me of the bigger picture.

Ryan Abramson: My Daily Habits for Authentic Happiness

Happiness is built in the small moments. Here are some practices that have transformed my life:

1. Smile Daily: It’s contagious and immediately boosts your mood.

2. Practice Gratitude: Keep a journal (Check out the Ryan Abramson blog!) or take a moment to say “thank you” each day.

3. Celebrate Good Memories: Reflect on past joys to remind yourself of life’s beauty.

4. Be Creative: Whether it’s writing, cooking, or solving problems, creativity fuels happiness. (I painted, check out the blog post.)

5. Learn Something New: Growth is a key ingredient of happiness. You, know, like making TikToks (follow me on TikTok @RyanAbramson62)

6. Take Risks: Stepping out of your comfort zone leads to amazing opportunities.

7. Pray and Reflect: Spirituality or mindfulness can center your thoughts and bring peace.

8. Acknowledge Sadness: Happiness doesn’t mean ignoring pain; it means holding space for it while looking forward to brighter days.

The Science of Happiness

Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, show that happiness isn’t just a fleeting emotion. It’s deeply tied to gratitude, community, and purpose. For instance, people who regularly engage in acts of kindness report higher levels of happiness than those who don’t.

Looking Ahead

The Ryan Abramson journey to happiness is deeply personal, the common thread is our ability to say yes—to gratitude, to growth, and to love. Life is a tapestry of highs and lows, but by focusing on the good, forgiving the bad, and appreciating the present, we can create a life that is authentically joyful.

Take the time each day to embrace happiness in all its forms. Remember the good. Celebrate the memories. Learn, grow, and take risks. And most importantly, look to the future with hope and excitement for the opportunities ahead.