from the publisher LOVE , TRAVEL , AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
In the face of all the challenges of recent years , this difficult time has had its upsides . For many of us , it has been epiphany-rich — especially in terms of what makes us happy . Here are two takeaways I ’ d like to share and , if possible , connect . Both are conclusions of recent studies on happiness .
The findings of the first are from of the landmark 2017 Harvard Study of Adult Development which reveals that , above all else , happiness is related to the number and depth of our relationships . The more people we have in our lives who care deeply for us , the happier we are . Also true : The more people we deeply care for , the happier we are . And this dynamic is only enhanced as we grow older .
The findings of the second study , published in 2021 by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , are actually based on several separate consumer surveys . The results mark a 76 % increase over the course of a decade in Americans who say experience-related purchases are more valuable than material purchases .
Both insights , I would suggest , support the recent surge in travel among Americans . We want to share the experience of travel with those we deeply care for because this is what makes us happy . We know this in our bones .
Happiness , of course , is defined as a sensation — and it ’ s fleeting . But it ’ s surely more than that . It ’ s central to who we are as human beings , and especially as Americans . The pursuit of it , we believe , is an inalienable right , just as fundamental as life and liberty .
And at its core , the pursuit of happiness is what BeachLife is all about .
We begin this issue with the dream of owning a vacation home rental . What does it take to make the dream a reality ? From here , we head off with Captain Andy Coleman of Backwater Tours to explore the Choctawhatchee River — an untouched realm few ever see . We then head east for the charming bay town of Port St . Joe . Next , Sandcastle Coach Rick Mungeam shares his expert tips for creating your own work of art . Then we ’ re off to Choctawhatchee Bay , where we investigate its mysterious pilings and their little-known Cold War history .
Next , we ’ re on a mission of discovery , in search of our favorite local restaurants with water views . Our water-themed journey continues with an introduction to the local bottlenose dolphin population , as well as Florida ’ s largest reptile , the alligator . From here , we learn all about sun safety with the nonprofit Helm ’ s Hope . Of course , a vacation on the Emerald Coast wouldn ’ t be complete without a stop at Bud and Alley ’ s rooftop bar , where we ’ re introduced to everyone ’ s favorite bartender , Mo Mosley . Finally , we take a moment to learn more about Sandcastle Kids and its healing mission .
With that , I ’ ll sign off with a toast to our everlasting commitment to love , happiness — and , of course , vacation . So cheers ! Travel inspired . Travel well . Travel on .
Nathan Henris
PUBLISHER
From The Publisher Beach L i fe 11