We regularly ask our interviewees what makes them happy because at the end of the day, what else really matters? We’ve highlighted some of the responses below.

Nathan Rodriguez

Helping people makes me happy. I guess in a way it makes me feel more useful and needed but I like seeing peoples smiles and appreciation when I help them with something. Sharing my knowledge is especially fulfilling as I wish that someone had shared their knowledge with me at times when I was younger. Read more>>

Anita Barcsa

Happiness isn’t the goal. It’s a natural result. What I strive for is contentment and purpose. I’ve found that when I’m creating meaningful work, connecting with people, helping someone feel seen, or making a positive impact in the lives of those I love, happiness tends to show up on its own. Making people feel seen is one of the greatest privileges of my work. Read more>>

Jaye Fishel

Deeply connecting with other humans makes me happy. It might seem obvious yet it feels more and more rarified in a world of interacting with machines increasingly more often than with humans. I love the feeling of being in the present moment with another person, on a hike, sharing a meal with great conversation, or even with the stranger at the checkout counter. Read more>>

Kayla Andrews

I came out of the closet in December 2024 and ​it was the best decision, even with all that is going on. The trust and confidence I’ve gained have been made even stronger by the kindness, friendship and love that I have been given by most people. After a lifetime years of questioning, I have finally embraced who I truly am. Read more>>

Maye Izel Bejar-Gutierrez

Telling stories makes me the happiest. It is one of the closest ways to understand ourselves and others, and when done well, stories can move people in ways that change their lives. Whether through filmmaking, painting, photography, music, or poetry, art has the power to express beautiful or painful truths that sometimes cannot be explained through words alone. Read more>>

Nathalie Croix

What makes me happiest is living a life that feels aligned and meaningful. I love teaching yoga, being around animals, spending time in nature, creating meaningful work, and sharing practices that help people reconnect with themselves. I also value a grounded, balanced life — simple things like meditation, horses, cooking, good food, and time with people I love. Read more>>

Deborah Lindquist-Vanatta

I’ve asked myself a version of this question many times throughout my life: “What do I love?” followed by “What do I want?” I grew up immersed in nature on a farm in rural Minnesota. Nature was my first love – along with the animals, plants, and changing seasons. Read more>>

Telsha Classen

What makes me happiest is time — having the time to truly live life in the ways that fill my cup. Time with the people I love most, creating memories, being present, and appreciating the moments that matter most. I also find so much happiness in creativity. Read more>>