Happy Nation is based on two basic ideas

  1. Focussing on what makes us happy can bring us to greater heights of joy and fulfilment than focussing solely on the problems we wish to solve. This is the philosophy inherent in Positive Psychology.
  2. Happiness, like any other emotional state, is not an isolated phenomenon – it affects, and is affected by, the people around us. To reach fulfilment we must work towards enhancing the happiness of all, using love, compassion and gratitude. This social happiness philosophy is consistent with the principles of Deep Ecology.

Stephanie Hills has thirty years’ experience working with people in distress, both as a social worker and a counsellor.

A large part of her work has comprised using narrative and art therapy to help people move on from depression. While still helping people facing difficulties, Stephanie’s work has broadened to include the promotion and enhancement of individual and social happiness.

Using the principles of Positive Psychology and Deep Ecology, she assists individuals and groups to improve their functioning in various life spheres, taking into account the social, cultural, economic and environmental context of people’s lives.

  • Citizenship and contribution

    I call this website Happy Nation, not because it’s about a particular country, but because nationhood implies citizenship. Citizenship is a way of belonging that includes loyalty and duty towards the group to which you belong.  Just like nations, social groups – households, communities and workplaces – all thrive when their citizens are active contributors. […]

  • Going the extra miles

    A lady in Victoria went into her local council office recently, as she was having trouble understanding the local buses.  One of the council employees took the time to walk with her up to the bus stop, but it was clear that she wasn’t going to get home in a hurry.  So the thoughtful worker […]

  • Helpful motorist

    Mary was out driving and while she was stopped at a red light, the car just died.  It was a busy intersection, and the traffic behind her starting growing. The guy in the car directly behind her started honking his horn continuously as Mary desperately tried to get the car to start up again. Finally, […]

  • Is your support group helping you grow?

    Nowadays it’s relatively easy to connect with others who share challenges that we thought were unique to us. It can be wonderful to find people who understand what we’re going through and who can share tips for getting by. Support groups can be a great way to uplift one another, pool information and help educate […]

  • Not the End of the World

    Not the End of the World. How We Can Be the First Generation to Build a Sustainable Planet by Hannah Ritchie Environmental problems are an emotionally charged topic, but solutions require a clear head, all the relevant information and an understanding of the complex interweaving of economics, science, and social justice. Hannah Ritchie has done […]

Stephanie Hills

Promoting Individual and Social Happiness

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