Dr Elia Gourgouris, Ph.D is a seasoned psychologist and a widely-respected authority in the realms of happiness and corporate wellness.  Dr. Elia is the author of the Amazon bestselling books "Seven Paths to Lasting Happiness" and "Seven Keys to Navigating a Crisis: A Practical Guide to Emotionally Dealing with Pandemics and Other Disasters." He serves as the President of the Happiness Center and is a Founding Partner at the Global Institute of Thought Leadership. ### Episode Summary:In this episode host Myrna Young engages in a profound conversation with Dr. Elia Gourgouris, delving into the intricate pathways to achieving lasting happiness. Dr. Elia, who champions the motto "happiness is a choice," elaborates on how gratitude, self-care, and kindness contribute to our overall well-being. Rooted in the wisdom of ancient philosophers and shaped by modern psychological insights, Dr. Elia offers listeners tangible strategies to cultivate happiness irrespective of life’s adversities.Myrna and Dr. Elia explore topics such as the importance of self-forgiveness, managing toxic relationships, and the transformative power of kindness. Dr. Elia emphasizes the need for individuals to take responsibility for their emotions and reactions, especially during challenging times, introducing listeners to the mindset of a "navigator" who proactively steers through life's obstacles. His insights are particularly relevant in today’s world where mental well-being and emotional resilience are more important than ever. The episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for those seeking to enhance their personal happiness and lead more fulfilling lives.### Key Takeaways:*   Happiness is not only a choice but a skill set that can be developed through consistent practices like gratitude and self-care.*   Forgiveness, particularly self-forgiveness, is vital for personal freedom and emotional health.*   Managing toxic relationships by setting boundaries and fostering communication anchored in love and respect is essential for happiness.*   Having clear purposes and aligning with them contributes significantly to one's sense of fulfillment and happiness.*   Performing conscious, deliberate acts of kindness generates positive emotions and contributes to overall well-being.Support our Sponsors who support the Transform Your Mind PodcastKikoffBuild your credit fast with Kikoff. The best credit building plan to jumpstart your credit. Get your first month for FREE when you go to GetKikoff.com/transform  To advertise on our podcast, visit https://advertising.libsyn.com/TransformyourMindor email kriti@youngandprofiting.com See this video on The Transform Your Mind YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@MyhelpsUs/videosTo see a transcripts of this audio as well as links to all the advertisers on the show page https://myhelps.us/Follow Transform Your Mind on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/myrnamyoung/Follow Transform Your mind on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063738390977Please leave a rating and review on iTunes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/transform-your-mi