a new word for happy
A New 5-Letter Word for “HAPPY”? Try SPIRE.
We often think of happiness as a fleeting moment—a sunny lake day, an iced matcha with lavender, or a football win for our favorite college team.
But real happiness isn’t just about chasing highs, not even in those brand new Alo suede retro sneakers from your last retail therapy splurge.
It’s an overall state of well-being—something we can experience even when not every part of our life is going smoothly. It’s possible to cultivate well-being amid grief, illness, caregiving, menopause, or recovery.
In my work with women over 40, I’ve seen and heard it. They’re not looking for good vibes only. Or quick fixes. What they truly want are sustainable strategies to help them feel whole again (content, peaceful) at least most of the time.
That’s why I find the SPIRE Model by Tal Ben-Shahar so inSPIRing—it is a holistic, science-based framework that reminds us we are multi-dimensional beings and our overall happiness does not hinge on any one thing at any one time.
🌿 SPIRE = Spiritual • Physical • Intellectual • Relational • Emotional well-being🌿
This is how it breaks down:
✨ S – Spiritual Well-being
Not just about religion (unless that fits). It's about purpose, presence, and connection—through practices like mindfulness, journaling, or gratitude. It helps ground us when life feels uncertain.
🧘♀️ P – Physical Well-being
Physical well-being isn’t one-size-fits-all. It includes rest, nourishment, movement, and strength—whatever helps you feel energized, supported, and at home in your body.
🧠 I – Intellectual Well-being
Curiosity doesn’t stop at 40. Reading, learning, and creating can reignite energy and strengthen resilience. And I love this–it may even contribute to longevity! And my brothers tell me I ask too many questions?! 🙂
🤝 R – Relational Well-being
Supportive relationships are essential. For caregivers especially, reconnecting with others—and with yourself—can be deeply healing.
💓 E – Emotional Well-being
This is the heart of my work. It’s not about fake positivity—it’s about building emotional tools to feel, process, and grow through life’s hardest seasons. If you are like me, your hardest season may also be happening NOW.
❣️So if happiness feels distant—or even unrealistic right now—you’re not broken. You’re human.
✨ The SPIRE Model reminds us that well-being isn’t about perfection in one area… it’s about caring for all parts of who we are.
You don’t have to do it all at once. Start where you are.
Pick one dimension. Nurture it gently. That’s where resilience begins—and happiness, er "spire"ness follows.
💬 Which part of SPIRE is calling for your attention today?
