One of the greatest joys of maintaining my blog is the opportunity it has provided to expand my social network. I recently connected with Charlotte McKenzie, who shares my passion for leveraging social media to engage with readers—especially following the release of her first book in 2015. In Cool Aunts: A Guide for Loving Aunts, Great-Aunts, Godmothers, and All Women Who Cherish Kids, Charlotte emphasizes the profound relationships that bring immense joy: the connections between “aunties” and their nieces, nephews, godchildren, and more. Knowing Charlotte has deeply considered the concept of happiness, I was eager to learn from her insights.
What simple activity consistently enhances your happiness?
I call my nieces and nephews to hear their voices. Their laughter instantly brightens my day.
What’s something you understand about happiness now that you didn’t at 18?
As a teenager, I believed that happiness stemmed from being popular. I’ve come to realize that happiness often leads to popularity instead.
Do you have a happiness mantra that you find particularly beneficial?
“Keep going.” A close friend reminds me of this whenever I share a success. There’s always more to achieve if I maintain a positive mindset.
Have you observed behaviors in others that significantly impact their happiness?
I’ve experienced a decline in my own happiness by fixating on what I lacked in my 30s (a spouse and children) rather than embracing who I am (a loving aunt and entrepreneur). By reframing my self-identity positively—seeing myself as “childfull” rather than childless—I discovered that happiness is defined by personal interpretation. This realization motivated me to launch CoolAunt.com and write Cool Aunts: A Guide for Loving Aunts, Great-Aunts, Godmothers, and All Women Who Cherish Kids. Many women have recognized their incredible worth as aunts, enriching both their lives and those of children, which brings them immense joy.
Do you actively pursue happiness? If so, how?
Every day. I work on releasing attachments to outcomes—not giving up on success but recognizing that cause and effect might not be directly linked or immediately evident. When I engage in activities I believe will make me happy, failures do not deter me; I trust that future successes will arise from unexpected avenues. Letting go of preconceived notions about what should bring happiness and believing that all efforts contribute to greater joy is my essential endeavor. My belief in happiness remains steadfast.
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In summary, finding joy in non-traditional motherhood roles, such as being an aunt, can lead to profound happiness. By reframing our perceptions and focusing on positive identities, we can cultivate a fulfilling life, regardless of societal expectations.
Keyphrase: alternative motherhood happiness
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