E390 – "Inner Voice: A Heartfelt Chat with Dr. Foojan Zeine." In this episode, Dr. Zeine chats with Shawn Léon Nowotnik, MSW, LCSW, an artist, author, filmmaker, and therapist outside Chicago. After losing his son to suicide, he was compelled to reevaluate his narrative — and look at how loss, mental health, and addiction can affect every aspect of a person's life. He's developed holistic treatment programs and advocates for improved mental health and addiction disorder treatments, as well as researching, writing, and public speaking about addiction, community, mental health, narrative, and social issues. This episode explores his new book "F*ck Happiness: The Search for Meaning in a World Gone Mad Chasing Happiness." Learn more about Shawn's work at shawnleonnowotnik.com # 1 on the 20 Best California Mental Health Podcasts list by FeedSpot. https://podcasts.feedspot.com/california_mental_health_podcasts/ Check out my website: www.FoojanZeine.com, www.AwarenessIntegration.com, www.Foojan.com Summary Dr. Foojan Zeine and Shawn Leonick discussed Shawn's book, "Fuck Happiness." Shawn shared the story behind the book's title, explaining that he initially researched happiness but realized the concept was not about happiness but meaningfulness. He shared his frustration with the initial path and how he eventually came to the title "Fuck Happiness" after realizing his mistake. Dr. Zeine expressed her appreciation for the book and shared her experiences with pursuing happiness, highlighting how societal norms and personal expectations can influence one's understanding of happiness. Shawn discussed the societal pressure to conform to certain expectations of happiness and success, which often leads to depression and dissatisfaction. He emphasized the importance of self-discovery and authenticity, urging people to question their passions and desires rather than unthinkingly following societal norms. Shawn also shared his journey, highlighting how he found his passion for psychotherapy and writing despite initial conditioning. He encouraged listeners to reflect on their lives and consider what brings them joy and fulfillment. Dr. and Shawn discussed the concepts of happiness and meaning, drawing on their shared understanding of human emotions and experiences. They differentiated between fleeting, superficial happiness, such as the joy from a drug or a short-term activity, and a more profound, lasting sense of meaning and purpose. Dr. emphasized the importance of relationships and connections in achieving this state of happiness, while Shawn used the metaphor of ordering a pizza to illustrate the difference. He suggested that happiness is like a fleeting pizza, while meaning is about sharing the experience with others and having deep, meaningful conversations. They also referenced a 100-year study on well-being and happiness, which found that meaningful relationships and connections were key to long-term happiness. Shawn and Dr. discussed the importance of meaningful connections in maintaining a stable baseline of happiness. Shawn emphasized that while happiness is fleeting, meaningful connections can provide long-term fulfillment. He cited the hedonic treadmill phenomenon, where people adapt to positive or negative life events and eventually return to their baseline of happiness. Shawn recommended focusing on nurturing family and close personal connections, which provide a stable foundation for happiness. Dr. shared his personal experience of changing his baseline from depression to a more stable state through therapy and self-work. Both agreed that meaningful connections are crucial for maintaining a healthy baseline of happiness. Dr. discussed the importance of finding meaning in life and being authentic. He emphasized that one can create meaningful connections with others by being authentic. Shawn agreed, adding that authenticity is a significant theme in his book and crucial for good relationships. He suggested that people should overcome the fear of judgment, practice self-compassion, challenge the idea of perfectionism, build strong relationships, internalize their sense of self-worth, and celebrate their uniqueness. Shawn also highlighted the importance of being vulnerable and open to feedback, as it allows for personal growth and development. They emphasized the importance of accepting the ups and downs of life and focusing on the present moment. They also discussed the idea of meaningfulness, with Shawn highlighting the importance of having a hopeful life and adding value to others. They concluded that meaningfulness transcends time and creates a legacy, improving the world.