Daily Happy Episode 90: Theo of Golden

A little book-inspired happiness for you

I’ve been reading Theo of Golden, and it’s making me think about something we could all use a little more of: the power of truly seeing one another.

In the story, a mysterious stranger named Theo arrives in the small Southern city of Golden. At a local coffeehouse, he discovers pencil portraits of people from the town. He buys the portraits and gives them to the people they depict—but asks for something in return: their story.

And as each person shares, secrets are revealed, regrets are voiced, and ordinary lives begin to change.

What I love most is the reminder that generosity isn’t always about giving something big.

Sometimes it’s about paying attention.

Listening.

Being curious about another person.

Making someone feel seen.

There’s something especially powerful about that idea in our work lives, too. Behind every title, résumé, email, Zoom square, and LinkedIn profile is a person carrying a story we may know very little about.

A little more kindness and curiosity can change the way we work—and the way we experience our days.

So today, I’m taking a lesson from Theo:

Look a little closer. Listen a little longer. And remember that everyone has a story worth hearing.

That feels like a pretty good reason to be happy today.