Growing up, my dad told me that people are only able to be “as happy as they can stand to be.” I remember noticing that people naturally varied in their capacity to take in the good around them. At the same time, this ability can be learned ― and stretched. This is great news, because it means that anyone has the ability to become more joyful, grateful, expansive versions of themselves…should they choose to do so. Fast forward decades later, and my coach taught me about the power of checking in with yourself and asking, “how good can I stand it?"