Jake Pearson  00:00

Are you trying to figure out the secret to happiness? We're here at What Makes You Happy with Jake Pearson. We want to make that happiness more accessible for you in your life. So stick around as we interview everyday people, inspirational leaders and your favorite celebrities on what makes them happy.

Welcome back to the podcast where we ask the question, what makes you happy?

My name is Jake Pearson. And today we have with us a jazz singer, pianist, composer and founder of Jazz For Peace, Rick DellaRatta, from New York, and he's going to play us something to start the episode.

Rick DellaRatta  00:44

Thanks a lot. I hope this song might make people happy, I won't know until after I play because I'm going to make it up completely off the top of my head. It's a little thing called Free J A.

Jake Pearson  03:28

That was wonderful, Rick, thank you for coming on the podcast and what a beautiful introduction. What makes you happy?

Rick DellaRatta  03:35

You know, kind of just being in touch with let's say the universe or following your star, I've noticed that makes me happy. And that comes from doing things through music where you're just creating something out of the blue kind of like I just did. And you can put that into your daily life. So you know, even though I just made this whole thing up, other things might come to me like, you know, try this or do that or do this and let things flow into you that are not necessarily biased things that are preconceived notions because sometimes some pure thoughts can come through, and then you find out hey, those are really good ideas. 

One good-- I had a long time ago was to try to use my music to help outstanding causes. And I tried it out a couple of times, not knowing if I was just stumbling over some crazy idea. I started to get letters back from the people I was helping saying, Hey, you really did make a difference. It was hard to believe for me, but I figured it's coming from them. And if they say I make a difference, who might argue and it turned out to be something that brought me fulfillment, you know, sometimes we think what's going to make us happy. But I think what you really mean is what might make you really happy, what might make you fulfilled. And I found ways that you can help others or enriching other people's lives or doing things kind of brings you personal wealth, and it makes material wealth a little bit less of a big deal to you personally. Even though of course, all those things are great additions and all, but I think if you can get a good balance, that's a good thing. 

Another good thing that makes me happy is exercise in sports, we had talked off camera about the importance of that, I know that's a big thing in your life, I have to totally agree with me not only watching I can talk a real good game of American football and an American-- but I love to participate. I'm not very active skier, swimmer, basketball player, I'm getting a little up there in age, but I'm still playing because I just love it too much. So things like that, and friendships and things of that nature. You know, I just find that they make me happy. And that's a big part of being able to help others if you can make this- if you are helping yourself.

Jake Pearson  05:55

I love that. And just on what you said, there, I may be getting a little older. But I say to that, do what makes you happy. Who cares what your age is, if you want to play sport, you want to play basketball. You want to get on the Aussie rules football field and have a kick with your kids here in Australia, like do whatever, it ultimately makes you happy. You have every right to do it.

Rick DellaRatta  06:14

Well, I agree. Because I think again, that's a preconceived notion, we kind of think in the back of our heads, because we see the professionals have to retire at a certain age. So we think they are done, maybe we don't play when we're that age. But it turns out to really not be true. We love it just as much. And it makes just a big difference in our lives to keep doing it. So I agree with you. Why not?

Jake Pearson  06:35

Absolutely. And before we head off, just a couple of quick words, what would you say to the listener right now who is absolutely just entranced by your peace and is looking to find a little bit of happiness in their life. Just a quick couple of words there.

Rick DellaRatta  06:49

There's something extremely unique about all of us, a lot of times we let our ego get in the way. And when we want to be better than him or he's better or who's better, this guy's worse. Actually, we are all individually so special. I am absolutely positive. There is something about you that I could never do in a million years, and maybe no one else in the world could do except you. You are the man, you are the woman, you are as far as what you really are what's there. And I would say try to find your star and be that one unique thing that nobody else really could do except you. Because I look in people and I see it and it amazes me every day in all walks of life.

Jake Pearson  07:34

Beautifully said. Find the quality that is uniquely you and embody that. 

Rick DellaRatta, thank you so much for coming on the podcast and sharing all things in your life that make you happy. It's been an absolute pleasure. And if you'd love to connect with Rick and learn more about what he does, you can visit his links in the podcast episode description below. 

Thanks Rick, and we'll talk soon. 

Thanks for listening to the podcast. We hope it gives you something to think about on your quest to discover what makes you happy. Don't forget to leave a review or a comment and follow us on all our social media platforms so you can see our upcoming guests calendar. Thanks for listening. We'll see you next time !