For decades, we’ve been taught to pursue success, status, and security—often at the expense of joy. But what if we’ve had it backwards all along?
In his debut book My Apple Pie of Happiness, Jean-Sébastien Busque challenges the cultural script of hustle and sacrifice. Instead, he offers a radical but refreshingly simple idea: make happiness your non-negotiable criteria and watch everything else fall into place.
This message matters more than ever. While it might seem obvious that pursuing happiness is beneficial, research shows that how we pursue it makes all the difference. A 2012 study published in Emotion found that people who chase happiness too intensely, especially in individualistic cultures, can end up feeling lonelier and more disconnected (Mauss et al., 2012). The researchers noted that when people put too much pressure on themselves to be happy, it can ironically make them feel worse.
This is where Busque’s approach stands out. Rather than framing happiness as a perfectionist goal to achieve, he treats it as a daily practice of presence, authenticity, and connection. “We’ve been taught to treat happiness like a finish line,” he says. “But it’s actually a way of traveling. The ultimate secret is to stop chasing it and start choosing it.”
After losing both parents, caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, and burning out professionally, Busque hit rock bottom. “Alone in my living room, I was falling fast into a dark hole,” he recalls. “The only answer I had was to begin a real, raw, and deeply personal quest for happiness not the kind sold in movies, but the kind that fills your heart with peace.”
That quest became the heart of his book, a collection of 40 powerful lessons for anyone navigating life’s messy middle.
Below, he shares five of his most transformative takeaways:
- Give Yourself Permission to Prioritize Happiness.
Most of us are wired to please others before ourselves. But as Busque says, “YOU deserve to be your happiest self.” Happiness isn’t selfish—it’s foundational. - Say Yes to New Help and Healing.
Whether it’s a therapist, coach, or spontaneous opportunity, be open to support that nudges you into a new perspective. Do not be afraid to experiment outside of your comfort zone. - Let Go of Who You Were to Become Who You Are.
Change is messy. But it’s in the uncertainty that we often rediscover what truly matters. - Use Happiness as a Compass.
“If it doesn’t bring joy,” Busque says, “ask yourself why you’re doing it.” Stop performing for approval and start aligning with your truth. - Honor Your Younger and Older Self.
Would your 8-year-old self be proud of who you are today? Would your 80-year-old self be proud of what you chose? Let them guide you.
Busque’s story is deeply personal but undeniably universal. His blend of wit, warmth, and wisdom makes even the hardest truths feel like a conversation with a dear friend. As one reader puts it, “Your book made me laugh, made me cry, but most of all, made me realize that it’s the small moments that lead to the biggest happiness.” – Sara D.
Jean-Sébastien is now a sought-after speaker and transformation expert, guiding individuals and organizations through change with compassion and clarity. His core belief? “When you put happiness at the center of your decisions, you reclaim your power. Life gets simpler. And far more delicious.”
So if you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to choose joy and peace of mind, consider this your invitation. As Busque reminds us: “Happiness isn’t a destination. It’s a daily choice and you deserve to choose it now.”
To learn more or grab your copy of My Apple Pie of Happiness, visit:
📘 Amazon Canada Due to a typo, I had to republish my english version : Amazon USA: https://a.co/d/3mdE7JS And Amazon Canada: https://a.co/d/b8JISrn
🌐 www.jsbusque.com
📱 @jsbusque Social Links
APA References:
Mauss IB, Savino NS, Anderson CL, Weisbuch M, Tamir M, Laudenslager ML. The pursuit of happiness can be lonely. Emotion. 2012 Oct;12(5):908-12. doi: 10.1037/a0025299. Epub 2011 Sep 12. PMID: 21910542.
