I recently met with Ledyard author Steven M. Ayer, who believes that the key to achieving and holding on to happiness is the ability to live life simply.

In his self-published book, “Choosing Simplicity,” Ayer outlines his own methods and concepts of reaching happiness in a world filled with chaos.

“I call it living on top of a mountain,” he said. “Its being content where you are and with what you have. The only way to get there is if you know you’re doing everything you can to make better choices in life. If you’re making sub-par choices, you’re not going to be happy.”

For the last 17 years, Ayer has worked in the financial advisory business, buying gold and silver for clients, investing in hedge funds and other alternative investments.

Even though he’s still working in the field, the “biased” rat-race of Wall Street helped shape his mind around the challenges of everyday life.

When the economic and market environments started to decline in 2008, he said those challenges inspired him to write a book.

To read more about Steven's book, pick up this week's issue of The Thames River Times.