In The Pursuit of Happiness

I just recently put this link in another thread but felt it deserved it’s own thread because of the nuggets of wisdom it contains.

Sometimes as humans we invariably look for happiness in shallow places, only to feel disappointed when it does not procure a lasting happiness.

leadinghigher.com...

Here are 10 surprising truths about the pursuit of happiness: 1. Once your income is above the poverty level, more money does not correlate with more happiness.a 2. Activities that make people happy in small doses – such as shopping, good food and making money – do not lead to fulfillment in the long term, indicating that these have quickly diminishing returns.b 3. People who express gratitude on a regular basis have better physical health, more optimism, make more progress toward goals, and help others more.c 4. Trying to make yourself happy can actually lead to unhappiness.d 5. People who witness others perform good deeds experience an emotion called ‘elevation’ and this motivates them to perform their own good deeds.e 6. A positive attitude (optimism) can protect people from mental and physical illness.f 7. People who are optimistic or happy have better performance in work, school and sports, are less depressed, have fewer physical health problems, and have better relationships with other people. Further, optimism can be measured and it can be learned.g 8. People who report more positive emotions in young adulthood live longer and healthier lives.h 9. What does NOT make people happier? (1) Wealth (2) Education (3) Youth (4) Sunny weather What DOES make people happier?i (1) Relationships (2) Giving (3) Religious Faith 10. Proven interventions that can change your happiness level:j (1) Performing acts of altruism and kindness (2) Discovering your strengths and finding new ways to use them (3) Expressing gratitude (4) Giving to others – it adds meaning to your life

That didn’t copy and paste well on my phone, reading the link is better.

Personally, I have found gratitude to be an immense help in my life. It has saved me from serious depression as well as given me a sense of what is important in life.

I really like this article.. Do have a read and let me know what you think.

I've been rich and I've been flat broke and homeless; Both have their advantages. Relationships made me happy regardless of the circumstances.

But anyone that wants to find happiness thru poverty. I'll take care of your stuff!!

a reply to: Sheye

Getting plenty of rest is also important. Lack of rest can really take a toll on your attitude and health. Americans don't get enough rest anymore.

a reply to: olaru12

But anyone that wants to find happiness thru poverty. I'll take care of your stuff!!

😂... The article said being above the poverty level brings happiness, but not necessarily being wealthy. 😏

Do you really want other people’s stuff though ? I’m finding I’m getting weighed down by material possessions and I would really love to downsize. But then again I’m older, and realizing I can’t take any of it with me.

originally posted by: BELIEVERpriest
a reply to: Sheye

Getting plenty of rest is also important. Lack of rest can really take a toll on your attitude and health. Americans don't get enough rest anymore.

Excellent point ! It’s those things that can really make a difference in the quality of life.

Giving only works when the the receiver is deserving of the giving and deserving people aren't begging on the corner I know that much.

a reply to: Stupidsecrets

That's not always true. I knew someone who lost his entire family to the socialist regime in Venezuela and had a stroke because of the loss. He managed to come to the US, and was begging on the streets for months before he was able to find someone willing to give him a job.

originally posted by: BELIEVERpriest
a reply to: Stupidsecrets

That's not always true. I knew someone who lost his entire family to the socialist regime in Venezuela and had a stroke because of the loss. He managed to come to the US, and was begging on the streets for months before he was able to find someone willing to give him a job.

Wow.. incredible story.
We don’t really know the back story of beggars, unless of course you know them quite well personally. It’s probably best not to make assumptions on who is deserving and who is not.

a reply to: Sheye

I read somewhere that after 100k per year,
happiness is no longer part of the equation.
In other words, after 100k after taxes,
happiness is no longer correlated to income.
Psychological survey says.
Personally I think it is 200k per annum,
a healthy love life, and an Audubon
bird feeder filled all winter.

S&F

Do you really want other people’s stuff though ? I’m finding I’m getting weighed down by material possessions and I would really love to downsize. But then again I’m older, and realizing I can’t take any of it with me.

a reply to: Sheye

Not really, I'm on the upside of life currently and more stuff would just slow me down.

It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see......HDT

originally posted by: Wildmanimal
a reply to: Sheye

I read somewhere that after 100k per year,
happiness is no longer part of the equation.
In other words, after 100k after taxes,
happiness is no longer correlated to income.
Psychological survey says.
Personally I think it is 200k per annum,
a healthy love life, and an Audubon
bird feeder filled all winter.

S&F

I could live very happily on 50k a year .. more than enough for me ! I’m not into a lot of expensive material goods.. and love finding good bargains. Yeah.. I’d feel rich pulling in 50k 😆.. would probably give to those who really needed it.

a reply to: Sheye

Optimists are just living in denial of reality. A form of psychosis.

I don't know if it's possible to be always "happy" or what that even means, seems not very scientific.
In my opinion to aim for a purpose and fullfillment in what you do is the only way to have a satisfying life.
You might live shorter and less healthy but you never had a day wasted. No regrets. That seems much better than a shallow smile on your face and constantly mumbling "everything is fine" even though you know it's untrue.

a reply to: Sheye

That is what you think.
Wait until your kids and grand kids
come along.

Talk about saving it to give to those
who will really need it.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!S&F

a reply to: Peeple

Optimists are just living in denial of reality. A form of psychosis.

That is a very pessimistic thing to say 😆. Optimism is NOT a form of psychosis, it’s simply a mental state that allows you to believe in positive outcomes . Absolutely nothing wrong with a little optimism in this life.

I don't know if it's possible to be always "happy" or what that even means, seems not very scientific.

Actually, the article mentions you can’t find happiness by constantly looking for it, or something to that effect. I don’t think it’s suggested you should be happy 24/7.

In my opinion to aim for a purpose and fullfillment in what you do is the only way to have a satisfying life. You might live shorter and less healthy but you never had a day wasted. No regrets. That seems much better than a shallow smile on your face and constantly mumbling "everything is fine" even though you know it's untrue.

You are entitled to your opinion, and purpose and fulfillment are important in a satisfying life, but aren’t the be all and end all to them. Many live very healthy, happy lives just living and giving with love through friends and family.

It is your unkind judgement that uses the word the word shallow to describe a sincere smile that is really the problem here. Who said an optimist continually mumbles ‘everything will be fine” ? Optimism is the hope that things can and may be fine, not an unrealistic guarantee that they will be.

a reply to: Peeple

I see happiness as living a life of meaning; one in which you truly believe that the pain is just as meaningful as the pleasure. I don't think its possible to constantly maintain a positive emotional state. That would be a fake optimism which will ultimately lead to psychosis, but simply believing that all things work together for a greater good is fertile grounds for happiness.

If you're in pain, know that it can make you stronger, and will eventually pass. If you're feeling good, use the energy to accomplish something meaningful to you.