What Makes You Happy?
@okwusman1 (2247)
Abuja, Nigeria
January 12, 2009 8:17am CST
I had to laugh once when I read this newspaper headline in USA Today: "Psychologists now know what makes people happy." I didn't know happiness was a secret to be discovered by my noble profession! Curious, I kept reading. What were these exciting new findings?
1. The happiest people are those who spend the least time alone and pursue intimacy and personal growth
2. Happy people don't judge themselves by what others do or have. That is, they don't compare themselves with others.
3. Materialism is toxic for happiness.
4. Materialism is toxic for happiness.
5. Actions matter. It's not just what you believe or your outlook on life that contributes to happiness.
6. Happy people know their strengths and use them.
7. People who feel gratitude are happy.
8. The strongest link to happiness is a willingness to forgive others.
What do you say about this? you input can help somebody today!
1 person likes this
7 responses
@syankee525 (6261)
• United States
13 Jan 09
a few years i was happy because i was working and making money. i was strong as a bull. then one day i got hurt bad. mess up my back and couldn't afford my bills and take care of my family.
then i was seeking in happiness, love and my faith in God.
i came to relize to what makes me happy. yeah i don't have much money, everyday is pain is in my life. keeps me from sleeping or wakes me up.
but what makes me happy ? my family which is great and very supportive of me. to be able to forgive others and let things go. not allowing other to control my emotion and angar no more. and having my faith stronger then ever. just being alive makes me happy
@okwusman1 (2247)
• Abuja, Nigeria
13 Jan 09
syankee, yes, having the opportunity to live should make one happy. yes, you will recover all that you could not get before now.
cheers!
@syankee525 (6261)
• United States
13 Jan 09
recover not in my feature, get worst is the only thing i'm looking at. but hey it could be worst.
@nanajanet (4436)
• United States
13 Jan 09
I agree but another thing is that if you decide that you are happy, you will be. One thing that you wrote, "The strongest link to happiness is a willingness to forgive others," is very important. People who hold onto grudges are rarely happy. I have seen this over and over.
I enjoy having nice things but I do not expect them, so when I do get them, it is a nice surprise and gives me joy, but I am still happy without material things.
As far as comparing to others, we all have to remember that those who love us, really love us for who we are and so it does not matter, as long as we treat others well. People who spread happiness to others without looking for return treatment (paying it forward) are truly happy because they enjoy giving joy.
I am happy with myself, I do not need to be surrounded by others to be happy but I am happy with them, too.
So, I agree with their findings, although, I already knew this... LOL
@okwusman1 (2247)
• Abuja, Nigeria
13 Jan 09
manajanet, you have made my day, i love your rsponse! you have said it all.
best response for you!
cheers!1 person likes this
@mimpi1911 (25464)
• India
13 Jan 09
I think this a good excerpt, okwusman!
All are solid pints and if we work towards these we would be happy, I am sure. I specially liked point no. 2 and I believe that by bothering and getting hurt on what others have to feel for us only deteriorate our quality of living. If we know who we are we need not worry about the world.
Thanks.
@julialaurene0206 (1262)
• Philippines
13 Jan 09
happiness is knowing that you are doing right and having a peace of mind as well.
@g_aileen09 (1354)
• Philippines
12 Jan 09
Happiness is the realization of being content with what we already have.
@positiveminded1977 (7072)
• India
3 Feb 09
Hmm...like all "studies," it sounds crazy. You cannot reduce anything related to human beings to a formula like this. I, for one, am happy when I don't have too many human beings yapping around me. So, that point one doesn't hold true for me.
Cheers and happy Mylotting
