I've done a tremendous amount of research on happiness over the years and it is an issue, I am always surprised. The people are so incredibly complex creatures. Adding to the ever-evolving technological and materialistic age in which we live, and happiness seems more and more difficult. So, what can we do to do more happiness in our lives? Here are three nuggets Fortunately, I've discovered over the years.
Build happy memories
On vacation a fewYear ago, we packed the kids into the car and drove to Cape Cod, it was cold, wet and miserable. After a few days, the sun broke through the clouds, rain, and away we went to the beach in Chatham. Far in the distance we saw a strange black substance. Rocks? What was it? It went on. As we neared that big black mass, we discovered, much to our surprise, a large group of over two hundred seals playfully lollygagging on a sandbank, a hundred yards ahead of us!The children fell in love in the sweet, thick baby seals look with large, moist brown eyes. We parked ourselves on the beach sitting in awe of the wonderful scene, they enjoy for hours.
Do you think that the kids are happy when I bring myself to that memory? Absolutely! It lights up (their faces and me) every time. They think about their used video games in the same way? Heck, no! Memories like a lifetime. And it need not be cute baby seals. Ason a hike in the mountains? Or a trip to the zoo? Good memories for a lifetime, "stuff" does not.
A great attitude is just a thought.
How often do you have to be met someone at work, at the supermarket or even friends, "How's it going," only in order with a mumbled, "Not too bad"? I have come across many unfortunate people, especially in the service industry, to the point where I try to avoid all dark, not reluctantly or simply mean people whoseem to be living their lives in a permanent funk. But there is one particular lady in my supermarket, which is always a bright smile on her face, a joyful Hello and the extra mile to make us happy clip coupons for me! I always try, through their cash, because they think that will be much happier day. She expresses herself in such a way that frankly, I doubt very happy with them coming into the work that "It is not so bad" that we all hear over and over again.
Notit goes bad? The only saddened me. To select your mannerisms, body language and words carefully. How about "It's going great"? Along with a great big smile, of course! You need people who will give a quick double take and maybe you'll even your mood to others. The power of attitude is simply amazing.
Old ladies in Italy probably not the worship of the Internet and iPods.
During a trip to Florence, Italy, I looked out the window one morning and wasaffected by a friendly talking scene of older Italian women. The charm was washed, white sheets flapping on clotheslines over the street - the kind of scene from an old movie. These ladies certainly not sitting at a computer and chatting on the Internet! And that's what scary about our supposedly technologically superior culture. It should bring us closer together. Remember global community and all that jazz? But it has brought us closer togethertogether?
We seem to have more time on the computer or video games squatted without spending our neighbors in our cocoon of electronics and Suburbia. Connect with friends, neighbors and your children can be very satisfying when all the technical clutter is pushed aside. And the connections are the most genuine and is probably the happiest you have. The Italian ladies were really enjoying their face-to-face time. Maybe it's time for a little less e-mail and chatLocations and a little more authentic communication to regain our humanity. We will be so much happier.
Let a little happiness recipe.
A full cup of everlasting beautiful memories,
A cup packed positive attitude,
An overflowing cup of authentic communication.
Mix well.
Makes many beautiful portions.
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