What a lovely article. Years ago I heard the comment, "Most people are as happy as they make up their minds to be." by Abraham Lincoln. It has helped me throughout life. Whenever I am not happy, I recall this and work on it. I learned that one way is to name 10 things that are good. It can be tough but it's possible. I was unhappy at work, in the bathroom, running out of ideas, then for #10 I realized there was toilet paper. So often it can be missing. That completed my list and my mood did change.
Thank you for this. Perspective does indeed play a big role in how we choose to see the world and our place in it. As I get older I find it's the simple things that bring me the most joy - as well as the journey versus the destination. My biggest challenges are how to instill a long-term sense of faith, gratitude, well-being, and delayed gratification in my children (all sources of genuine happiness) when the world we now live in promotes secularism, immediate gratification, entitlement and white guilt.
Very timely. Heard sermon on Psalm 119 yesterday. As I boil it down we're faced with the choice of pursuing:
1. Our happiness or
2. God's glory
My observation is that those who make happiness their be all and end all often don't end up with a lot of happiness even through that's what they were after. Those who pursue God's glory often get happiness thrown in even though that wasn't what their goal.
Read anything you can find by Christopher Rufo. Happiness is purposefully eroded by the radical left because they can gain control by having outraged, unhappy people.
John...my current definition of happiness is winning the White House by any Republican in 2024. Your sixth point says...”the evidence says that equity and fairness will not bring happiness”. I agree. I’m all for the great efforts toward fair elections, I’m just much more for winning.
There is only one way to true happiness (Peace of Mind) and that is by doing what you know is right in each precious moment. If you choose not to, you will have Conflict of Mind, an unhappy state.
I’ve had many conversations with Liberals throughout my life. Virtually all have left me saddened and filled with pity for them.
I’ve yet to find one who agrees there’s such a thing as doing what’s right based on absolute principles from God, let alone anything ultimately beyond their feelings. A leaf floating on the water has a more fixed purpose and moral sense that any Liberal I know. They’re the essence of Improv itself.
Who can be happy trying to be God? It’s hard enough just being human.
What a lovely article. Years ago I heard the comment, "Most people are as happy as they make up their minds to be." by Abraham Lincoln. It has helped me throughout life. Whenever I am not happy, I recall this and work on it. I learned that one way is to name 10 things that are good. It can be tough but it's possible. I was unhappy at work, in the bathroom, running out of ideas, then for #10 I realized there was toilet paper. So often it can be missing. That completed my list and my mood did change.
Thank you for this. Perspective does indeed play a big role in how we choose to see the world and our place in it. As I get older I find it's the simple things that bring me the most joy - as well as the journey versus the destination. My biggest challenges are how to instill a long-term sense of faith, gratitude, well-being, and delayed gratification in my children (all sources of genuine happiness) when the world we now live in promotes secularism, immediate gratification, entitlement and white guilt.
Jo: Yes those are challanges for your kids, but that's why parents get paid the Big Bucks!
I’m proud to share this.
Thank you!
Very timely. Heard sermon on Psalm 119 yesterday. As I boil it down we're faced with the choice of pursuing:
1. Our happiness or
2. God's glory
My observation is that those who make happiness their be all and end all often don't end up with a lot of happiness even through that's what they were after. Those who pursue God's glory often get happiness thrown in even though that wasn't what their goal.
Agreed
John, you forgot one happiness quote - "You will own nothing and be happy" - Klaus Schwab
Thank goodness I "forgot" that...
Glad you did forget it.
Read anything you can find by Christopher Rufo. Happiness is purposefully eroded by the radical left because they can gain control by having outraged, unhappy people.
Yes, on target.
John...my current definition of happiness is winning the White House by any Republican in 2024. Your sixth point says...”the evidence says that equity and fairness will not bring happiness”. I agree. I’m all for the great efforts toward fair elections, I’m just much more for winning.
Winning is good, but there is more to happiness than that.
There is only one way to true happiness (Peace of Mind) and that is by doing what you know is right in each precious moment. If you choose not to, you will have Conflict of Mind, an unhappy state.
I’ve had many conversations with Liberals throughout my life. Virtually all have left me saddened and filled with pity for them.
I’ve yet to find one who agrees there’s such a thing as doing what’s right based on absolute principles from God, let alone anything ultimately beyond their feelings. A leaf floating on the water has a more fixed purpose and moral sense that any Liberal I know. They’re the essence of Improv itself.
Who can be happy trying to be God? It’s hard enough just being human.
Amen to that!
Good perspective.