Happiness

The Happy Movie was produced by Roko Belic after years of research around the world. The opening scenes were of a man living in the slums of India with his family in a "house" that looked like a slight breeze might blow over. He talked of days where his feet were sore from the hot ground when he ran through India pulling people in a Rickshaw. He spoke of the monsoon days when the streets were flooded, but surprisingly he said he was happy. He attributed this to his children running to meet him when he arrived home in the evening and he had great neighbors and friends.

So is the key to happiness community and a sense of belonging? Although Japan has the least happy population focusing on achievements and long working hours (they even have a name for death by overwork karoshi), Okinawa has a population with longevity of over 100 years. In Okinawa they focus on community and elders treat the children as if they were their own grandchildren, an act of kindness.

Happiness is 50% genetics, 10% of circumstance and 40% of intentional behavior.

To sum it up, extrinsic values such as success, image and status do not increase happiness whereas intrinsic values do (personal growth, relationships, desire to help). The hedonic treadmill has a theory that after a bad or good experience, people return to a state of neutrality. Once our basic needs are met the increase in wealth has little effect on happiness.

Roko Belic's list for happiness:

1. Practice gratitude - write a list each week of things you are grateful for.
2. Community and friends - spend time with friends and family. When we are part of a community it makes people switch from thinking what they don't have to what they do have.
3. Focus - completely immerse yourself in an activity or hobby. Live in the moment.
4. Be a part of something offering meaning (volunteer for a good cause)
5. Act with compassion - Do something for others.
6. Exercise - increase dopamine by exercising (aerobic)

I've Been Tagged

I was tagged this week by Beth at Being Beth. The idea is to write down six things that make you happy and then tag others.

1. My children have to be at the top of the list. This week-end was special. My daughter Cheryl and I made bedroom curtains and any time we spend together is a true blessing. She is not only my daughter but my best friend. Then there's my son Nathan. He was born on Christmas day and his name means gift. I am proud of him for his convictions and beliefs and his kindness to others. Today, he treated us to lunch as a celebration (he received a promotion and a raise). Nothing makes me happier than spending time with my family. I am one fortunate mom.

2. This has to be my dogs and cat who are special.

3. My garden. My sister pointed out today that my mum loved to garden and I remember coming home from school finding her puttering around in the garden. Our house was full of house plants (as is mine) and I take delight in watching something grow. A few hours in the garden can get rid of many frustrations.

4. Writing. I've found that although I've always enjoyed writing, finding friends who are on the same page (excuse the pun) make it fun. My friend's husband calls us the Word Nerds.

5. Travel. I love to travel whether it's a week-end in a small Texas town, a gondola ride through the canals of Venice, or a cruise. Getting away to somewhere different is wonderful.

6. There are so many other things that make me happy, music (especially by Andrea Bocelli), art, a concert, dinner with friends, talking to my neighbors.

But happiness and contentment go hand in hand and today I find that I am truly content. I live in a nice neighborhood with wonderful neighbors, I have many friends and a full life. I wouldn't change anything that has happened, good or bad, because it's made me the person I am today and while some things I would prefer not to remember, together they have brought me to a comfortable place where I wake up each day with enthusiasm and yes, happiness.