What makes people happy ?

USA Today ^ | 12-9-2002 | Marilyn Elias

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

What examples of "flow" can you find in your own life? How do they affect your level of satisfaction and happiness?

Consider your strengths. How do you incorporate them into your daily life? Do you agree with Csikszentmihalyi's assertion that "people feel best when doing what they do best"? Why or why not?

[viaveritasvita]

Psychobabble if ever heard it. Borrowed from the Power of Positive Thinking movement of the...60's, I think (can't remember the author's name), which itself was probably borrowed from some previous don't worry, be happy movement and also have some Biblical principles, but without the Source, Jesus Christ. Why don't you send this article to the family of the missing pregnant woman? Happiness is an elusive, transitory feeling; contentment is attainable and sustainable.

[Fintan]

Well, since you asked...

[Aracelis]

Alone? Don't you bring "Fredinand the Ferret" with you?

She will be with me, but caged...until work is done. Then she can run and investigate. BTW, I still haven't thought of a suitable name.

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

Silicone makes you happy?

[ValerieUSA]

Sounds like the commandments that begin with "Thou shalt not covet...." are the secret to happiness.

[cibco]

"Silicone makes you happy?"

I'll take two tubes please...

[Howlin]

Those who say money won't buy happiness don't know where to shop.

It makes a nice down payment on it.

[ASA Vet]

It certainly can.

[cmsgop]

Great Work Fintan! I can always count on you !

[cmsgop]

Is that an Alien ?

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

Obviously you have HBO. Did you read the testimonials on that website? What kind of a creep would buy those things?

[ASA Vet]

Nope

[Taxman]

Good FRiends, good whiskey and good loving!

Seriously, in Man's Search for Meaning, Dr. Frankl captured the essence of it, IMHO.

As I recall, Dr. Frankl postulated that happines is a derived condition, not attainable as a direct goal. Those people who constantly and directly seek happiness probably will never find it.

Those people who seek to live useful, productive lives have a better chance of attaining happiness. I.e., it is the mission that is important.

Been a while since I read that marvelous book, but that is how I remember the essence of it -- and that is how I try to live my life. Of course, good FRiends, good whiskey and good loving help a great deal!

Thanks for the post. May I commend Man's Search for Meaning to all FReepers? No psycho-babble there -- just some very helpful observations and information about life and living.

[ASA Vet]

I don't allow HBO in my home, never have.
Sorry I don't know what HBO thing you're talking about.

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

HBO did a segment about the making of those real life dolls. It was the most bizarre thing I had ever seen.

[ASA Vet]

Ok, Thanks for the explanation.
I have large dish, and subscibe to channels individually.
HBO is not one of them.

[goodnesswins]

The pursuit of GOODNESS makes for Happiness, IMHO. Here's to a GOOD (and happy) NEW YEAR TO ALL!

[nmh]

I have moments of sadness but they don't last long. The most recent sad event for me was my nearly 15 year old cat having to be put to sleep. He had lymphoma in his liver and kidneys. He was supposed to die natrually in one to two weeks. He didn't. He hung in there for another six month and was more affectionate than ever. Yes he lost weight but kept on eating. It was less and why we finally had the vet some to put him down. It was love that kept him going. As for me, I loved seeing him happy and as content as he could be under the circumstances. He never hid. He loved us and why he lasted for so long. Even in passing, he looked content.

What kept me going is my faith in Jesus. It was time for Felix to go home. I know he is loved in heaven. What the sanctimonious won't admit or tell you is that there is a Hebrew word called nephesh. In most situtions it means soul. It occurs in the old Hebrew Bible 754 times.

It is used in conjunction to human beings and the lower animals. For the lower animals it is in 22 passages and rendered in nine different ways. The nine different ways are as a "creature", "thing", "life", "the life", "beast", "fish", "her". For man and the lower animals it is used in seven passages in three different ways: "creature", "the life", and "soul".

I could go on and on but you get the picture. It is reasurring for me to know that my precious pets soul is in heaven and someday we'll be reunited. So, for me Christ gives me happiness through His love and compassion. Knowing that no matter what, I can always count on Him makes my soul happy - not material things.

[Fintan]

That was a bit Freudian. Care to discuss? ;-) XXXX

[longshadow]

She will be with me, but caged...until work is done. Then she can run and investigate. BTW, I still haven't thought of a suitable name.

Revise previous name selection from "Ferdinand" to "Ferggie" (as in the former Princess known as ....).