I think I need to take a break from this incessant reading. Maybe I'll do that after I finish this next one: The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner. Also borrowed from the library, in this book the author travels to the world's notoriously happy places to figure out why its people are so content.
I'm only a couple pages in, but I've already wondered: Would these people be just as happy elsewhere? Is it the environment and that country's policies that creates the bliss or the culture its people have grown up in that's instilled that happiness within each person? I guess those questions depend on each particular country and how they've approached the state of bliss.
What do you think creates true happiness?
I believe happiness is a combination of things. I do believe that people in certain countries are happier than people who live elsewhere because they live under less stress and stress causes unhappiness and depression.
ReplyDeleteSometimes we work so much that we have no time for a personal life and no matter how accomplished we are professionaly we have the desire of having a rich personal life too. I think you and I have talked about this before but I really believe that people should put as much effort in their personal lives as they do in their career/profesional life. Keeping friendships alive requires time, time to meet up for drinks, time to talk on the phone. Keeping relationships alive with family members also requires time. And a romantic relationship we all know requires time too.
So I guess if we could all live a well balnaced life where we make time for work and make time to live life outside of work we would be much better and much happier. Of course it takes effort to accomplish this.
But really all things in life worth living/having/experiencing take effort. If not it's probably not worth having at all.
Ok, I'm done :)
I think happiness is something you have to keep working at and constantly cultivating so it doesn't dry up and rot. I'll now give you all a moment to let that sink in...
ReplyDeleteI think happiness is both a state of mind and related to your surroundings. I'd rather mine become a permanent state of bliss so I can carry that with me wherever I go.
Also, if we put so much effort into our careers and climbing that ladder, like Heidi mentioned, then it's just as important to set time aside to work on what makes us happy too. I would think it'd be much easier to devote time for playing instead of slaving over work, work and more work, but it's not! What's wrong with us? Why do I keep pushing aside the things I want to do for me so I can answer to someone/something else work related?
That's it. I'm putting my foot down. More play time for Dorkys. I just have to get started on these articles :)
But I did have tons of fun over my four-day weekend. Details to follow soon!
P.S. I think mid-day naps are the true key to happiness. Siesta, siesta, que viva la siesta...
ReplyDelete