Happiness is not defined by our wealth or our status, but by how we choose to live our lives.
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4 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.A little happiness goes a long way
Especially if it's shared around
Now who'd have thought I'd ever say
Something that's so profound
JW2019
Fretherne1
Level 7
May 1, 2019
1
Absolutely true. We do not usually choose to be poor, however, and this can impact on our ability to feel happiness.
Marionville
Level 10
Apr 30, 2019
2
You are right. However, some of the poorest people in the world are the happiest.
@Athena I am not sure that they are the happiest. I have been to some very poor countries and yes they do smile but that doesn't mean that they are happy. If your stomach is growling and you don't know how to pay your rent or feed your children I find it difficult to think that one would be happy.
@Jolanta
Money can contribute to physical wellness which is why I say some is needed. The research on this is vast, citing that poorer countries prioritize relationships and find joy in much simpler things.
We, who have many comforts, find it difficult to believe these people are happy. This is based on our own requirements, living in places where we've learned to need more.
In the documentary "Happy" filmmakers visit the poorest countries to show where true happiness comes from. They take nothing for granted and gratitude is a foundation for happiness.
I know some very wealthy people who are negative, whiny, ungrateful and always complaining. Similarly, I've met others who have just barely enough to get by, whose eyes sparkle and bring joy to every moment.
@Athena I take your point and I know first hand through working with an international aid charity for a number of years and visiting our projects in Africa and Asia, that the simplest of things can bring great happiness to people who have virtually nothing. However, it is much harder to be happy and poor in a rich country, because we can see the material things all around us which we are told we need to be happy. The advertising industry is in the business of selling the idea that we can only be happy if we have the latest models and gadgets, this of course is not where true happiness lies, but it has an irresistible pull for millions. It makes people unhappy to not have what others have, and gets them into debt by encouraging them to live beyond their means, thus piling on the unhappiness.
I absolutely agree with that. Having very little in rich countries makes the quest for happiness much greater. You've really got to have the strength to, or be gifted with the ability to find joy in the things you can't take with you when you die.
I agree. Being poor to the extent that your physical well being is always under threat makes survival difficult, let alone a happy experience.
One way of life does not fit all.
Happiness is available to everyone, depending on one's ability to maintain a positive perspective and position of gratitude.
Money is needed to some extent, but we know for SURE it can't buy happiness or prevent depression, addiction or bad decisions overall.
Athena
Level 8
Apr 30, 2019
3
The bluebird of happiness
Is forever out of reach
Some seek it in wild places
Some while lying on a beach
Look for it in the future
Forget it in the past
And if you ever find it
Just hope that it'll last
JW2019
Fretherne1
Level 7
Apr 30, 2019
2
Even if it last for a brief time. I'll take it.
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