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A Happy Life
A Happy Life
POPULAR
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HOPE
MAGAZINE
UNCLUTTERED
Happiness is in the air. This is true despite the fact that the weather hasn’t
even been that great—it just seems great relative to what we’re used to.
Come fall, however, after a long, hot summer, we will start longing for cool,
crisp air, and even (for some of us) the first snowflakes flying which will
signal the coming ski season. The cycle of expectations and adaptation will
then repeat.
It’s clear from the science that the acquisition of bigger and better things
won’t make us more happy. So what will?
Attaining lasting happiness requires that we enjoy the journey on our way
toward a destination we deem valuable. Happiness is not about making it
to the peak of the mountain nor is it about climbing aimlessly around the
mountain; happiness is the experience of climbing toward the peak.
In this sense, ambition, itself, is not a bad thing. In fact, it’s a very good
thing. If humans did not want for more then we’d still be living in caves,
without access to basic, modern human necessities such as electric ity and
clean water, nor marvels of human ingenuity such as modern medicine, art,
and technology.
One of the most important and growing costs of the modern way of life is
‘cultural fraud’: the promotion of images and ideals of ‘the good life’ that
serve the economy but do not meet psychological needs, nor reflect social
realities. —Richard Eckersley
I would, of course, never presume to suggest that I know what makes you,
or anyone else, happy. We all have distinct visions, preferences, and
desires for our lives. But years of scientific research suggests that certain
things make most of us happy. In particular, happiness is not derived from
attaining outward signals of success (bigger and better in order to “keep up
with the Joneses”), but rather seeking satisfaction from new and novel
experiences in pursuit of a life well lived.
10 Ways to Cultivate More Happiness
What types of experiences pay the biggest happiness dividends?
Comments
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3. Dads Dollars Debts says
May 3, 2018 at 6:45 AM
Trying to find enjoyment in the daily things is what I have found to be most
productive on my journey. And doing what you enjoy while being
surrounded by people you love and trust cannot be underestimated. Great
morning read. Have a good day.
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6. Sarah says
May 3, 2018 at 7:48 AM
Smile more, even if you don’t feel like It? That’s what number 5 says.
But that’s just not being “real”.
I’m not sure I agree with all of the the article.
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o No says
May 3, 2018 at 9:47 AM
Multiple studies have demonstrated a strong correlation there. That
said, pretty weak article.
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7. Marsha says
May 3, 2018 at 8:36 AM
Good post. Thanks.
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9. Daer says
May 3, 2018 at 9:29 AM
Only rich people afford to be minimalist.
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o Justin says
May 5, 2018 at 5:01 AM
Poor people can’t afford NOT to be
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10. laura ann says
May 3, 2018 at 3:47 PM
Meaningful relationships (close friends): Several of my closest friends
passed on in recent years, leaving a void for sometime. We had wonderful
times together.
Another one is in bad shape health wise (we are all retirees). I have to
have like minded friends with common sense. People like that are not easy
to find. Pruning old dead end relationships we outgrow, is a must. Dump
people that drag you down, are shallow, etc. Friends you had when
younger may be different people today. I spend much time reading and
outdoor activities. Have done much decluttering over past year, less stress
less housework.
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13. Bill Peterson says
May 4, 2018 at 4:43 AM
This is one of the best articles I’ve read on the Minamalists’ movement
toward simplicity and happiness. We all must swim up steam against the
larger system that tries to drown us into believing our happiness lies
outside ourselves.
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16. Barry Cash says
May 5, 2018 at 1:46 PM
Rich people don’t seem happy they always want more, more, more. They
can’t use it all so how can it make them happy? We are being conned by
capitalism to believe that buying more will bring happiness but it doesn’t.
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19. K says
May 5, 2018 at 4:31 PM
Nice article, but he omitted one very critical ingredient to achieving
happiness, which is a personal relationship with God through His Son,
Jesus Christ. Without that, there will always be a cosmic size void that only
God, (Yahweh) Himself can fill.
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21. Jo says
May 6, 2018 at 1:46 AM
Thank you for this fantastic article – it’s all so true that it’s the simple things
that make us happy. In the past I have set myself tough goals and once I
have reached the pinnacle – I find myself disappointed and realise that the
journey behind me was what it was all about (if only had been more
present then and not so goal orientated). Now I take my time to enjoy the
journey and am less tough on myself. I have changed careers to something
I am passionate about and the rest seems to be following in terms of
happiness and CONTENTMENT.
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