Five Things Happy People Do

Written by bivvy
Wednesday, 27 February 2008

Sages going back to Socrates have offered advice on how to be happy, but only now are scientists beginning to address this question with systematic, controlled research. Although many of the new studies reaffirm time-honored wisdom ("Do what you love," "To thine own self be true"), they also add a number of fresh twists and insights." (O, The Oprah Magazine)

Topics:

* They find their most golden self.
* They design their lives to bring in joy.
* They avoid "if only" fantasies.
* They put best friends first.
* They allow themselves to be happy.

Somehow these suggestions from 'O' Magazine don't look like they would cut it in Ethiopia. I'm unhappy that experts are turning to 'O' magazine to scientifically test how we could be happy - and think billionaires should be excluded from the list of random sampling of opinions. Make that millionaires too.

Happineess is probably the most highly individual attained status of them all - e.g. the child who is estatic when getting a much needed artificial leg.

I'm one of the few who doesn't subscribe to the power of Oprah - it's money - based, as is most power.

paula

Specially the following :
"They allow themselves to be happy:
As much as we all think we want it, many of us are convinced, deep down, that it's wrong to be happy (or too happy). Whether the belief comes from religion, culture, or the family you were raised in, it usually leaves you feeling guilty if you're having fun.

"Some people would say you shouldn't strive for personal happiness until you've taken care of everyone in the world who is starving or doesn't have adequate medical care," says Howard Cutler, MD, coauthor with the Dalai Lama of The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World. "The Dalai Lama believes you should pursue both simultaneously. For one thing, there is clear research showing that happy people tend to be more open to helping others. They also make better spouses and parents." And in one famous study, nuns whose autobiographies expressed positive emotions (such as gratitude and optimism) lived seven to 10-and-a-half years longer than other nuns. So, for any die-hard pessimist who still needs persuading, just think of how much more you can help the world if you allow a little happiness into your life.