Me Thinks

For a couple of years now I have wanted to watch this documentary and I finally did.  There were inspiring stories and insightful thoughts.  I was impressed with the successful businessman who now volunteers in a home for the dying, and the family that lives in trying, impoverished circumstances and yet finds happiness together. Here are a few points I came away with:

The constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness.  You have to catch it yourself. (Ben Franklin)

We, through intention, can change our brain.  Happiness is 50% genetic attitude tendency, 10% circumstance, and 40% intentional activities. Think of happiness as a skill.

We studied happy people and without exception all had close associations with family and friends.

Extrinsic goals are things like money, image, and status.  Examples of intrinsic values are: personal growth, relationships, and a community feeling.  Individuals who make extrinsic goals their focus display less life satisfaction, are more depressed and more anxious than people who seek after intrinsic goals.

We all need something bigger than ourselves to think about. Once you think about things bigger than yourself, your life grows.

Compassion leads to happiness. There is sweetness in taking up someone's burden a little bit. You serve your brother and it gives you a fulfilled, happy life.

My life is like a loan given from God.  I will give this loan back but with interest.

The best thing we can do for a child is help them learn love.

To laugh is very important.

How do you find happiness?  Count your blessings, perform random acts of kindness, play, have new experiences, develop relationships with family and friends, do things that are meaningful, appreciate what you have. These are the things that make us happy and they are free!