Monday, September 08, 2008 Two things happy people do POST A COMMENT In this article from Oprah Magazine - 'Five things happy people do,' they spoke with experts to find common traits in happy people...I picked two of the five listed (and added my own take on it). (1) Happy People -- avoid "if only" fantasies. If only I get a better job…find a man…lose the weight…life will be perfect. Happy people don't buy into this kind of thinking...'instead, keep their lives full of novelty, even if it's just trying a new activity (diving, yoga) or putting a new spin on an old favorite (kundalini instead of vinyasa).' To me, this has much to do with the added stress caused by trying to keep-up-with-the-Jones, or worrying about what other people have. Envy can be a real bummer. I also agree that keeping yourself busy with variations on regular everyday things keeps the brain from getting too much comfort. (2) Happy People 'put best friends first. It's no surprise that social engagement is one of the most important contributors to happiness. What's news is that the nature of the relationship counts...One of the most essential pleasures of close friendship is simple companionship, "just hanging out..." -- going to the movies together and eating popcorn in the dark.' I get this: simple companionship with people I like goes a long way. I know a cut-throat dude that is so driven by making money, that he chooses his friends only by how they can forward his career (The no-losers allowed club). While I'm lucky enough to fit into that club, I ended up distancing myself from him because I don't subscribe to that theory that you discard friends as you move up the social ladder. Having more money doesn't make you a better friend. Overall, I happen to one of those that believe happiness is over-rated. I embrace my sadness and sorrow as part of life's lessons. If we sat around ignoring the the bad things that surround us don't we then lose that hunger to work towards change? Source: Oprah Magazine Labels: Oprah, The Happiness Project posted by Henry Cruz at 11:57 AM 0 Comments: Post a Comment << Home     ARCHIVES October 2005 . November 2005 . December 2005 . August 2007 . September 2007 . October 2007 . November 2007 . December 2007 . March 2008 . April 2008 . May 2008 . June 2008 . July 2008 . August 2008 . September 2008 .