This article below really inspired me. I've been thinking about happiness a lot lately-- why some people are happy and some are not.
Long ago I took a psychology class in college, and was surprised to learn that winning the lottery didn't increase a person's happiness quotient. Being "handicapped" didn't decrease it either. Most people in my class were surprised to learn this. Many of us had fantasized at least once of winning the lottery. What happens is you get a temporary high from winning and then your brain eventually settles back down into its normal chemical balance -- whatever is normal for you. If you're normally depressed, you'll still become a depressed person later, but you'll be depressed with lots of money. Likewise, if you were happy before losing the use of your legs, you'll be sad for awhile, but eventually the sadness will wear off and you'll become a happy person again.
Last week I came across an article revealing new studies on the habits of optimists and how to achieve happiness. These habits can be learned and can brighten anyone's life within reason. I'm going paraphrase. They were simple habits; 1) talk to a friend each day. 2) make a list of the good things in your life once a week, but no more often than that because you're not being realistic 3) we all make mistakes-- cut yourself some slack and move on-- don't dwell 4) if something makes you angry be proactive in changing the situation. 5) be randomly kind
The random kindness is a tough one. I've found it isn't always appreciated. Sometimes people are suspicious or confused. Sometimes it will get thrown back in your face because someone is angry at the world or suffering with issues you can't possibly know about. A horrible incident happened to me last year when someone misinterpreted my kindness. So be careful with that one, but don't be afraid of being kind, just be aware some people do not want your kindness. Getting involved with organizations is a safe way to go. So I've posted this article below. I thought it was wonderful! Imagine what could be done if everyone started doing stuff like this.
HANDS ON ATLANTA Metro residents get busy helping others By JILL VEJNOSKAThe Atlanta Journal-Constitution Published on: 10/07/07
AND ON THE seventh day, practically nobody rested.
Some 15,000 volunteers fanned out across metro Atlanta early Saturday in what felt like the ultimate humanitarian handyman project. From building picnic tables for developmentally disabled children to painting a mural for refugee families, participants in the 17th annual Hands On Atlanta Day did some good for the do-gooders.
One project simply aimed to brighten somebody's life a bit. Nothing can bring back Kyle Moore, the Washington High School football and academic star who was fatally shot while walking home from a MARTA station in May, but at least his mother, Lynn Carter, could get some much needed painting and landscaping at her Sylvan Hills home.
"I've got plenty of brushes, plenty of paint, and she's lost so much," said William Christensen, a general contractor donating his time.
This week-long wave of organized volunteerism began in Thomas County last Saturday and eventually rippled through all 159 counties: In all, 37,000 volunteers took part in 550 projects during "Hands On Georgia Week."
Ultimately, the hope is that some volunteers will decide one "Day" is not enough.
"It's just like the big white sale in January," said Suzanne Wilson Davis, Hands On Georgia's manager of external affairs. "Everyone's come into the store and seen everything going on. And they want to come back."
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