OUR PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
2 PARAGRAPHS 4 LIBERTY: 481
Okay, I have had a great deal of difficulty finding anyone to feel sorry for me. My great wife Grace and I recently returned from spending four days in Copenhagen and then ten days on a cruise through the Fiords of Norway. And it was a wonderful trip. (Of course, my wonderful Father remains right when he said that the best part of any trip is coming home.) But all of this reminds me about my learning over the years that happiness comes much more from experiences, relationships and daily habits than from money or fame. In fact, as written by Walker Larson in an article entitled “Science-Backed Habits for Happiness” in the August 19-25 edition of The Epoch Times, there are at least ten habits that can result in human happiness which make so much sense that I want to share them with you. They are:
Nurture Close Relationships by connecting meaningfully with other people;
Push Past Small Talk: Of course small talk has its place, but it is best used as a bridge to deeper subjects of conversation which will greater intensify human relationships;
Enjoy Regular Small Pleasures like sipping a cup of coffee or tea, taking a short walk, enjoying a hobby or planning a quick lunch date with a friend because they can reduce stress and increase resilience;
Seek Experiences (like taking trips) instead of Possessions;
Seek Time over Money, i.e. don’t let your work take over your life;
Regularly Spend Time in Nature i.e. greenery, sunshine and fresh air improve people’s happiness;
Perform Acts of Service and Generosity, i.e. spending time and money on others generally innately brings happiness to the donor;
Practice Forgiveness, which is to say that “Unforgiveness corrodes the soul, while forgiveness sets it free;”
Foster Wonder in everyday life through such things as the night sky, a beautiful piece of music or a rich poem; and,
Don’t Pursue Happiness – Pursue Meaning which, as Author Viktor Frankl said, means that if we orient ourselves toward seeking Meaning, Happiness will follow, but if we aim directly at Happiness, we’re likely to fall into egoism and misery.
These suggestions resonated strongly with me, and I hope they also do with you!
BTW Question: What do you call a mouse with no name? Answer: Anonymous.
Judge Jim Gray (Ret.) Superior Court of Orange County, California 2012 Libertarian Candidate for Vice President
Please listen to our radio show entitled All Rise! The Libertarian Way with Judge Jim Gray as we discuss timely issues and show how they will be addressed more beneficially by employing Libertarian values and approaches. The series has concluded, but you can still hear any edition On Demand at https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/3883. And, by the way, these 2 Paragraphs columns are now on my website at www.JudgeJImGray.com, Facebook and LinkedIn at judgejimgray, Twitter at judgejamesgray, and wordpress at judgejimgray.wordpress.com. Please visit these sites for past editions, and do your part to spread the word about the importance of Liberty. In addition, my new book with the same title as my radio show is now available at Amazon.com., as is my wife Grace’s and my new novel centered about School Choice entitled 2030 KIDS: We are the Rising Heroes of the Planet. Please read and discuss them with your friends, and send in a review.