I read the news and I see my financial accounts and I can calculate various things. For example real dollars, (just for concept), my salary is less today than it was 5 years ago. My 401k balance is less today than it was 5 years ago. My house is worth less today than it was 4 years ago.

I need a metric for real happiness. I'm somewhat happy. I'm more grateful that I'm still employed and living comfortably than I am happy. Especially after reading the news, current affairs and socio-economic-cultural trends. It's important to stay up to date; on the other hand, there isn't much good going on.

Do I still feel happy. Yes, to an extent. But if I could measure it, I think my real happiness is less than it was 10 years ago. Kind of depressing as I approach retirement. Approaching retirement should be exciting, not one of apprehension and concern.

Every single day is a gift. Christ got tortured on the Cross and died for you. Act accordingly and immensely grateful.

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:
I need a metric for real happiness.

How about "Above ground and breathing, and not living in the days before antibiotics"?

The only people who are happy all the time are some of the insane and some of the blithering idiot oxygen thieves running around on this rock. Happiness is a temporary state of affairs. It's better to strive for contentment, because contentment, unlike happiness, is sustainable.

Remind yourself about how shitty it could be


2010-2014ish were hell for me, didn't think I would make it

I'm here, happy, doing well and thankful for what I have

Contentment and grateful. Wise words to live by.

I'm happy and grateful for what I have.

Real happiness comes from inside, knowing you're trying, staying focused on the here and now, taking things in stride and doing what you can on a local level to improve things in some small way.

Lots of people have more than me, lots have less. Not many have my ability or skill. I've led a blessed life and I'm Thankful Everyday for that.

Healthy, housed, fed, very little debt and an occasional extravagance. I'm good. Been through hell, this isn't it

What Para said (big surprise there...) plus turn the TV off and don't pay any attention to the "mainstream" media. The ones that aren't full of shit are outright liars.

I'm not saying don't stay aware of what's going on in the world, I'm saying vet your sources. I find that if I need to know about it, I find it here.

“Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed. The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to be just like people, most successful marriages require a high degree of mutual toleration, and most jobs are more often dull than otherwise. Life is just like an old time rail journey … delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders, and jolts, interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for letting you have the ride.”

Attributed to Gordon B. Hinckley - correctly to the best of my knowledge.

Take a minute and think about all of the really bad stuff that never happened to you.

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:
I need a metric for real happiness.

Then, I fear, you're doomed to forever be pursuing it.

In my seventy-two years it never once occurred to me I needed to define a set of metrics by which I might gauge my happiness.

Money is not where it is at. Period. It allows me to purchase things and gifts but offers no happiness. Security and peace of mind. I am fulfilled. It has been a hell of a ride. Army LRS, paramedic, Cath jockey, doc, army anesthesiologist.

Do I look back with regrets. Absolutely about relationships, not money. I am absolutely satisfied with my life. Could it be better sure. It could be a hell of a lot worse. Been to Kuwait City downtown and Detroit lately?

Don’t rely on others for your happiness and don’t base it on money. Generation after generation has thought the world was about to end and with the internet that prevailing thought is reinforced like never before. Quit going back to places that reinforce your doomsday scenarios.

quote:

Originally posted by 1s1k:
Quit going back to places that reinforce your doomsday scenarios.

I can't go to WalMart anymore?

Although my wife frequently corrects my perspective, sometimes I get disgruntled. I still need the occasional reminders that, like Para and ya'll are saying, being content and grateful are some of the right attitudes to have.

What I think contributes to the dissatisfaction are not, for example, the financial losses per se but rather the feelings of helplessness and lack of control (over ones destiny). People like FJB doing stupid shit. People destroying a community and then moving to locations I had one day hope to move to.

Thanks for the reminder, guys, that I actually have it pretty good. A little more control and predictability might be nice but it would be gravy at this point. Despite whatever I might complain about, life could be much worse.

The only measure that will give you satisfaction is the happiness you give others.

Just a smile and a "good morning" while making eye contact with a person can make a person's day.

You don't have to be a Mother Theresa of Calcutta but if she could know happiness then by just doing what we can to those around us day by day, we can also know happiness.

Financial stability isn't the be-all-and-end-all, but is certainly a component of happiness.

quote:

My 401k balance is less today than it was 5 years ago. My house is worth less today than it was 4 years ago.

A large percentage of Americans have little or no savings at all, let alone a 401(k) or their own home. So you're doing better than them.

quote:

What I think contributes to the dissatisfaction are not, for example, the financial losses per se but rather the feelings of helplessness and lack of control (over ones destiny).

Feeling a need to control things that you have no control over is what causes unhappiness. Accepting that you can't control how things will always change is how you stopping feeling helpless.

Happiness is transitory at best. What you should be working toward is contentment and joy.

Joy comes from helping others and not judging them

quote:

My house is worth less today than it was 4 years ago.

I'm not sure how that is even possible.

My house is worth 3 times what it was 4 years ago, I'm pretty sure inflation hasn't kept up with the housing market in the area...even allowing that it has slowed down a bit since folks are returning to work

When I was depressed about my life situation, I read the book from which the quote in my signature line comes from. I highly recommend you read the book, too.

I was told long ago that 'money won't buy happiness'.....but it will rent you a good time now & then.....