Tag Archives: contentment

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

If your happy and you know it …….

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A childrens ditty from my childhood, simple as it seemed, actually contained some real insight. Happiness is a state of mind, however, to be happy this state of mind must be both acknowledged and accepted.

Situations or material things may influence your state of mind but in and of themselves they do not constitute happiness. Only you can do that by embracing the associated positve emotions.

No Clapping, No Happiness

The childrens song encourages you to acknowledge your state of happiness by clapping. This is a symbolic lyric. The key is acknowledgement.

Happiness is personal (it is about you after all) but letting others know how joyous you are feeling is all part of the condition. Being happy shows and if it does not you are probably not truly happy.

Pursuit of Happiness

The active seeking of happiness, although enshrined as a right in the U.S. constitution has always fallen flat for me. Happiness is not an object or treasure to be sought.

Rather it is a state of being, you don’t find it , recieve it or have it given to you, happiness is attained. You must consciously arrive at a state of happiness through mental processes.

Of course the physical world, other people and your own condition will affect your state of mind and could make achieving a state of happiness difficult, but it is never impossible.

You are in Control

You, and only you, can determine the conditions that lead to a state of happiness. While is is not always obvious how to create these conditions, it is always possible.

 

 

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Discontent

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Oscar Wilde (Irish poet and playwright) wrote “Discontent is the first step of progress of a man or a nation.”   This could lead to a conclusion the contentent equates to stagnation.

In all probability dissatisfaction with ones circumstances can motivate action.  This action can be foundational to progress on a larger scale.

Consider the invention of the wheel.  Prior to the wheel transportation consisted of walking.  Walking is tiring and can be a slow way to cover a great distance.

I need a better way

Some poor sole with aching feet, late for an appointment considers their plight.  There must be a better way to travel.  The discontent with walking leads to the invention of another way to travel great distances without inconveniencing the feet.

Not an Absolute

Discontent certainly can be one of the factors driving progess but it is by no means singular nor uniquely responsible for  human advancement.

If contentment reigned would progress be stifled.  I believe that is a real possibility the rate of progress might be diminished,  but certainly other motivating factors like ambition and the quest for answers would come into play.

Seeking improvement is not only motivated by a desire to resolve unsatisfying circumstances but undoubtedly it plays a role.  So, to Osacar Wilde I say perhaps the addition of “sometimes” ,in front of discontent, would make your statement more accurate.

Still an interesting thought even if not universally applicable.

Random thoughts – keeping you on your toes

Feeling Good

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Most people engage in a regular activity whether it is paid employment, charitable work or just a participation in a hobby or an association.

For me this very broad calassification could be playing golf regularly, traveling or going to work at a physical or mental job.  What I am refering to is how you spend the bulk of your time.

How do you Feel?

When you think about your prime activity,  the thing you spend the majority of your time doing, does it elicit positive thoughts?  Just to clarify,  you might spend a significant part of your days sleeping (maybe even a thirds) this question is not about that.

This is not about frustrating moments in a point in time but the overall feeling you get when thinking about the way you spend most of your time.

If what you do is not making you happy overall you should consider a change.  Broadly this will be one of three things (these are generic descriptions)

  • Pick another activity, that is stop your current one (i.e., quit your job, swim instead of golf and so on).
  • Change the way you feel about the activity.  Simply put happiness is an internal feeling you own, check out why you think the way you do and change your mind.
  • Change the things that are bothering you (e.g., take golf lessons so you get lower scores, ask your boss to help solve the things bothering you, manoeuvre things so the obsticles are removed.

What ever you choose to do, do something.  Don’t worry, be happy.