Responsible to be Happy?

Life brings many experiences. We respond to the dance of life from our internal disposition. If we usually are positive and happy people, we handle what shows up with flexibility and see it as a problem to be solved and a gift to grow. However, if our disposition is negative, we will deal with life's happenings as intrusions. We will resist, avoid and, at times, fight with adversaries. 

Research across the globe reveals that most people are mildly happy most of the time. In his "Happiness" book, Ed Diener states, "there are evolutionary reasons for this: happiness helps people function by keeping them motivated, making them more creative and helpful to others, and helping them persevere." On average, he also finds that People are moderately happy but never perfectly happy. However, Gallop's research shows that societies with high happiness scores live in economically developed, democratic countries with high values in human rights and equal rights for women. Communities that experience extreme poverty or live in politically unstable countries score low in life satisfaction. So, not all happiness comes from inside; external circumstances dent our mood. 

The latest Gallup poll shows anger, stress, sadness, physical pain, and worry reached a new global high of %33 by the end of 2021. 

We are responsible for our financial independence and growth; I declare responsibility for our happiness, fulfillment, and life satisfaction amidst all that happens since it is good for us and can be in our control. We don't have control over external societal or political matters. However, we have direct control over our attitudes, choices, beliefs, emotions, and actions that can impact our mood. Happy people, on average, are better workers, tend to be more social, trusting of others, have more friends, are physically and mentally healthier, live longer, and have more peaceful and cooperative attitudes. 

We have the unique ability to live virtuously and find purpose in our life. Create a meaning so we can thrive by envisioning goals based on our values that benefit all, whether that "all" is our intimate relationships, marriages, children, family, workmates, or communities. 

Let's strive toward well-being - to have a happy disposition of joy, gratitude, love, calm, and affection with occasional feelings of sadness, frustration, worry, and guilt. Let's act kindly toward ourselves and one another. Let's be committed to originating a healthy community. 

For more observational, assessment skills, and integration please get my book: Life Reset - The Awareness Integration Path to the Life You Want.