Daily Excerpt: How to Get Happy and Stay That Way (Romer) - What Makes You Happy?
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excerpt from How to Get Happy and Stay That Way (Romer) -
What Makes You Happy?
I guess
every generation thinks it’s pretty special, but there’s no doubt that mine,
the so-called “Woodstock generation,” was unique. In fact, for a long time it
seemed that my happiness had to relate back to the 1960s and 70s, as if then
and not now I was the real me. But over the last few years, I’ve
realized there are other ways of being happy, ways that build on all the things
I learned as a free-spirited flower child (and later, a fun-living feminist)—yet
add new ingredients, a certain type of self-awareness combined with gratitude,
that really bring contentment.
“Follow
your bliss,” advised mythologist Joseph Campbell. I didn’t hear him say that on
TV till the mid-1980s, well into my second marriage and light years away from
my former hippie happiness. Yet the words struck a chord because by that time I
knew I loved to write—had to write, in fact, although I’d only published
a few magazine articles at the time. It took another 25 years (and another
divorce and remarriage) to hone my craft enough to make it into book form.
During that time, I also refined my happiness techniques to the point where I’m
now pretty sure they can stand on their own. At least I’m willing to give it a
try.
The key
to happiness is to find something you really love to do. As Professor Campbell
suggested, this “something” should make you as blissful as possible, such as
nothing else in your life does. This magic ingredient (which is really “you” at
your deepest level) does not need to be mysterious or complicated. It just has
to be accessible, something you can really get your hands on.
Maybe
you like to grow roses. What a gorgeous thing to do! You love their fragile
beauty, their seemingly infinite variety, and of course, their delicious scent.
You’d like to share those precious flowers with others, if you could only think
of how.
Maybe
you like to teach children. You are never more yourself than when you’re
surrounded with kids, helping them learn. It started with your own children, of
course, but then you moved on to others. You became a teacher—and now,
miraculously, you’re about to open a Learning Center in your own home to help
kids with difficulties learning to read and do math.
Maybe
cooking is your passion. Despite the success of Emeril, as a 50-year old man,
you’ve been a bit shy about taking charge in the kitchen. Then one day your
significant other told you she was all for it—you’ve been watching cooking
shows ever since, even have an idea for one of your own…
Growing
roses, teaching kids, cooking at home—none of these pursuits will make you a
millionaire. But the good news is, your passion does not have to relate to
money.
Oh sure, maybe you’ll make a few bucks. Perhaps you can even earn a living doing what you absolutely love to do. If so, you are truly blessed. But the thing is, you’d probably do it anyway, even if you never made a cent. That’s how strong your love is for—surfing, oil painting, horseback riding, playing chess, playing the piano, caring for animals, blogging, singing in the choir, square dancing, designing furniture, photography—and any number of other fascinating pursuits. Money has nothing to do with it. So reach deep into your psyche and pull out that one activity that thrills you, the one you just can’t live without. Chances are you already know what it is.
Book Description:
A winningly simple yet comprehensive look at the source of happiness, based on interviews with twelve of the happiest people that the author knows, most of whom have had what others might consider difficult lives. Each "happy person" vignette includes an introspective mini-bio and advice for how readers can attain the same level of happiness. At the end of each chapter (interview), the author provides guidelines for achieving happiness in small steps that any reader can take with confidence. An excellent book for developing self-awareness and an attitude of gratitude, leading to peace and joy.
Book Description:
A winningly simple yet comprehensive look at the source of happiness, based on interviews with twelve of the happiest people that the author knows, most of whom have had what others might consider difficult lives. Each "happy person" vignette includes an introspective mini-bio and advice for how readers can attain the same level of happiness. At the end of each chapter (interview), the author provides guidelines for achieving happiness in small steps that any reader can take with confidence. An excellent book for developing self-awareness and an attitude of gratitude, leading to peace and joy.
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