- Libbey Koppinger
- Toledo, OH
- United States
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If you're happy and you know it, take a stand!
The best is yet to be. Seriously ;)
Talk about being happy and building a happy life, despite the worlds problems, to today's teens. A take on the "it gets better" campaign - if you are the poster child for turning it around, positive energy and constructing joy- share your secret.
Michael M 30+
tishe Hires 10+
Thank you and I will be taking a break from TED, (i am sure it will be fine with your post!)
Thanks and apologies once again to all. :)
Libbey Koppinger
i hope you'll come back soon ;) take care Tishe ;)
lynn eschbach 30+
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tishe Hires 10+
Libbey Koppinger
Well done. Glad to have you back :)
(I'm very proud of you!)
Lib
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tishe Hires 10+
Thomas Jones 100+
Those who know me, and have expressed an opinion, say I am the happiest person they know. Not one of the happiest - the happiest.
I didn't give it much thought and, for much of my life, unconsciously assumed happiness was the normal state of affairs for everyone.
Apparently, I was wrong.
Happiness is a choice. [Assuming we are nominally functional and free from severe mental illness.]
If we are not happy, it is because we choose to be not happy. [Assuming we are nominally functional and free from severe mental illness.]
And like any behaviour, it can be learned.
Having said that, there are environmental, physiological and neurological correlates to happiness and we do not all have the same "set-point." These correlates are determined genetically and epigenetically so they are fixed within a wide spectrum. We can only be as happy as we can be. But whether we live up to our personal potential, or not, is up to us.
Libbey Koppinger
There are real exercises - like positive "self talking" that do work. They are a skill - and one that comes easier to some than others.
That said - there are true physical impairments, depression being one - that require medical attention.
I don't believe anyone would actually choose unhappiness though. I think it's complicated. Some impairments are genetic, some situational - but in the end - sad is sad. The reason why is less important than dealing with the problem itself. That's a choice to be happy as well.
When our bodies can't cope, or there is a hormonal imbalance for instance - medication, behavior modification, increased exercise, better eating, any or all of these, monitored by a responsible a medical professional - is the best course of action. Depressive illness is a physical issue, not an emotional one. Drug abuse, alcohol abuse - these aren't born of themselves. They are coping mechanisms symptoms of a bigger problem. But they do such harm, to the addict and their families, friends - even innocent bystanders.
There was a time in my life when I was depressed. I had children depending on me, tons of stress & heartache, and was so so sad. I coped by hiding my feelings & working day and night, putting on a happy face. It was exhausting, yet I couldn't sleep. On the outside, I appeared to have a good attitude and was rolling with the punches. I was a high energy, tough cookie, whirlwind. Except, I felt horrible - all the time.
I sought medical attention/therapy finally. AND THEN It wasn't hard at all - it was a relief! Life got better, because I did.
The stigma attached to depression & treatment, which is ridiculous, IS fading. Education is key, as is being open about it. No disease or illness of any kind can be treated successfully by denial. It was a long time ago & best part? I'm stronger & happier than I ever thought I could be. Even with an imperfect life, it's all good.
Best choice I ever made.
Sue Morris
I think happiness is one of the heightened emotional states that puts you in danger of a big come down. For me, contentment is the preferred state - it gives me stability and calm.
Robert Galway 20+
1. Look for opportunities to compliment, do polite things for people, say "hello Bob, or Sandra, or Libbey".People like to be recognized and hear their names.
2. Initiate positive conversations and change or stop conversations that go in a negative direction.
3. Live the golden rule.
4. Live BELOW your means. If you live above your means, you will go into debt. If you live at your means, you are constantly only one or two unfortunate incidents from having nothing. Living below your means permits savings and gives you the opportunity to solve many of your own problems.
5. Appreciate and notice nature, art, style, fashion, the efforts of others to do the right thing or help you, and anything done well by a child.
6. Be the first to volunteer to help a relative get through tough times, health problems, or difficult circumstances if possible.
7. Ask yourself " If money was worth nothing, what skills and talents would I have that I could use to survive?" If you do not like the answer to that question, do something to change the answer.
8. Take pride in your work. Work hard. do not expect people to appreciate what you do, or even notice, but take pride in it yourself. Work is the great equalizer. Many have talents and skills or intellectual gifts that others do not possess. Being unhappy for what you do not have will solve nothing and make you miserable. Work ethic is the great equalizer.
9. Live in harmony with nature. Ask " if man were not here, how would nature solve this problem?"
10. Find a job you enjoy doing and inspires passion in you.
Hope this helps!
Libbey Koppinger
Aybike Bıyık
Andra Harryndra
Regards,
Andra
Aybike Bıyık
Jeronique Bartley
Libbey Koppinger
Andra Harryndra
I'm quite agree with you, recognize that life has his own ebbs and flows. Accept that fact, and you'll be much happier. Keep your boat of life as level as possible, and keep on sailing. It is so easy to wonder and even believe that bad times will go on forever. The definition of bad is relative, however, depends in our perspective to see it as a challenge or holocaust for us. Just change our point of view that our problems will makes us stronger and wiser in the future, and think positive. I am strongly believe anonymous said that , "if it doesn't kill you, it will make you stronger" :)
regards,
Andra