Content

Creating Your Happiness

You probably already know how easily life flows when you’re happy. Would you be surprised to know that some people choose happiness? You might even know someone who chooses unhappiness. It’s a lot easier. For the people around them, however, their constant complaining is draining.

Image "Put your hands up in the air" by Thomas Leuthard, Flickr, CC-By-2.0
Image “Put your hands up in the air” by Thomas Leuthard, Flickr, CC-By-2.0

Yep, it’s a choice to be happy. It’s not always easy.

We don’t get to choose what happens in the world.

We do get to choose our reactions. As the Tao Te Ching puts it: Continue reading “Creating Your Happiness”

Living with Happiness

The Secret calls it Living in Bliss.

Tony Robins calls it Living in a Beautiful State.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi calls it the Flow.

Lao Tzu wrote about Tao, the Way of the Universe, in the 4th century BCE.

Whatever name you give it, when you are happy your life is much better. Time disappears. Everything seems easier.

I have the Chinese character of Tao hanging on my wall among the photos that make me happy.
I have the Chinese character of Tao hanging on my wall among the photos that make me happy.

Imagine a pleasant summer morning. The world seems a bit lazier today. You hear the birds singing as you make your way to work. The sunlight warms your head. You hear your favorite song just before you arrive. Your smile is mirrored back to you by a coworker.

You know it’s going to be a great day. Confirmation bias will help to ensure it. Continue reading “Living with Happiness”

Three Types of Liking: People Liking Consumables (Part 3)

You like things? I like things! It’s hard not to, am I right?

Liking others, and being likable, is essential in the art of persuasion. People don’t help or support those they dislike.

Photo "CL Society 218: Crossing arms" by Francisco Osorio, Flickr, CC-By-2.0
Photo “CL Society 218: Crossing arms” by Francisco Osorio, Flickr, CC-By-2.0

But what if the things that someone likes aren’t capable of reciprocating that affection? They’ll forever support that, too.

People will dismiss an opportunity for improvement or learning if it means they might have to question their behavior… or their access to a favorite treat.

I could never eat healthy — I like cookies too much!

I love my morning Frappachino!*

Well, I don’t smoke that much.

This represents the most insidious of all the Liking: Consumables. Food, soda, beer, drugs.

*It’s 2017 — is Frappachino still a thing? Continue reading “Three Types of Liking: People Liking Consumables (Part 3)”