Ok, so I'm always reading articles and often quote them in this space when I write for the Roadrunner. I saw an interesting recap recently of what makes you happy. You might think it would be money, power or fame. Well, think again. Positive psychology guru, Martin Seligman, studied happiness and found these characteristics of happy people. How do you rate when it comes to feeling happy?
Find your peeps – happy people tend to spend time with others and spend the least time alone. We all need support from others, friendships and meaningful relationships.
Judging—happy people don't judge themselves by what others do or have. They feel comfortable judging themselves by their own measures.
Toxic—forget the new car, the bigger house and the big screen TV. Materialism is toxic for happiness.
Stay optimistic—no matter what happens, happy people stay optimistic. They look at the glass half full versus half empty.
Action—staying optimistic leads to action. It's not just what you believe or your outlook on life that contributes to happiness, but action follows.
Give – remember the adage, “It is better to give then to receive?” This is true of happy people. They aren't self-absorbed and are more satisfied with life.
Talents – we all have strengths and weaknesses, but happy people know their strengths and use them. They share their talents.
Gratitude – is part of being a happy person. Happy people feel it, appreciate small things and people. Life is a gift and so are the good things that happen to them.
Forgive – people who are willing to forgive others are happy people. Forgiveness prevents bitterness or feelings of resentment. Be quick to forgive and you will live a happier life. Forgiveness is the strongest link to happiness.
Invest – happy people develop intimacy and growth in relationships. They invest in people and are willing to examine themselves in relationships and grow.
Embrace – shift your focus from material things to appreciating the beauty of our world. Build your intimate relationships and grow as a person. Do everything with a sense of giving and gratitude. Not only will you make the world better, but you will be happier!
I also thought about all of these in terms of the life that's available here on campus, and so many of them are exactly what I see played out in the life enriching way in which hundreds of you continue to teach me the best avenues for successful senior living. With over ninety clubs, organizations and classes in which to invest time, talent and a quest for lifelong learning, I hear so many of you say, “I've found my peeps”. Well, maybe not quite that phrase, but that you have more friends and opportunities to engage than in many years or ever.
Your optimism is refreshing and contagious. Looking at challenges as opportunities throughout life as many of you have, inspires me to be a better man. So many of you also tell us, as we come to the point of discussing finances when moving here, that you eschewed materialism in order to raise your family and provide for later in life. What an example you are to those of us who are constantly assaulted by media messages telling us we need more “stuff.”
The examples of giving of yourself, in terms of time and talents, are often astonishing. Whether it's a service organization, lifelong learning, teaching English as a second language, being a welcoming resident Ambassador, tutoring at Maryland School or your involvement in the emerging 19 North community action organization, I love basking in the light of your teachings. You invest in, and embrace others, freely, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate that so many of you often take the time to help me in innumerable ways. So, before I get myself in trouble by starting a list (and inevitably leaving someone out), can I enthusiastically say, “thank you” from the bottom of my heart to you all? This community lives out happiness in such a meaningful way, and I am so honored to enthusiastically represent it!
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