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I will try to create more happiness and less unhappiness in the world around me
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Action for Happiness member Dr Chris Johnstone is a specialist in the psychology of resilience, happiness and positive change. In this article he explains why the deepest satisfactions tend not to be those that come most easily. There’s often a journey involved.
The concept of happiness is universally understood, yet escapes all comprehension. Can someone really be both unhappy everyday and happy over a lifetime? Does the notion of happiness change throughout the world, between communities, between people? Most importantly, do we have any choice in the matter? Recent research in psychology, economics and public policy may help unravel this tangled knot of questions.
Conventional wisdom holds that if we work hard, get the big promotion, meet the right person, win the lottery we'll be successful and therefore happy. Yet recent discoveries in the field of positive psychology have found that's not the case. Happiness itself is the precursor to success and fulfilment, not the other way around.
Action for Happiness
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I give to charity, I sponsor an orphan in Uganda, Im involved in a community housing project and also in a community fruit harvesting project, I campaign for social and environmental justice, I try to be a good friend to people, I try to have a positve can-do attiutude in life (at work and at home), I am friendly to strangers/neighbours/random people on the bus etc, I try not to live my life in a way that compromises other peoples abil;ity to live theirs (now and in the future).
Amanda, Leeds, UK
Small and big things whenever I have the opportunity. I left a corporate job to start my own company Emergency Happiness so I could dedicate my career and life to helping others find happiness and success. I also take pleasure in helping others in small ways such as a smile or a hug
Genevieve, Berkshire, UK
I am a nurse and although I get paid for my job I feel in that momnet of caring for my patient I try to give so much comfort and kindness.
Tracey, Bangor, UK
One of the big dilemmas people face is what's best to do for their family: work as hard as possible to provide for them - or be there as much as possible, even if that means putting work as a lower priority. I've got a young family and I'm definitely in the latter camp - love, time and support are much more important for a family than a bigger house, expensive holiday or more new stuff.
Mark, Kingston, Surrey
At 69, to explore something new and to create something new; I am creating a laughter and happiness club - launches on 2nd April. What happens if only one person attends? Make sure the next session has at least two people attending!
Keith, Carlisle, UK
I tend to go in cycles when it comes to exercising, but I definitely notice I am calm when I do exercise. The older I get, the harder it is to stay in shape, so I like to do group classes; I used to run a lot, but now I need more effort on every bit of me - not just calorie burning. When I am exercising consistently, I do it about twice a week. I also walk every where, and occassionally ride my bike - I don't own a car so I get lots of opportunity to do this. It gives me plenty of time to tick over my thoughts!
Charlotte, Bristol, UK
I love beauty and people. I stop and look at gardens, people interacting, animals living in our environment, birds, etc. clouds in the sky, changing colours of the light during the day, I stop and pay attention to myself, how I am feeling, thinking. I listen, I love to stop and listen to all the sounds, bells tinkling in the distance... I like to notice the breeze, or the air everyday and breathe in the sunshine or the greyness of the skies, the stars at night, the glow of the moon...
Patricia, Paris, France
I allow time to process sadness, grief, loss - knowing I can't move on until I have done so. I remind myself of the successful things I have achieved, including 4 great, balanced and successful children. I always have a number of projects on the go, so if one doesn't work out there are always other things to move on to. I breathe to calm anxiety; I meditate (not necessarily sitting); I talk to supportive friends and family; I write
Lucy, Norwich, UK
My life! I am in a good place. I have wonderful family and friends around me. Trying to share the happiness and spread the Positive Psychology with others feels good too. Seeing the ripples of positivity spread outwards.
Miranda, Norfolk, UK
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