Student Question | What Makes You Happy?
April 7, 2016 5:00 am April 7, 2016
5:00 am
What makes you happy?
Have you figured out the things in
life that truly make you happy? Have those things changed as you’ve gotten
older?
In “The Keys to Happiness,” Victoria Shannon reports
on what we know about how to achieve happiness, according to recent research
and expert advice:
Make
Friends and Family a Priority …
One of the longest-running studies on living well and happily emphasizes the importance of your relationships with family, friends and spouses.
One of the longest-running studies on living well and happily emphasizes the importance of your relationships with family, friends and spouses.
…
Especially on Weekends
Busy lives can get in the way of happiness. Our feeling of well-being peaks on weekends, largely because of more time spent with friends and family, this academic says.
Busy lives can get in the way of happiness. Our feeling of well-being peaks on weekends, largely because of more time spent with friends and family, this academic says.
Income
Equality Helps (So Move to Scandinavia)
National unhappiness is strongly associated with a country’s social inequality, research shows. One index finds that Scandinavia, a place with a wide and broad social net, is the location of the world’s happiest countries.
National unhappiness is strongly associated with a country’s social inequality, research shows. One index finds that Scandinavia, a place with a wide and broad social net, is the location of the world’s happiest countries.
Gratitude
Does, Too
Pharrell Williams, the star behind the 2014 hit music video “Happy,” on the happiness phenomenon: ”If you’re grateful, you can find happiness in everything.”
Pharrell Williams, the star behind the 2014 hit music video “Happy,” on the happiness phenomenon: ”If you’re grateful, you can find happiness in everything.”
The
Health Factor
A correlation between happiness and good health has been evident for centuries. But which comes first? Does robust health lead to a good mood or the reverse?
A correlation between happiness and good health has been evident for centuries. But which comes first? Does robust health lead to a good mood or the reverse?
It’s
Really Good for Kids
Happy kids learn faster, think more creatively, tend to be more resilient in the face of failures, have stronger relationships and make friends more easily.
Happy kids learn faster, think more creatively, tend to be more resilient in the face of failures, have stronger relationships and make friends more easily.
Well, most
of them. Fifteen-year-old girls were found to be the unhappiest group in this
report last month on boys and girls.
Don’t
Overdo It
Happiness engineers, chief fun officers, ministers of happiness … there’s evidence that “fungineering” at work might have precisely the opposite effect: making people miserable.
Happiness engineers, chief fun officers, ministers of happiness … there’s evidence that “fungineering” at work might have precisely the opposite effect: making people miserable.
And
Don’t Obsess About It
Four academics discuss whether the pursuit of happiness is an unhealthy preoccupation.
Four academics discuss whether the pursuit of happiness is an unhealthy preoccupation.
If
All Else Fails, Fake It
Can you fake your way to confidence and happiness? You can, if you “just say yes,” advise self-help books by Amy Cuddy and Shonda Rhimes.
Can you fake your way to confidence and happiness? You can, if you “just say yes,” advise self-help books by Amy Cuddy and Shonda Rhimes.
Students: Read the entire article, then tell us:
— What recent moments of happiness
have you experienced, whether large or small? What do you think made them so
satisfying?
— Have you figured out a “magic
formula” for happiness that works for you? What are the ingredients? Do you
think those ingredients will change as you get older?
— Look through the list that Ms.
Shannon compiled? What is your reaction? Did anything surprise you?
Recently what has made me have moments of happiness was going to New York for a day and going to the Empire State Building.It was a small moment of happiness because I have already been to New York numerous times and I’ve seen all the sites and everything but I found happiness out of it.The moments of happiness I found in New York were of looking out on top of The Empire State Building or taking the train into the city.These small moments are so satisfying because its where you get the most enjoyment out of the whole thing.Its those moments where your excitement builds and you get the most happiness out of the whole situation.I haven’t figured out a magic formula that makes me find happiness but I know requirements or ingredients in order to make me happy.To make me happy first I have to be doing something that I’m interested in.If I’m doing something that I’m not interested in then I will not find any happiness out of it.I have to be doing something that I’m interested in or something I want to do.The other ingredient to make me happy is to be doing something exciting.If I'm doing something that's boring or if there is no action or thrill to it,then I won’t find any enjoyment out of it.These ingredients will change as I get older because I’ll mature as I get older and have a different thought process.Peoples minds or beliefs change as life goes along and I’m sure what makes me happy and what doesn't will change as I get older.With Mrs.Shannon’s list on keys to happiness most of them seemed pretty logical on how to find happiness I was surprised though when she said one way to find happiness was to fake it.I don’t agree with that at all.I don’t agree with that because that would make have the opposite of happiness.That would make you even more said because your putting up a front and you aren’t truly happy.You can’t fake your way to happiness,you have to dig down deep and truly feel it.Happiness isn’t just something that you say you have and your happy.You have to do something that makes you where you feel that you are happy.
ReplyDeleteRudy this a well constructed response. I personally have never been to New York, but I have been on a subway and it was pretty neat. I agree that to find happiness you have to be doing something your interested in. I also said that my ingredients that make me happy will change as I grow older. I think this is a great response and I definitely agree with you on a lot of things.
DeleteI agree with all you said. Finding happiness is finding something you're interested in. I also agree that faking happiness is not ok.
DeleteThere are a lot of things that have made me happy recently. This is because I try to do what make me happy. One thing that made me happy recently was beginning to work out again. I was happy that i’m making myself strong, and it felt good to work out. Another thing that made me happy was helping my friend get better at hockey. It made me feel good that what I did helped him out, and I could see him do better in our games. The last thing that made me happy was making others happy, it makes me feel good when I know I made someone's day better. I know that I like when people make my day better, so why not make others better. It’s not hard to make others feel good by doing something nice and making them happy. In my opinion I think people should make themselves and others happy on a daily basis. I do think I have found a “magic formula” that works to make me happy. The ingredients are playing hockey and hanging out with my friends. I’ve always enjoyed sports since I was young, but I like hockey the best. When I play hockey it relieves the stress that I and it puts me in a better mood. Hanging out with my friends also makes my day better and more enjoyable. If I am in a bad mood, my friends know how to make me happy and make me laugh. If you put hockey and hanging out with my friends together it makes me very happy. However, I do think these ingredients will change as I get older. I believe that I will probably find other things that make me happy when I get a job and get married. I think I might find other interests as I explore the real world. As I read this article I thought about how much it relates to my life and society. I think people are a lot happier when they are around their family and friends. I know that I surely am. Also, I realized that people around me with money seem to be happier than the people around me without money. Money is so valuable today that it often determines whether people live good or bad life. Overall, as I read this article I was not surprised by the lists of things that make most people happy. I agree with a lot of those things and I know my family does too.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Jakob.One way of finding happiness is by being strong.
DeleteJakob I agree. Hanging out with friends and playing sports can make anyone happy.
DeleteHappiness is something we all experience throughout our lives that we really. It’s that feeling that makes us feel comfortable and good about something and we never want it to end. There are many moments of happiness we’ve all experienced in our lives. Moments I’ve experienced in my life that made me happy are going to Six Flags Great Adventure or any other amusement park with my closest friends, graduating from the 8th grade, and getting a new game console such as a playstation four. All these moments I’ve said are big, but they don’t have to be big like this. Some of my moments of happiness are small, simple things, such as getting a 100 on a test, being given a gift from my mom or brother, and even doing a project in art. Many moments of my happiness have been doing things that I enjoy doing or something I appreciate is done. If you’re doing something you don’t enjoy, then how are you going to find any happiness? Enjoying and appreciating these actions are what I think make them feel so satisfying and what makes me happy. To me, I think there is a formula to make happiness that works for me. The ingredients would be having to do something or be given something that is creative, thoughtful, laid back, and be something that wouldn’t make anyone sad or upset. Finding happiness isn’t really tricky though, since there are many other reasons that could cause something to make me happy. However, it should never hurt someone else and benefit me. It should always be fair and should have meaning to it to create a reason for me to be happy. And yes, overtime, as I get older, I think my ingredients for happiness will change, but as I get older, I may start liking different things and be interested in some new things and forget about and get bored of the old things. You can feel happiness all the time if the same thing keeps happening. You have to experience new things to to be interested in and find new kinds of happiness to add to your list of things that make you happy.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I’ve read on the list compiled by Ms. Shannon, I’m not surprised by it. All the topics on the list seem to be everything that usually make everyone happy. For example,the first thing on the list, Make friends and family a priority, is something everyone says bring them happiness. Without them, you would feel lonely and have nothing to do. Nobody wants to be lonely, because then you wouldn’t have anyone to look up too and have someone to be there for you and do stuff with. They are what make up most of your life and contribute to how your life will end up. You begin to influence each other on certain topics and learn from each other until you become alike and do many things together. To sum it all up, happiness is what makes up every good moment in your life, and without happiness, there would be nothing in life to look forward too.
I agree with your response Hunter. Sometimes the smaller things in life are some of the things that make you the happiest. Even though they are not extravagant things they can make someone really happy. Also,without happiness in the world, their wouldn't be anything to look forward to in life.
DeleteHunter I agree with you, you don't need large things in life to be happy, the smaller things make you happy. I feel as if you find small things enjoyable you will be happier in life than in someone who wants it all. I
Deleteliked reading your response.
What has made me happy is reaching my weekly goal. To make it to the weekend. Then I can not have to worry about waking up early just for 2 days until I start the whole process over again. This has not really changed much since I’ve been in school. Another thing that makes me happy is just running on the boardwalk and listening to my music. I can get rid of stress and anger, and it is just relaxing. But I never seem to have time to run while I’m home so I do it as often as possible. I think for me, what makes it so satisfying is the rush of adrenaline and the point at which I reach my limit, That’s the biggest reason I do it. After reading the list Ms. Shannon made I wasn’t surprised because I have heard people tell me that before. Not everyone's key to happiness is the same so maybe the largest percent of people are happy most when they are with family, but not everyone. Others might just like to be alone or spend time with friends. It all depends on the person.
ReplyDeleteBeing happy is a thing that’s different for all people. I don’t think a five or ten step plan will work for this. Although, I do agree with the fact that you should be close to friends, and family. That’s very important. After that, it depends on you. Multiple things for each person can make you happy. I believe that you, if you want to be happy, you must find a passion. It doesn’t matter what it is as long as it’s not shopping, spending money, or eating… or drinking for that matter. Other than that, you have to find something you are very passionate about (basketball, baseball, soccer, music, writing, anything!) Literally nothing is the limit here. Now for me, I’m pretty happy. The only things making me not happy are some things too personal to share, and school. That really brings me down. By the end of the day I’m too tired to do anything at all. But, other than that, I’m really happy! My passion is obviously music (guitar). Whenever I’m playing guitar, I feel very happy. Like, whenever I’m sad, usually I just have to go and play a little. As long as I’m not working on a new technique, I won’t be frustrated. Just very happy. Looking at Ms. Shannon’s list, nothing really surprises me on there. Everything she says is pretty good advice! The only one thing she left out though, was the passion thing. As for what I say changing when I get older, I don’t really think that will happen. Maybe some of the things I love to do will change, but not how to be happy in itself. Being happy is a pretty easy thing to do. Just be optimistic about things, also. If in your life, you always focus on negative things, you’ll be negative. Focus on the positives! I can’t stress it enough. We only get one little life on Earth. We’re lucky enough to have it. In 65 or 75 years, we’ll be gone. Forever. Even if you’re religious, how could you be sure you’ll live again? What if you lived your life, all those years, and wasted it. It’s not a video game, guys. You got one chance. Enjoy it as much a you can. There are TRILLIONS of people not even lucky enough to be born, let alone be born in one of the best countries to enjoy your life! Even when things are the worst, be happy. You don’t want to be that 80 year old looking back at his life with nothing to show for it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, you should always live ife to the fullest. Some people arent as lucky as us so we shouldnt take it for granite.
DeleteJosh I agree with what you said. Life is very precious and people should do what they enjoy. We are very lucky for even being alive and we should respect life more and be happier while living it.
DeleteI have experienced happiness in these past few days. One experience of happiness that I just experienced was getting to go out with my mom over the weekend. I think what made it really satisfying was the fact that I got to be with her the whole entire day. My mom usually works nine hours a day and the area where she works is almost two hours away. We usually never do anything after she comes home because she had a long day at work so getting the time to relax and be with her was a great feeling for me and my mom. Another time when I really felt happiness was going outside to hang out with my friends. Even though it’s not a big deal, it showed me to really be happy with the friends that I have. Sometimes we never get the chance for all of us to hang out because One of us might already have plans or they have priorities for school to take care of. So even though we all don’t hang out all the time being able to get together once a week really makes me feel happy. Getting the chance to go and do cool things with them is one of the things that make me feel grateful for them. I have figured out a “magic formula” over the times. One ingredient is to be stress free. I always tell myself to stop thinking about the bad and to just live for the moment. I try not to think about all the work I have or schoolwork over my breaks so I can calm down a little bit. Also, feeling grateful for things that I have in life really make me happy about everything I have. Some people don’t have the things I have so I like to tell myself once in awhile that what you have is enough and to be grateful for the life I have. The last ingredient is to surround myself around good people. Over the years I have learned who and who not to trust. I realized that I have been surrounding myself around the wrong people because all they do is be a downer and they try to make everyone else around them feel sad. If you surround yourself with people that lift you up in life they are going to push you to do good in your life. I think some ingredients might be added to the formula but I feel like these are some morals that I will always live by. From reading Ms. Shannon’s list I feel that these are some good ways to feel happy in your life. None of them really surprised me but the reason about social inequality was interesting. How most of the nation's unhappiness is caused by social inequality shows that not being accepting of everyone can make people upset.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Sam. Sometimes things aren't a big deal are the things that make you the happiest. Just hanging out with your parent can make your day. People who you don't get to ssee much re usully the ones who make you the happiest since you feel that it is a very special moment.
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ReplyDeleteRecent moments of happiness come everyday. Sometimes they’re small, and sometimes they’re as big as the Empire State Building. I had an assist on a goal in lacrosse and that made me happy. Making varsity and playing mostly the whole game is pretty cool. It definitely can make my day better. Finding out I did good on a test and quiz today was pretty relieving and made my mood happier than I was.
There really is no “magic formula” to happiness. Not everyone gets happy from the same thing so it doesn’t work. You have to go and find something that brings you happiness. Whether it’s making friends, getting a boyfriend/ girlfriend, or trying a new sport. For me those happiness factors can be my friends, family, and sports. Although I do think that sometimes it does change. I think when we were younger we all wanted toys, and now we all want love to make us happy. We meet new people and find new things to make our day better.
I wasn’t shocked at anything that Ms. Shannon said. They seem logical, but not faking happiness. I think faking confidence actually makes you confident, while faking being happy makes you more upset. People saying “come on be happy” is common. We all say it, but we don’t realize that the upset person is just gonna push those feelings away. They’re going to keep pushing and pushing them away until they blow up and make a big mess that wasn’t needed. When you’re sad you should never fake it, it’s stupid. Let everyone know that you need someone to hug, or talk to. I know we all fake it sometimes, but it really isn’t healthy. It’s good to cry and be upset sometimes, it’s apart of being a human. Crying all the time isn’t the best, but we need to let it out and get over that bump in the road.
I agree with you, Dallas. Happiness cannot just happen. It comes around when you're doing something you like or if you get some good news. Faking happiness isnt always the best thing to do either. Overall, I agree with your response.
DeleteI agree with you, Dallas. Not everyone gets happy from the same things. Everyone is interested in different things and different things make people happy. I also agree that by faking confidence does make you confidents. It makes you feel more comfortable and makes you feel better about yourself.
DeleteI agree with you Dallas. Even the small things like having an assist in a game, or even passing a test can make your day better. Also, everyone has their own "magic formula" for happiness, it's just a matter of finding it.
DeleteBeing content is a major thing in being happy. In order to be happy, you need to be content. A few things that have made me happy lately were not placing last in our last few competitions for color guard and practicing even though practice was cancelled. I get really stressed out easily so when practice was cancelled I was a complete wreck. We also have championships this weekend so I needed the practice. Our coach was sick so she cancelled practice so we decided to go in and practice anyway. It helped everyone who showed and now we feel a lot more confident for Saturday. We put so much hard work into our performance so when we don’t drop anything and catch everything, we are so happy. We placed fourth last week and our score went up 11 points. In my opinion, our happiness is determined by our mood and how what we are doing turns out. There is no recipe for happiness because there isn’t just one thing that can make you happy. There are so many different things and even something you don’t like could make you happy. It depends on who you are with and what you are doing. Happiness affects everyone not just one person. You have to make sure that you happiness isn’t hurting someone else and that you aren’t doing anything bad. I feel that with certain situations you could be happy until something completely ruins it. You can never be fully happy because there always be that one person that is going to rain on the parade. Happiness isn’t forever, there will be good moments and bad moments but they are always going to be temporary. We have to be ready for what life throws at us even if it includes sacrificing your happiness for someone else. Theres quotes that say “don’t let anyone rain on you parade” but there will be something that just makes you upset and there will always be that one person who will ruin it for everyone.
ReplyDeleteDanielle, I agree. I think that you should be content in order to be happy. I like how you mentioned how happiness can affect everyone.
DeleteWhat the definition of happiness is trying to have fun in your life and not be sad at the actions you do. But there are many things that make me happy in my life. One thing that makes me happy is hanging out with my friends. My friends is one of three major reasons why I am happy all the time. My friend are people who play jokes with me and other people. We can talk about anything and also try to solve any of our problems that any of us have. Also, I like all of the competitions that we do. I mostly win all of them tho. I do admit it, but I hate feeling lonely. So if any of my friends say they want to hangout, I will go over their house any have fun. A small thing that gets me happy is when I get a 100 on any or very hard test. The second major reason what makes me happy is the sports I do. The reason I like sports is I want to be faster, stronger and smarter. When I was younger, I was fat, not strong, and didn’t run fast at all. That was because of my asthma. But over the years, I told myself that I want to better for my body. So I started working out and tried to do more sports. When I was 12, an 8 pounder was heavy to me. Now, a 100 pounder is heavy. You can tell the difference from then and now. But my favorite sport is track and field. One is I can meet a lot of people and be friends with them. But that was the main reason. Another small reason is, when I get any present for my birthday, I like it a lot. The last and final reason when I get happy is when I do the stuff I love. Examples are drawing, going outside, buying stuff that I want, etc. The magic formula for happiness is doing what makes me have fun in my life. Overall, as I read this article I was not surprised by the lists of things that make most people happy. I agree with a lot of those things and I know my family does too. You can’t fake your way to happiness, you have to dig down deep and truly feel it. Happiness isn’t just something that you say you have and you’re happy. You have to do something that makes you where you feel that you are happy.
ReplyDeleteI like your opinion, Anthony. It's good to have friends. It's not bad to admit that you hate feeling lonely, nobody wants to be lonely. Just having a lot of friends and doing things with them is important. That's a pretty easy way to be happy. I also agree strongly about doing things you love. I don't think there's a better way to be more happy!
DeleteSome recent examples of happiness in my life have been when I’ve gone to Disney World and when i got my new puppy. In disney world, no matter what age you are you can enjoy it. No matter what you’re doing you seem to always have a smile on. I like to see my family happy when meeting the characters and the goosebumps my mom gets when the fireworks go off behind cinderella's castle. Another moment of happiness is with my puppy. Even though she does have accidents around the house, she is fun to be around. Her little barks are the cutest things and when she licks your face to show how much she loves you is the best. I have figured out a magic formula for happiness for me. I look for small things of happiness. It doesn't need to be gifts or money. Sometimes happiness doesn’t come in physical forms. Happiness can be a hug or a simple kind gesture. Some of the best small memories are when you make someone laugh or just talk endlessly for hours because those are the things you remember. Not where you were or how much money you spent or what you wore. What you remember are the good times you had with important people in your life. Small things like spending time with your whole family on a rainy sunday watching movies. On the list it says to fake it to convince yourself you’re happy. I don't think this is right because it's like trying to change your shoe size. You can try to squeeze your feet into smaller shoes but at the end of the day when you take that shoe off, your feet are just unhappy and tired from trying to fit in the whole time. I feel the saying “Fake it til you make it” is wrong. You’re allowed to be unhappy, it’s just the way a human body works. We all have things that upset us and things that make up overly happy. So, in conclusion, find your happiness in the small things of life, don't worry about pleasing other because when you look back on these moments you’ll want them to be the best times. The times you can laugh about or smile about when you’re older with a group of friends or your family.
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ReplyDeleteA recent moment where I have experienced happiness is everyday. Everyday I go and see my horse Legacy. He always seems to plant a smile on my face no matter what kind of day I’m having. However, there are other things that make me happy. Swimming is also something that makes me happy because it always seems to help me when I’m stressed. I’d go to practice stressed out as ever and I soon as I jump in that water my mind was clear of any thought I had. I felt like I always had a smile on my face no matter how cold the water was, how late or how early the practice was, what I had to swim, I was just happy to be there and have the opportunity to do something amazing.
My “magic formula” is to smile right when I wake up in the morning, think positively about what the day hold for me. Negativity tends to chase happiness away and it takes a while for it to find its way back to you. Surrounding yourself with positive people also helps my “magic formula” because it tends to rub off on me and influence me to be just like them. Surrounding yourself with positive people with make you a lot happier than you were before you met them. It's refreshing to have such a positive outlook on the world instead of being negative and putting it down all the time.
As I looked through the list, one thing that surprised me was to fake it. I honestly find it terrible to fake happiness because it'll just make it harder for you to actually be happy. Hiding your emotions isn’t good for you. If you went to bed upset or crying when you were little, how’d you feel the next morning? You felt a little better than you did the night before because you didn't hide your emotions. Faking confidence was something that really surprised me. How do you fake confidence? I don’t think I have ever faked being confident just to be happy. If you faked being confident wouldn't you just be fake happy, too? I just don't get it. You shouldn’t fake happiness because it's the way of life. Happiness is a place where you end up if you're lucky. In conclusion, in order to find happiness, you must do what you enjoy doing, surround yourself with the most positive people you could meet and don’t fake a single thing.
I have recently experienced many moments of happiness. I have experienced something very big in my life that made me very happy. I think the most special moment would have to be me making the Olympic Development team for new jersey. Over the summer I went to multiple tryouts, at Rutgers college, for a soccer camp and tried out with the best girls in New Jersey. There were about two hundred girls at the tryout and only twenty girls made the team. These tryouts were to see who were the best players in New Jersey and to see who would represent them at the regional tournament in North Carolina. After we show them how talented we are, we go to a regional camp in Pennsylvania for a five night stay at Penn State. So far we have had a few training sessions and we have till July to get ready for the tournament. These are only a few steps to make it to the National Team of America. I believe it is so satisfying because I now represent New Jersey and are one of two of the best keepers in New Jersey. I believe that everyone has their own magic formula of happiness that works for them. I say put a ball in front of me and I am a happy person. Though that does not make other people happy like it does for me. Some people want greater things like more money, a nice house, or a nice car to make them happy. For me if you give me family, soccer, roof over my head, and food I will be a happy person for the rest of my life. After reading Ms. Shannon’s list I do believe in most things that she said. I believe that by faking confidence and happiness does make you a happier person. After a while you start to actually start to believe that you are happy and confident. You have to fake it till you make it.
ReplyDeleteAlyssa I completely agree with your response. It was actually very awesome to hear that you were one of twenty people that made the Olympic development team. Like you said by putting a ball in front of you makes you happy, putting a book in front of me makes me happy. I also like how you said that what makes you happy doesn't mean it's the same for other people. For instance, if you put a ball in front of me I would be running in the other direction.
DeleteThe recent of moments of happiness Ive experienced, is watching Netflix with my friends all day. I know it sounds silly but it honestly made my day. I think what made it so satisfying is that all my friends watch Grey's Anatomy and we were all on the same episode, so just being able to watch it with somebody and have the same reaction is way more fun than you would think. We were able to have discussions on what we think is going to happen or why we think it played out that way. I think the "magic formula" for happiness that works for me would have to be not having a day full of plans. I'm usually always doing something every weekend and I'm the type of person that likes to just chill and take a break. So just staying in the house with family and friends is an instant way of me being happy or by going to the library I don't know why but that place always makes me happy. I think the ingredients for my "magic formula" would have to be hanging out with friends, Netflix , and sleeping. I do think these ingredients will change as I get older, I most likely wont be watching tons of tv shows all the time because, I'll have work and other important things to focus my spare time on. However, the hanging out with my friends and sleeping will still be a very important part in my "magical formula" ingredients and won't be changing anytime soon. While looking through the list that Ms.Shannon compiled it was very interesting reading the different ways people find happiness. My reaction was surprised but definitely not by the one where it said "Fifteen-year-old girls were found to be the unhappiest group in this report last month on boys and girls." Being a freshman and all, most of my friends and I are 15. I can completely understand how 15 year old girls are the unhappy ones. Not gonna lie girls are mean, spiteful, and rude. Especially to people they don't like, I mean it doesn't have to be that way, but it is. Guys aren't really like that they get over things fast and dont hold grudges. Girls hold grudges especially if you start talking to their ex boyfriend, well you might as well forget about it at that point. Her and her friends will most likely not like you. That's why everyone just needs good friends they can count on and that will always be there for them no matter the circumstances. All in all, this article about happiness was truly amazing and interesting, it was very awesome to find out the different aspects in life that make other people happy.
ReplyDeleteTori, I completely agree with you. Yeah it may sound silly, but sometimes being with your friends is the best. Its so true about what you thought of Ms.Shannons statement.
DeleteI have actually recently experienced a time of happiness in my life. It was indeed small but i still enjoyed that moment and that experience. It was when i got a really nice hit in my baseball game for school. I really enjoyed it because it is just one of those moments that you really feel that you have done something to help out your team and really show your ability and what you can do. When that feeling comes to you it is very satisfying and it really just turn everything around you to happiness. I never really thought about a “magic formula”. I just or it just kinda comes to me. I do stuff that makes me happy to ensure that happiness is usually all around me, but i never really had or thought about it. I don't necessarily would move to scandinavia. I would make sure that this is what i want to do and not do it and then regret it because i feel that if you want to you are going to miss your old life and want to come back, but i wouldn't just instantly move. That is really the only thing that actually surprised me and that otherwise the list was really her opinion and her thoughts on what she wanted to do.
ReplyDeleteA recent moment of happiness I’ve experienced was celebrating my sister’s birthday on the 14th. We had friends and family over and had cake. The most memorable part was my sister, her friends, my brother, his friend, my friend, and I were all sitting around in a circle. We were all laughing, joking, giggling, goofing off, making funny faces, etc. I think what made it so satisfying was that we were all so joyful, just forgetting about any worries or anything in our rushed and busy lives. It was a break to relax and let go, something healthy that everyone needs once in awhile. Also, I think it was because of the simplicity of the situation. It was just a simple party with a few close people over, nothing crazy, and we sang “Happy Birthday” to her. Sometimes, the simpler things in life are the most beautiful. I think that some people feel the need to go above and beyond, which is fine, but there’s nothing wrong with easy and simple. I think the “magic formula” is part of what the article said: being close to family and friends and making an effort to spend time with them. I think it’s also about doing what you’re passionate about in life. I think that everyone will find something they really love in life, whether if it might be harder to find or come easier. When someone finds something they’re good at or love doing, they should absolutely pursue it in life because there is nothing like that feeling. For example, I really love drawing with paper and a pencil. I love doodling cartoon characters all the time and it’s especially wonderful when you feel confident in what you’re doing. I really want to go to a good art school that will help improve myself with challenges, expand my knowledge, and expand my options by trying new things (e.g. oil pastels, charcoal, etc.), but also a school with core subjects. Not to mention there are many different kind of arts like culinary, theatre, cosplaying, etc. I notice that when people are really into what they’re doing, you can feel this zealous vibe from them. You can tell it holds a special place in their heart and that they put so much of their effort into it. To be able to put all your effort into something and be happy about it is really something special. No, I don’t think these ingredients will change when I’m older. If anything, I would add things from new experiences in the world as I grow. I thought the list Ms. Victoria Shannon complied was accurate and very well thought out; I liked it. However if I had a complaint, it would be how she mentioned that 15 year old girls are the unhappiest group. I, personally, am not generally unhappy. In my opinion I am a more optimistic person. My friends who are 15 are also very happy and healthy people.
ReplyDeleteHappiness is very important for having a good life. Being happy makes everything better and is basically what we live for. The point of getting an education and working so hard in life is mostly so you can be happy. If something isn’t making you happy or making someone else happy, then what’s the point of it? Throughout my lifetime I have been happy countless times and I have also felt down a lot. The times when I were happy it was definitely better than when I wasn’t. I get happy over many different things and feel different amounts of happiness for each. If my favorite team scores in a game that makes me happy. But, if my team wins a game with a last minute play it makes me a lot more happy than when they just score. I also become happy if I get a good grade, I hear something funny, or if I do good in a game. Those things were satisfying because they either made me laugh, or I or something I like gained from it. For me, a way to be happy is to stay very positive. This means that usually I look at the bright side of things and look for positives. For instance if I’m having a boring day I will look forward to something fun that I can do later in the day. I can’t make myself happy on the spot but I can definitely make it easier for me and set a good mood for the day. As I get older I think these ingredients will change as my priorities change and my environment changes. It will also probably be more dependent on other people if I have a family. I’m not too surprised by the list that Ms. Shannon gave because I already knew that those things were positive and that they make people happy. Having those things can make you much happier in life. The most surprising thing out of the list is that happier kids learn faster. I really didn’t think that emotion or mood could affect learning too much. I now learned that it could affect it a lot more so now in school I will try to be more positive and happy. Happiness means a lot in this world and life and people should try harder to be happy. There are different ways to become happy and it definitely makes quality of life go up.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right Shane, happiness is important key to having a good life. You have to work hard to get to the point where you're happy with your life.
DeleteWhat makes me happy is getting to the weekend. This makes me happy because I don't have to worry about anything during the weekend except having fun. During the week with school and sports I can barely relax and have fun. Also the weekend makes me happy because I can hang out with my friends. Another thing that makes me happy is music. If i'm feeling sad or bored i will put music on and it will make me happy.Looking at Ms. Shannon’s list, nothing really surprises me on there. Everything she says is pretty good advice! The only one thing she left out though, was the passion thing. As for what I say changing when I get older, I don’t really think that will happen. Maybe some of the things I love to do will change, but not how to be happy in itself. Being happy is a pretty easy thing to do. Just be optimistic about things, also. If in your life, you always focus on negative things, you’ll be negative. Focus on the positives! I can’t stress it enough. We only get one little life on Earth. We’re lucky enough to have it. In 65 or 75 years, we’ll be gone. Forever. Even if you’re religious, how could you be sure you’ll live again? What if you lived your life, all those years, and wasted it. It’s not a video game, guys. You got one chance. Enjoy it as much a you can. There trillions of people not even lucky enough to be born, let alone be born in one of the best countries to enjoy your life! Even when things are the worst, be happy. You don’t want to be that 80 year old looking back at his life with nothing to show for it. All in all you should always be grateful for what you have.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Zach. I get pretty happy during the weekend as well. You dont have to worry about anything except how you are going to have fun.
DeleteBeing happy is a thing that’s different for all people, it doesn’t matter if you are a fireman or a doctor,it is all different.I don’t think a five or ten step plan will work for this as effectively as it would work for another subject in question. Although, I do agree with the fact that you should be close to friends, and family. That’s very important. After that, it depends on you. Multiple things for each person can make you happy. I believe that you, if you want to be happy, you must find a passion. It doesn’t matter what it is as long as it’s not shopping, spending money, or eating… or drinking for that matter. Other than that, you have to find something you are very passionate about (basketball, baseball, soccer, music, writing, anything!) Literally nothing is the limit here. Now for me, I’m pretty happy. The only things making me not happy are some things too personal to share, and school. That really brings me down. By the end of the day I’m too tired to do anything at all. But, other than that, I’m really happy! My passion is obviously music (guitar). Whenever I’m playing guitar, I feel very happy. Like, whenever I’m sad, usually I just have to go and play a little. As long as I’m not working on a new technique, I won’t be frustrated. Just very happy. Looking at Ms. Shannon’s list, nothing really surprises me on there. Everything she says is pretty good advice! The only one thing she left out though, was the passion thing. As for what I say changing when I get older, I don’t really think that will happen. Maybe some of the things I love to do will change, but not how to be happy in itself. Being happy is a pretty easy thing to do. Just be optimistic about things, also. If in your life, you always focus on negative things, you’ll be negative. Focus on the positives. I can not stress it enough, we only get one tiny existence on Earth. We’re lucky enough to have it. In 65 or 75 years, we’ll be gone. Forever. Even if you’re religious, how could you be sure you’ll live again? What if you lived your life, all those years, and wasted it. It’s not a video game, guys. You got one chance. Enjoy it as much a you can. There are tons of people not even lucky enough to be born, let alone be born in one of the best countries to enjoy your life! Even when things are the worst, be happy. You definitely do not want to be that 90 year old looking back at his life thinking he did nothing throughout his life.
ReplyDeleteI agree Tristan if you just do things that make you happy you will be happy. Just always be positive and do good things.
DeleteThere are a lot of things that I like to do that make me happy. I always try to do things that make me happy because I do not feel like being sad or anything like that. I rather be happy then being sad. Something I have been doing that is good is that I have started working with my dad. That makes me happy because I get to make money and buy other things. Also I get to learn to do what he does for a living so that is good. Another thing I do that makes me happy is play sports and things like that. That is good because I am with other people and I get to talk to people. It is also good because I am doing something other than just sitting in the house and doing nothing all day. It also keeps me in shape so that is another good thing. I think that is the key to what makes me happy is that I just have to do fun things. If I just do fun things I will be happy or just spending time with my family because that makes me happy too. I think that will be the same my whole life if I just do things I like to do I will be happy. I just have to always stay positive and things like that. If I get negative then I will probably be sad. I will just do things that I enjoy to do and I will be good. I think that applies to everybody too. Just do things you like to do and you will have a happy life. Never focus on the negative side of things otherwise you will probably be sad. As I read this article I thought about how much it relates to my life and society. I think people are a lot happier when they are around their family and friends. I know that I surely am. Also, I realized that people around me with money seem to be happier than the people around me without money. Money is so valuable today that it often determines other people's happiness too. If people just did what makes them happy then they will probably be happy. All in all, I think this article was very good and I agree with many of those things. I think a lot of people agree with it.
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