Geography of Bliss

A Book by Eric Weiner.

Things I learned about happiness:

It needs to come from within.

External happenstance can be joyful, but you need to take flight yourself.

Maybe happiness is this:  not wanting to be anywhere else.  But, that too is fleeting.

Conjoyment: Contentment/ joyfulness…easy going without highs and lows.

Happiness is low expectations.

Attention/ not feeling invisible

Having connections

Feeling connected

Not needing a lot

Trust, friends, neighbors

Knowing there are good people out there

Feel like you are contributing

Stop chasing things that don’t make us happy.

Windfalls ultimately don’t make you happy…though they can relieve some stress.

Not getting what you want, getting what you want…neither make us happy.

Interesting work

Random joyful objects.

Religion, purpose, belief in something.

It is not what we believe, but the act of believing.

Happiness is a state of mind & how you pursue that state of mind.

Happiness is a choice.

Attitude that no matter how bad things are…they will work out.

Pride.

Staying busy and not thinking too much about be happy. Doing. Living. Breathing.

Live rather that question living.

Thinking about happiness makes us less happy.

The belief that the relationship is more important than the problem.

Not serious about anything.

Whatever it is we accept it.

If it’s not fun, it’s not worth doing.

Happy/go-lightlies don’t get flustered.

If nothing you do matters, then life suddenly feels a lot less heavy. It’s just all a big game.

Friendship, sex, trust.

Relationships at work and with family.

We need identity to feel happy. Your dreams, your worth, your ideas.

Food is the mirror of the nation’s soul.

Pride. Identity. Culture. Tradition.

Envy = the enemy of happiness.

Powerlessness. People are not likely to be happy if they have no control over their lives.

Being useful = happiness.

Living a meaningful life is sometimes good enough.

Home is where the heart is. You come home because this is where you live.

To feel needed. People & dogs.

Count your blessings & be grateful for five things every day.

Appreciate the moment.

Socializing. Meeting people. Inspiration. New ideas and opportunities. Connection.

Spice!!!

Love.

More than one road to happiness.

Balance.

Rich, meaningful life.
Our relationships with other people are more important than you think.