294: In The Pursue of Long-Term Happiness

The key to finding happiness lies in appreciating and being grateful for what we already have

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Unrelated: In The Pursue of Long-Term Happiness

The Stoics followed a simple yet profound philosophy well articulated by Socrates. According to them, true happiness doesn't come from seeking more but from learning to appreciate more. Life is not perfect, but it's not flawed either. 

Ed Diener defines happiness as a state of consciousness that results from achieving one's values. It's also called "subjective well-being" and is considered the ultimate goal rather than a means to an end. Good health and a clear mind are essential to happiness. The key to finding happiness lies in appreciating and being grateful for what we already have. A person's sense of happiness is more tied to their values than their physical location. While happiness can be conditional, joy is unconditional. We should detach ourselves from stress and anxiety caused by uncontrollable factors. Happiness depends on interpretation, not external events.

Many people believe that their possessions or income determines their self-worth. Yet, once our basic needs are met, pursuing wealth can bring less and less satisfaction. Additionally, prioritizing wealth and success above deeper values can lead to a shallow existence. While wealth is a part of life, it alone cannot bring true happiness. Focusing on superficial pleasures can also lead to problems like addiction or obesity. We often hold mistaken beliefs. It's only sometimes possible to be correct, and striving for such perfection can be frustrating. Admitting mistakes is necessary for growth and learning. It's essential to recognize that life can be challenging, and trying to remain positive may not solve problems. To stand for something, we must make choices and accept or reject things that align or contradict our values. Considering our mortality can help us keep our priorities and values in perspective, letting us let go of trivial concerns. We are responsible for our actions, and acknowledging this responsibility is essential.

[^1]: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life

Off Topic:  Positive Communication and Presence in Parenting

[^1]: No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind

The way people perceive their past is a personal narrative that they tend to modify to fit their current self. Our present moment has a significant impact on how we view our past, and not the other way around. Praising a child's everyday words and actions and focusing on the positive aspects of their behavior is more beneficial than only praising them when they do something "good." It is crucial to seek communication methods that do not involve aggression because using violence demonstrates a lack of maturity and respect for others and can create a rift among people.

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