Thursday, December 19th, 2018
Have you ever wondered what causes human happiness? Is it something that just randomly happens? Or do you have some degree of control? The answer may surprise you. Over the past several years, I have done quite a bit of study on the topic. Partly in preparing to write my book, ‘American Sunshine’ and partly just because it fascinates me. What if we could engineer our own happiness? What if we could make the world a happier place?
Well, the answer is that we ‘can!’ And, the best description I have found of how to achieve this is thoughtfully and convincingly described in the accompanying video featuring Arthur Brooks, President of the American Enterprise Institute. It’s entertaining, funny and downright insightful. As he points out, the research demonstrates that a significant amount of our happiness is truly under our control – and he tells us how to do so. Not surprisingly, it highlights the individual and the opportunity we each have to pursue our own vision of ‘earned success.’ The experience of making progress on the path to a worthy ideal.
The total video runs nineteen minutes. But here’s the deal. Please click on it, watch the first two minutes, give it a try – and I wouldn’t be surprised if you like it enough to watch the entire presentation. Could even give you the formula for leading a happier life …. Starting nineteen minutes from now.
Positive Rays That Bind Us Together…Welcoming Women Business Leaders from Around the World:
What a treat this past Friday night. The human spirit of inclusion and a sense of curiosity and learning – all on display at the home of John Smith and Mary Jane Beauregard in Bedford. They were hosting – along with David Tille – an event sponsored by the World Affairs Council of NH providing a forum for these wonderful women describe the unique aspects of being a women in business from countries all over the globe. And interestingly, the remarkable similarities that seem to exist throughout the world.
I was especially thrilled to be able to attend with my son, Lincoln, who earlier that day had just completed his SERE Survival Training for the U.S. Navy. He is headed off to Iwakuni, Japan right after Christmas to spend the next three years as an aviator with the VFA-102 Diamondbacks Strike Fighter Squadron. As a patriot, I am sure he appreciated the warmth and respect these women shared for the special values we have here in America. And of course, a big ‘thank you’ to John, Mary Jane, David and the Council for giving us all an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the challenges these women have faced and ultimately surmounted in their quest for growth and success.
Quotes of the Week:
- Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come without leaving happier. Mother Teresa
- Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be. Abraham Lincoln
My favorite:
- When it rains, look for rainbows. When it’s dark, look for stars.
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