Of course we’re missing the psychological reason why Hsieh wanted to pursue happiness, but I can tell you mine. My father hated his job and our family had to listen to endless hours of his griping about it while we were growing up. It was enough to seek any other way of living. My brother, always good at Monopoly, went on to be a stock/bond broker and was really good at it. I, however, had endless jobs to find my happiness. Though I was told by a psychic at 23, that I would be a massage therapist, I didn’t believe him. At 45, when another psychic almost mimicked the first one, I decided to give it a try. OMG! There it was! The previous years weren’t wasted however. I learned a lot about human nature (esp mine) and acquired wisdom that I use on the job….and I’m still alive.
Good morning Bill. I’m still sitting here wondering how Tony pronounced his last name. Once I get over that, I’ll read about him. Skipping on, I’m loving that little girl singing the Ukrainian national anthem. Children at that age can be painfully shy or absolutely fearless and she has shown us her steel early. Beautiful!
I'm amazed how many people pursue happiness when what they really want is joy. Happiness is externally derived and needs constant stimulation and increases to be effective. Joy is internally derived and once found only needs to be maintained.
My older brother was bipolar and had some issues with drugs. He seemed like a happy person on the outside, but inside he was continually searching for happiness. He too died in a tragic house fire at the age of 40.
Reading your story brought back some difficult memories.
Of course we’re missing the psychological reason why Hsieh wanted to pursue happiness, but I can tell you mine. My father hated his job and our family had to listen to endless hours of his griping about it while we were growing up. It was enough to seek any other way of living. My brother, always good at Monopoly, went on to be a stock/bond broker and was really good at it. I, however, had endless jobs to find my happiness. Though I was told by a psychic at 23, that I would be a massage therapist, I didn’t believe him. At 45, when another psychic almost mimicked the first one, I decided to give it a try. OMG! There it was! The previous years weren’t wasted however. I learned a lot about human nature (esp mine) and acquired wisdom that I use on the job….and I’m still alive.
“Life is short. We don't have much time to gladden the hearts of those who walk this way with us. So, be swift to love and make haste to be kind.”
― Henri-Frédéric Amiel
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/209251-life-is-short-we-don-t-have-much-time-to-gladden
Good morning Bill. I’m still sitting here wondering how Tony pronounced his last name. Once I get over that, I’ll read about him. Skipping on, I’m loving that little girl singing the Ukrainian national anthem. Children at that age can be painfully shy or absolutely fearless and she has shown us her steel early. Beautiful!
Well of course it is! Why didn’t I see that? Thank you Bill. Now I can read about him 😉.
I'm amazed how many people pursue happiness when what they really want is joy. Happiness is externally derived and needs constant stimulation and increases to be effective. Joy is internally derived and once found only needs to be maintained.
My older brother was bipolar and had some issues with drugs. He seemed like a happy person on the outside, but inside he was continually searching for happiness. He too died in a tragic house fire at the age of 40.
Reading your story brought back some difficult memories.