what is happiness? safety perhaps?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happiness
says
“Happiness is a state of mind or feeling characterized by contentment, love, satisfaction, pleasure, or joy.[1] A variety of philosophical, religious, psychological and biological approaches have striven to define happiness and identify its sources.”
But I think what struck me most was dictionary.com had
“Antonyms:
1. misery.”
and that was it… just misery… i couldn’t help but think of so many others that might fit…
but realized I was getting distracted. So again went back to the concept of Mazlow’s Hierarchy of Needs… http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs
I realized how much I associate happiness with fulfillment on all those levels.
From
- Physiological – like loving Austin and the house I live in and the food I eat
- Safety -mmmm most of my resources here are actually based on the higher levels
- Belonging – my varied social networks, my family – very happy here!
- Esteem – Being asked to present at an event, wearing an outfit I created/invented
- Self Actualization – my work, thinktanks
While writing this post, I realized these happiness posts are becoming experiments in thinking out loud – unlike my normal posts. For example, this post makes me realize the obvious. The reason I want a normal job is because the main aspect lacking in my life right now is “Safety.” Contracting doesn’t cut it for me because right now most of my “Safety” is created on the other levels’ resources.
I think I like this 30 day writing process – vulnerable as it is.
