This was a good introduction of a good book, so far. The saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover." should also say, Don't judge a book by its cover, and whatever you do, don't judge it by the pictures either.
I didn't know what to think, but the book has made sense, more than I thought it would.
I read the intro, put the book down, sat at my desk at home, and starting into some deep thinking.
Am I really happy? I thought to myself. Well, the answer is yes. I think, I truly have the American dream; a home, a great job, a beautiful family and a few good friends. I am goal oriented and have accomplished a few within the past two years.
The American society is spoiled, we want too much and want it all at the same time.
As I sit here and type this entry I do realize, I should also be thankful for what I have, I should understand that there are people not as fortunate as I am. Well, I thank God for everything I have, without him I wouldn't be happy. Do I have basic needs? Of course, but I think I will take my piece of the pie and sit down with a nice cup of coffee and enjoy the happiness I have right now. Who needs the whole pie?
Chapter 7
-
Well, I am not going to lie I haven't even read the chapter but after
posting last week I decided to take personal time and act to empower myself
to have w...
16 years ago
8 comments:
You say you have the American Dream. I agree. But do you have your dream? If so, good. If not, why?
My dream was to become a firefighter. I have lived this dream. Do I want more, yes, it is human nature. But for now I would like to relax and enjoy this ride. It's only been seven years, I have 14 more to go. My kids are growing to fast and that, my friend, is something I don't want to happen. I want to enjoy this time, now. Will it ever be enough?Is that what you were getting at? Define enough.
It sounds like you're consciously thinking about what happiness is and what it feels like to have it. That's the first step on this road.
I agree with you comment about American society being spoiled. Take your pie analogy - what you "need" is food and water, what you have is a fine pastry and warm caffeinated beverage. Those who are spoiled would say, "I want the entire pie" or, "where's the ice cream?"
Happiness to me is enjoying the pie, saving some for the next day and being thankful it's not just bread and water.//jrd
What I liked here was the sense of happiness already. You are among the first that views their life as more happy and content than most thus far. Your attitude is half of that battle. We are spoiled and the book should prove to enlighten us to that fact. Our basic needs are just that - the "basic" needs. Ironically, they are the minimum threshold by which we can be happy. Anything above that and we should be eating that pie. I liked talking to a friend of mine who just got back from Iraq about this. He stated that upon his return, he was both cynical of many things and devalued human life. Yet at other times, often within seconds after this feeling, he felt more alive and appreciative of the smallest things. He talked about over eating ice cream, brownies, and chocolate syrup with that sense of happiness that I could not imagine unless I had been in his shoes. Disassociated from the world and the friends he once knew five years ago, he was able to find happiness in the most insignificant things to me. That is how I want to be in a way. I want to be able to find the true joy in everything. I would love to be able to sit still and lost in thought with complete clarity even if the call is dispatched or the baby starts crying a moment later.
In my opinion, Americans are either "keeping up with the Jones" or want instant gratification.
Working hard for something you want places a different set of priorities on the item or situtation. When it is just handed to you, you appreciate it less.
J
I can't say anything other than I agree. I like your outlook. There is nothing wrong with having the highest of goals and being content at the same time. That is the real success story in my opinion. I felt the same way and posted as such on my page.
Post a Comment