positive psychology

Yesterday I learned a great deal in my positive psychology class. I love implementing what I learn. I've already seen an improvement in my outlook. **These concepts, coupled with faith and prayer have really changed my life. I am happy, and I love it. Here's what I learned:

Happiness.

A mere 10% of total happiness is due to circumstances.

A whopping 50% is from our genes.

What's left, 40%, is what we can change.

Even that 50% is not set in stone. We all have a "happiness" set point that we revert to even when things are going great or when things are seemingly bad. Most people blame their unhappiness on the things that are going on around them. Studies have shown that only 10% of our happiness comes from our current situation! That's not a lot.

So.... we really have no excuse.

Here's a story about a guy that won the lottery. He won 135 million dollars. He gave money to his grand-daughter every week starting when she was 16 years old, and bought her 4 cars. She became a crack-addict, ran away from home, and died. The man (Jack) was in a monogamous relationship with his wife for several years and after he won the lottery, they got divorced. When asked if he wished he'd never won the lottery, he said YES.

People think that even a little money will solve their problems, but it's never enough. If it's not money, it's something else that costs money. We live in a world that values destinations and not journeys. Problem is, no one ever really "arrives."

We all know that money does not equal long-term happiness. I think we've heard that a billion times. So what does equal happiness? YOU decide, and YOU can change it.

**If you think this is about you, it is. It's for everyone, including me. If you feel it's directed at you, I won't deny it. It is. We're all on this journey together. Think positively. "Don't worry, be happy."