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Hey everyone,

Just wanted to go off topic here for a second and ask you one simple question, for study purposes!

Are you happy with your life and yourself?

Yes?
No?
Why?

Thank you everyone, and I'll be looking forward to your answers!

Best Regards,
Karl
#are you happy #happy #your life
  • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
    Banned
    Hi Karl - it's a strange concept, "happiness", really? I think I feel, overall, that the more I analyze whether or not I have "happiness", the less I probably have it, so I don't think about it much. My answer is therefore a very ambivalent "yes"/"no". Count me on neither side, overall.

    .
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    • Profile picture of the author ThomM
      Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

      Hi Karl - it's a strange concept, "happiness", really? I think I feel, overall, that the more I analyze whether or not I have "happiness", the less I probably have it, so I don't think about it much. My answer is therefore a very ambivalent "yes"/"no". Count me on neither side, overall.

      .
      I don't think about it much myself. I get bouts of severe depression from time to time so if I'm not having one of those I'm beyond happy They are getting rarer though and after the last one (last January) I figure I've about had enough of that crap, so I guess I'm happy all the time now.
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      • Profile picture of the author Kay King
        If I am "content" that's good enough most of the time. I've found "happiness" comes in fleeting moments when least expected. Not something I can plan for or aspire to.
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        • Profile picture of the author David Maschke
          Originally Posted by Kay King View Post

          If I am "content" that's good enough most of the time. I've found "happiness" comes in fleeting moments when least expected. Not something I can plan for or aspire to.
          You nailed it there. An unexpected delight releases dopamine within the brain stem, which causes the happy feelings which people want. Of course, like you said, it is fleeting, so they move on in search of it again.

          The sniper marketer cannot hit his or her target if they don't even know what the target is. The release of dopamine is the target. The release of dopamine should be the objective in email, ad copy, products, everything. It'll keep people coming back for more.

          I've never seen this written anywhere before, though it might exist. Imagine what someone smarter than me could do with this marketing theory.
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          • Profile picture of the author lanfear63
            the state of being happy.
            "she struggled to find happiness in her life"
            synonyms: pleasure, contentment, satisfaction, cheerfulness, merriment, gaiety, joy, joyfulness, joviality, jollity, glee, delight, good spirits, lightheartedness, well-being, enjoyment; exuberance, exhilaration, elation, ecstasy, jubilation, rapture, bliss, blissfulness, euphoria, transports of delight; Hollywood ending

            That's a dictionary definition.

            Is there anyone on the planet that has one or more of those states of being all the time. Nope.

            Study over.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
    Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.
    - Abraham Lincoln
    I don't think we humans were meant to be in a continuous state of happiness. We need times of contemplation, times of rest, and times for other states of being.

    I am not unhappy. That is enough.

    Happiness as a goal is very elusive and slippery. She's hard to catch when you chase her, and impossible to hold onto if you do. In my observations, she usually comes to visit when you're busy doing something worthwhile.

    I am ready to be happy at any time. And in that state, happiness drops by to visit often. In that state, small things others often overlook bring me happiness.

    To me, happiness is more an attitude than a condition.
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    • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
      Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

      To me, happiness is more an attitude than a condition.
      Yes, I believe this is fundamentally true. To me the phrase "pursuit of happiness" is as absurd as, say, the pursuit of curiosity. It just isn't something you chase down. And because it's an attitude of mind, no amount of external or material influences are likely to make a permanent impact on one's intrinsic happiness.

      Those who say money or material goods will bring them happiness, either don't understand the concept or don't understand themselves.


      Originally Posted by Dennis Gaskill View Post

      I don't think we humans were meant to be in a continuous state of happiness. We need times of contemplation, times of rest, and times for other states of being.
      Humans don't think or perceive the world in absolute terms. We tend to view everything relatively. That's just how we are; it's how our senses have developed. Perhaps because of this, one of the greatest causes of unhappiness is comparing ourselves to others.

      Unless you're happy with yourself, it's easy to find someone you think is better off and let that affect your view of life. Therefore it follows that one of the simplest, yet most profound, secrets of happiness is to stop measuring your life against your perception of how others are leading theirs.

      Do that in tandem with recognizing how lucky you are to have defied the stupefying odds* of actually being alive in the first place, and you'll wonder, as I do, why anyone would ever waste another second being unhappy.


      Frank

      * Phrase borrowed from "Unweaving the Rainbow: Science, Delusion and the Appetite for Wonder" by Richard Dawkins.

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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    Well, if the old adage has any weight - I'm just freakin' blissful.
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    • Profile picture of the author ThomM
      I don't think we humans were meant to be in a continuous state of happiness.
      I think it mite have to do with what we conceder happiness Dennis. On one level I think I'm happy all the time because I've learned to enjoy whatever I'm doing simply because I'm still able to do it. In other words still being alive makes me feel pretty damn chipper
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      • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
        Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

        I think it mite have to do with what we conceder happiness Dennis. On one level I think I'm happy all the time because I've learned to enjoy whatever I'm doing simply because I'm still able to do it. In other words still being alive makes me feel pretty damn chipper
        I agree with that. That's why I said I'm ready to be happy at any time, and that to me it's more of an attitude then a condition. It doesn't take much to make me happy. Pretty girls begging me to kiss them, guys handing me fistfuls of money just to ask me one question. What can I say, I'm a simple guy.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dan Riffle
    My base line is "eh" with occasional dips into "ugh" and rare peaks of "sure, why not."
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    • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
      Originally Posted by Dan Riffle View Post

      My base line is "eh" with occasional dips into "ugh" and rare peaks of "sure, why not."

      maybe close to me.

      I have a near constant baseline of "mild interest".....with a few seconds of "That was entertaining" or a few minutes of "That was irritating".

      Being around my wife, brings my baseline up a notch or two. If she wasn't here, it would be a more numbing "benignly disinterested".

      I don't think I'm ever happy. The closest I can get is interested.

      But I never thought of happiness as a goal.
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      • Profile picture of the author WalkingCarpet
        Banned
        Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

        maybe close to me.

        I have a near constant baseline of "mild interest".....with a few seconds of "That was entertaining" or a few minutes of "That was irritating".

        Being around my wife, brings my baseline up a notch or two. If she wasn't here, it would be a more numbing "benignly disinterested".

        I don't think I'm ever happy. The closest I can get is interested.

        But I never thought of happiness as a goal.
        Bald people are never happy.
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        • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
          Originally Posted by WalkingCarpet View Post

          Bald people are never happy.
          That actually wasn't a bad jab.

          I think a more accurate statement is "Bald people are never sexy".

          Do you know who I think is probably happy? The crazy cat lady that has 10 cats. Or the dog person, who has 3 dogs.
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          • Profile picture of the author lanfear63
            Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

            That actually wasn't a bad jab.

            I think a more accurate statement is "Bald people are never sexy".

            Do you know who I think is probably happy? The crazy cat lady that has 10 cats. Or the dog person, who has 3 dogs.
            There were and are many sexy bald men, like Mahatma Gandhi.

            Anyway. Bon Voyage for a week, off on the cruise. Arrrrhhhh, Captain, Jim Lad, Ahoy there Matey etc.

            Have instructed Kurt to double up on the subtle jibes in the meantime with Walking Carpet and HN bringing up the rear with the straight insults.

            This of course is due to Riffle announcing his semi-retirement of the job in a recent thread.

            Terra K could soon be taking over full time.
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            • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
              Originally Posted by lanfear63 View Post

              There were and are many sexy bald men, like Mahatma Gandhi.

              Anyway. Bon Voyage for a week, off on the cruise. Arrrrhhhh, Captain, Jim Lad, Ahoy there Matey etc.

              Have instructed Kurt to double up on the subtle jibes in the meantime with Walking Carpet and HN bringing up the rear with the straight insults.

              This of course is due to Riffle announcing his semi-retirement of the job in a recent thread.

              Terra K could soon be taking over full time.
              Kurt?....Subtle?

              Enjoy your cruise.
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  • Profile picture of the author JoshDylan
    Happiness is an understatement. The amount of joy you truly feel when things go as planned and watching your businesses turn into successes is something words cannot even describe.
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  • Profile picture of the author joseph7384
    Re: Are you happy?
    If I was happy I probably would be clapping my hands!






    If I'm not happy, I can always Knick Knack Paddy Whack give my dog a bone!




    .
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  • Profile picture of the author obaynes
    Could stand to be making a little more money, but that'll get sorted in time.

    Otherwise, yeah, pretty happy. Haven't caught the ebola and it's hockey and football season again, so no major complaints here.
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  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    I'll be truly happy when I find inner peas. Still no luck...
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    I find happiness a two edged sword.

    Tomorrow morning I will be up at 8:00 am - to me, extreme torture and I am not going to be the least bit a happy camper.

    However - by 11:30, I'll be meeting at a spot I found with rare blue and green petrified wood and communing with 5 people from my website - friends/business associates and turning them onto some of the finest treasures that nature offers us........immersed in beautiful forestry, hills, and panoramic scenery - nature at its most glorious. And for about 6 hours I am going to be in ecstasy, completely engorged in peace, contentment, gratefulness, joy, and some laughter.

    Am I joyful 24/7. No. Am I happy? Overall I think I'm one of the most generously blessed people I've ever met. Yes, I'm happy.
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  • Profile picture of the author karlstech
    Thank you everyone for sharing, it's been really interesting and rewarding to see how you formulated your answers and thoughts, while it satisfied me on a personal level, it was great to see how different the term "happiness" is defined for different people!

    Keep em' coming!
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    • Profile picture of the author HeySal
      And you do know that it's 3:00 am - I have to be up in 5 hours - and now I'm dancing. You can't listen to that song and not dance. Not if you have a soul, you can't.

      Money. Right. You have to have enough for a roof, food, and car - but after that, if you need money to be happy, I really feel sorry for you. The best things in life ARE free.
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      Sal
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      • Profile picture of the author WalkingCarpet
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        Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

        And you do know that it's 3:00 am - I have to be up in 5 hours - and now I'm dancing. You can't listen to that song and not dance. Not if you have a soul, you can't.

        Money. Right. You have to have enough for a roof, food, and car - but after that, if you need money to be happy, I really feel sorry for you. The best things in life ARE free.
        Schwarzenegger said it best.

        "Money doesn't make you happy. I now have $50 million but I was just as happy when I had $48 million."
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  • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
    Banned
    Most of the time: Yes. : )

    My life is bliss compared to how it used to be. (After suffering from social anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia.) Some days I'm filled with a great sense of gratitude. I'm not happy 100% of the time (which I think is normal) however most of time I am.
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  • Profile picture of the author WalkingCarpet
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    I find money has a direct correlation with happiness.
    More money I have the happier I am.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jonathan 2.0
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      Originally Posted by WalkingCarpet View Post

      I find money has a direct correlation with happiness.
      More money I have the happier I am.
      I think that's true to a point.
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      • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
        Originally Posted by JoshDylan View Post

        Happiness is an understatement. The amount of joy you truly feel when things go as planned and watching your businesses turn into successes is something words cannot even describe.
        True, l am slowly experiencing that myself at present! The last month of hard work, is starting to show results; and eventhough it might only be a few hundred per month, at present, it has taken me 6.5 years of head butting to achieve that!
        Onwards and upwards!


        Originally Posted by travlinguy View Post

        I'll be truly happy when I find inner peas. Still no luck...
        Inner Peas???? Careful Claude might quote you on that one?
        I would prefer inner peace!

        Originally Posted by WalkingCarpet View Post

        I find money has a direct correlation with happiness.
        More money I have the happier I am.
        Originally Posted by Jonathan 2.0 View Post

        I think that's true to a point.
        True, try going on a 5 star holiday when you are miserable, it only sets it in stone!

        Unfortunately, but l suppose it is better to be miserable in a warm location, with plenty of theme parks to visit, than stuck at home, watching a lot of crap to pass the time?

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        • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
          Banned
          Originally Posted by tagiscom View Post

          l suppose it is better to be miserable in a warm location, with plenty of theme parks to visit
          Very true ... I was actually thinking more "with plenty of shoeshops, bookshops and cafés to visit", but the principle's exactly the same: always better (as well as perhaps a little more difficult) to be unhappy in a nicer location.

          .
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          • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
            Originally Posted by Alexa Smith View Post

            Very true ... I was actually thinking more "with plenty of shoeshops, bookshops and cafés to visit", but the principle's exactly the same: always better (as well as perhaps a little more difficult) to be unhappy in a nicer location.

            .
            Yes, When Tom Cruise, (second, or third wife, lost count) and the Aussie actress, (can't think of her name at the moment) divorced, she rented out an entire tropical island for herself for a week, Costed about $300k all up.

            Then Tom Cruise and his next wife, went there a week later!


            No doubt she left some itching powder in all the beds, or the ebola virus, (we can only hope)!

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            • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
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              Originally Posted by tagiscom View Post

              When Tom Cruise, (second, or third wife, lost count) and the Aussie actress, (can't think of her name at the moment) divorced, she rented out an entire tropical island for herself for a week, Costed about $300k all up.
              LOL, she was also able to start wearing proper shoes again, since she was no longer photographed everywhere standing next to such a little guy.

              .
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  • Profile picture of the author barbling
    For the most part, I've gone thru enough in my life to recognize a huge part of said life is how you choose to view whatever happens to you.

    Since realizing that I've been happier than not.

    It's all how you choose to react.
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  • Profile picture of the author karlstech
    It's just so interesting to see how everybody defines happiness in their own way, to make sense of it all. To some the question of "are you happy" can be answered with a simple yes or no then followed by a reason why. To others it's not even about about happiness.

    This proves how unique every single person is in this world!

    Thanks so far for all the answers and ideas!
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    • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
      Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

      That actually wasn't a bad jab.

      I think a more accurate statement is "Bald people are never sexy".

      Do you know who I think is probably happy? The crazy cat lady that has 10 cats. Or the dog person, who has 3 dogs.
      They think they are happy, but are too screwed up to realize they are insane!



      And in your defence, Picard out of Star Trek, is bald and considered sexy!



      Originally Posted by Frank Donovan View Post

      Yes, I believe this is fundamentally true. To me the phrase "pursuit of happiness" is as absurd as, say, the pursuit of curiosity. It just isn't something you chase down. And because it's an attitude of mind, no amount of external or material influences are likely to make a permanent impact on one's intrinsic happiness.

      Those who say money or material goods will bring them happiness, either don't understand the concept or don't understand themselves.

      Humans don't think or perceive the world in absolute terms. We tend to view everything relatively. That's just how we are; it's how our senses have developed. Because of this, one of the greatest causes of unhappiness is comparing ourselves to others.

      Unless you're happy with yourself, it's easy to find someone you think is better off and let that affect your view of life. Therefore it follows that one of the simplest, yet most profound, secrets of happiness is to stop measuring your life against your perception of how others are leading theirs.

      Do that in tandem with recognizing how lucky you are to have defied the stupefying odds* of actually being alive in the first place, and you'll wonder, as I do, why anyone would ever waste another second being unhappy.


      Frank

      * Phrase borrowed from "Unweaving the Rainbow: Science, Delusion and the Appetite for Wonder" by Richard Dawkins.

      Damn, l was looking forward to chucking a million on the double bed and rolling around in it, saying my money, my money!!!!!

      Then going out and buying a new BMW, E - Class, just to see what reaction the sales guy gives me!

      hopefully not, cashing in on your meth, lab stash, eh?

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      • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
        Originally Posted by tagiscom View Post

        They think they are happy, but are too screwed up to realize they are insane!

        "Insane" is relative. And if they think they are happy, they are happy.

        I've only known a few people that seemed perpetually happy. They have a few things in common;

        They are leading simple lives.
        They work with their hands. Farming, building furniture, creating crafts.....
        They are gentle, kind, maybe a little naive.

        Maybe "Content" is a better word. As in They are content with their lives.
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        • Profile picture of the author Kurt
          Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

          "Insane" is relative. And if they think they are happy, they are happy.

          I've only known a few people that seemed perpetually happy. They have a few things in common;

          They are leading simple lives.
          They work with their hands. Farming, building furniture, creating crafts.....
          They are gentle, kind, maybe a little naive.

          Maybe "Content" is a better word. As in They are content with their lives.
          I read a very indepth study a while back that tried to break down as many demographics as possible and see which group of Americans are the "happiest".

          The study found that the Amish were the happiest group of people, while mega-lottery winners were the unhappiest.
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          • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
            Originally Posted by Kurt View Post

            I read a very indepth study a while back that tried to break down as many demographics as possible and see which group of Americans are the "happiest".

            The study found that the Amish were the happiest group of people, while mega-lottery winners were the unhappiest.
            Give me the names of the unhappy lottery winners, and l will gladly take away some of their burden!

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            • Profile picture of the author sbucciarel
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              Originally Posted by tagiscom View Post

              Give me the names of the unhappy lottery winners, and l will gladly take away some of their burden!

              There was one in West Virginia that was deeply involved in his church, so he built an enormous new church for a tiny amount of worshipers. The new church wasn't a success. He carried tons of money in a suitcase in the trunk of his car and was robbed. He gave tons of money to his drug addicted granddaughter and died of an overdose. His wife dumped him and took her share. You're too late for that party, as I don't think he has anything left.
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            • Profile picture of the author Kurt
              Originally Posted by tagiscom View Post

              Give me the names of the unhappy lottery winners, and l will gladly take away some of their burden!

              Better hurry, half of them are bankrupt within a few years...
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              • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
                Originally Posted by Kurt View Post

                Better hurry, half of them are bankrupt within a few years...
                Half l thought most lost it?

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                • Profile picture of the author ThomM
                  "Insane" is relative. And if they think they are happy, they are happy.
                  Claude that reminded me of a little joke my old doctor used to make.
                  When ever I'd see him he'd ask about the pain I'd be feeling (he was an orthopedic surgeon). I'd usually tell him it wasn't bad I smoked a joint. He'd always say "Smoking pot doesn't take away pain, it just makes it so you can't feel it".
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                  • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
                    Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

                    Claude that reminded me of a little joke my old doctor used to make.
                    When ever I'd see him he'd ask about the pain I'd be feeling (he was an orthopedic surgeon). I'd usually tell him it wasn't bad I smoked a joint. He'd always say "Smoking pot doesn't take away pain, it just makes it so you can't feel it".
                    I'm not sure it's a joke. If I have a bad headache, my wife may suggest Tylenol. I'll tell her something like "No. It will probably mask the pain, but it won't get rid of the cause. I want to get rid of what's causing the pain" So I may try aspirin (to relieve the pressure in a headache) or hot compresses.

                    Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox now.

                    Claude "Holier than thou" Whitacre
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                    • Profile picture of the author ThomM
                      Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

                      I'm not sure it's a joke. If I have a bad headache, my wife may suggest Tylenol. I'll tell her something like "No. It will probably mask the pain, but it won't get rid of the cause. I want to get rid of what's causing the pain" So I may try aspirin (to relieve the pressure in a headache) or hot compresses.

                      Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox now.

                      Claude "Holier than thou" Whitacre
                      It was a joke between him and me
                      He knew I smoked a lot and he had the same views on cannabis laws as I do. He also had the same sense of humor as me. That exchange always happened when there where nurses or other doctors around. Another one we always had would be him asking me about the pain and I would say it's bad. He'd tell me to go smoke a joint and man up
                      We did it all pretty much as a joke on any staff that happened to be around.
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                    • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
                      Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

                      Lottery winners? My observation is that they are now suddenly thrust into a completely alien existence. They have no idea how to handle large sums of money. They don't have the experience or temperament to be wealthy. And so they make incredibly stupid decisions....and yes, the money is usually soon gone, and the family relationships are sometimes in tatters too. Because relatives want part of your money. And whether you give it to them or not, it's not ending well....because they don't know how to handle money either.

                      In my selling experience, I've sold to lottery winners and recipients of huge multi-million dollar insurance settlements. These people are completely out of their element. They make rash decisions (sometimes to my benefit), and all of them have been unhappy when they had this wealth.

                      It's not that wealth makes you unhappy. It's that suddenly having unearned and unaccustomed wealth.....completely takes you out of your comfort zone.

                      Yes, it is also the dumb mindset of attaining unaccustomed wealth, that leads to no wealth!

                      They think 22 million is limitless, and go on a spending spree, then years later, after p*** it all away end up broke and on the dole!

                      I read about a couple that won the above amount, and 10 years later especially with the bottomless soccer club pit, it was all gone!

                      Whereby someone who has struggled for years trying to create wealth won it, probably have a billion by now!

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          • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
            Originally Posted by Kurt View Post

            I read a very indepth study a while back that tried to break down as many demographics as possible and see which group of Americans are the "happiest".

            The study found that the Amish were the happiest group of people, while mega-lottery winners were the unhappiest.
            I believe it about the Amish. I'm an atheist. But I have to admit that people who are happy, seem to be ones who practice a religion devoutly.

            Maybe it's that complicated lives cause stress that we haven't yet evolved to handle.

            Lottery winners? My observation is that they are now suddenly thrust into a completely alien existence. They have no idea how to handle large sums of money. They don't have the experience or temperament to be wealthy. And so they make incredibly stupid decisions....and yes, the money is usually soon gone, and the family relationships are sometimes in tatters too. Because relatives want part of your money. And whether you give it to them or not, it's not ending well....because they don't know how to handle money either.

            In my selling experience, I've sold to lottery winners and recipients of huge multi-million dollar insurance settlements. These people are completely out of their element. They make rash decisions (sometimes to my benefit), and all of them have been unhappy when they had this wealth.

            It's not that wealth makes you unhappy. It's that suddenly having unearned and unaccustomed wealth.....completely takes you out of your comfort zone.
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            • Profile picture of the author discrat
              Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

              I believe it about the Amish. I'm an atheist. But I have to admit that people who are happy, seem to be ones who practice a religion devoutly.
              Yes ! I know there are Atheist who are generally happy.

              But just from my own experience the people who seem to have this 'almost mystical' Peace and Contentment about themselves are those who believe there is a Supreme Spirit or Godly Spirit. And that they only can control their lives up to a certain extent.Also they believe in an afterlife and look forward to it.

              Its funny to see some my parents friend's. They have lived long lives and they have this enthusiastic and infectious 'step' to them that I do not see in a lot of folks. They attribute it to their Spirituality. And it is really something to see.
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            • Profile picture of the author Kurt
              Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

              I believe it about the Amish. I'm an atheist. But I have to admit that people who are happy, seem to be ones who practice a religion devoutly.

              Maybe it's that complicated lives cause stress that we haven't yet evolved to handle.
              I think a big part with the Amish is that they have a strong sense of community and everyone is a part of the community.

              On a similar note, a while back when white people were raised by Native Americans, then returned to white society, they prefered to go back to Indian society.

              And when Indians were raised in white society, they also wanted to return to Indian society.

              IMO, it's the tribal sense of community that was the biggest reason for this.

              Lottery winners? My observation is that they are now suddenly thrust into a completely alien existence. They have no idea how to handle large sums of money. They don't have the experience or temperament to be wealthy. And so they make incredibly stupid decisions....and yes, the money is usually soon gone, and the family relationships are sometimes in tatters too. Because relatives want part of your money. And whether you give it to them or not, it's not ending well....because they don't know how to handle money either.

              In my selling experience, I've sold to lottery winners and recipients of huge multi-million dollar insurance settlements. These people are completely out of their element. They make rash decisions (sometimes to my benefit), and all of them have been unhappy when they had this wealth.

              It's not that wealth makes you unhappy. It's that suddenly having unearned and unaccustomed wealth.....completely takes you out of your comfort zone.
              For many of the lottery winners, much of their distress was how everyone around them changed. Friends and family no longer called to just talk or ask them over for dinner. Instead, all they do is hit up the lottery winners for money.

              Plus as you point out, giving money to someone that doesn't know how to handle money doesn't work. Then after they blow their money, they start feeling even worse about themselves and on top of that find themselves isolated from their friends and family because of financial issues.
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      • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
        Originally Posted by tagiscom View Post

        Damn, l was looking forward to chucking a million on the double bed and rolling around in it, saying my money, my money!!!!
        There's a famous story that the late, great footballer George Best, used to relate. Being the subject of regular criticism, both from the media and the fans, for wasting his career and his talent, George was no stranger to the lavish lifestyle. One night he'd been visiting the casinos with the current Miss World on his arm and had retired with her and his winnings to the hotel bedroom.

        A hotel waiter knocked at his door to bring more champagne and, entering the room, was confronted with George, a semi-naked Miss World, and thousands of pounds in notes lying scattered on the bed.

        The waiter, soccer fan that he was, took the opportunity to ask "George, where did it all go wrong?"


        The sad postscript to that tale is that George was probably an unhappy person. Certainly, he was plagued with alcohol-related illnesses throughout his adult life and died far too early.


        Frank
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        • Profile picture of the author discrat
          I tend to look for inner Peace rather just being happy.

          There is quite a big difference.

          Bad things are going to happen to us all. That is just reality. As long as the Grim reaper is going to hang around ,we will all have unhappy times

          But believe it or not you can have a certain amount of Peace even during these times

          Also, I know doing little things here and there and planning little things here and there can provide a lot of fun and happiness.

          For instance, on Monday my kids are off from school for Columbus day. We are planning to go to the Movies where we will indulge in at least 2 large bucketfuls of hot butter popcorn and wash it down with some icy cold Pop ( diet for me lol).

          That makes me happy
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          • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
            Originally Posted by Claude Whitacre View Post

            "Insane" is relative. And if they think they are happy, they are happy.

            I've only known a few people that seemed perpetually happy. They have a few things in common;

            They are leading simple lives.
            They work with their hands. Farming, building furniture, creating crafts.....
            They are gentle, kind, maybe a little naive.

            Maybe "Content" is a better word. As in They are content with their lives.
            Yes, if you are clinically insane then you will sleep like a baby, if you think that you are going mad, then you won't sleep at all!

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  • Profile picture of the author writeaway
    Happiness is a choice and YES, I am happy. I try to give thanks in everything. Even challenges are really opportunities in disguise.
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  • Profile picture of the author WalkingCarpet
    Banned
    Being of sound mind (relatively) I fear that money and the collection of wealth is the ONLY thing worth living for in this miserable manifestation. Anyone who thinks otherwise are simply deluding themselves.
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    • Profile picture of the author tagiscom
      Originally Posted by WalkingCarpet View Post

      Being of sound mind (relatively) I fear that money and the collection of wealth is the ONLY thing worth living for in this miserable manifestation. Anyone who thinks otherwise are simply deluding themselves.
      "Money can't buy me love"!


      Although a $1000 dollar a night hooker might be a close second?


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    • Profile picture of the author Richard Van
      Originally Posted by WalkingCarpet View Post

      Being of sound mind (relatively) I fear that money and the collection of wealth is the ONLY thing worth living for in this miserable manifestation. Anyone who thinks otherwise are simply deluding themselves.
      When you have sex with someone and you reach that moment of bliss, are you saying you're deluded or are you saying it isn't something you're happy about as the whole sexual encounter was merely a miserable manifestation?

      Or were you thinking of money at that moment?

      Serious question.
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    • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
      Originally Posted by WalkingCarpet View Post

      Being of sound mind (relatively) I fear that money and the collection of wealth is the ONLY thing worth living for in this miserable manifestation.
      I genuinely pity anyone who holds that viewpoint. It indicates a seriously underused mind.
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      • Profile picture of the author HeySal
        Originally Posted by Frank Donovan View Post

        I genuinely pity anyone who holds that viewpoint. It indicates a seriously underused mind.
        I don't pity them at all. I find them uncomfortably predatory.

        You sound like a kid in the mountains wanting to pet the pretty kitty just before it eats your face off.
        Wow. This is 2014 - be careful of that kind of stuff, ya know?
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        When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
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        • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
          Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

          You sound like a kid in the mountains wanting to pet the pretty kitty just before it eats your face off.
          Wow. This is 2014 - be careful of that kind of stuff, ya know?
          Huh? Sal, have we wandered in to one of your dreams?
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          • Profile picture of the author Richard Van
            Originally Posted by Frank Donovan View Post

            Huh? Sal, have we wandered in to one of your dreams?
            I'm billing you for a new keyboard Frank.

            It's now full of left overs from yesterdays Roast Chicken.

            It's all over the floor too.

            I'll let payment go on this occasion for being the first person to make me laugh on this wet and miserable Monday.
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            Wibble, bark, my old man's a mushroom etc...

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    • Profile picture of the author Claude Whitacre
      Originally Posted by WalkingCarpet View Post

      Being of sound mind (relatively) I fear that money and the collection of wealth is the ONLY thing worth living for in this miserable manifestation. Anyone who thinks otherwise are simply deluding themselves.
      That's silly.

      I have a Super Hero action figure collection. And THAT'S the ONLY thing worth living for.

      Maybe the reason you are in a "Miserable manifestation", is that you think that money is the only thing worth living for.

      Money is necessary. Striving to earn more shows ambition....but it isn't everything.
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      • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
        For the most part, yes, I am. I'm disappointed with what happened to my business but it doesn't define my life. I have a great wife and daughter, great friends who I get together with every Friday and Saturday now for a good 3 years and, at least for now, the luxury of being able to work from home.

        I truly believe that if I had everything and my life was totally perfect, I'd get bored. I need a challenge. And maybe that's why my business tanked. Maybe it had to in order to keep me interested in life. I always seem to walk that fine line between having and wanting. I think psychologically I don't want to have too much. If I did, what would drive me? I can't picture myself just sitting on the couch watching TV. I'd go crazy. My current situation, as frustrating as it is, is one of the most exciting times of my life. It's a feeling that's difficult to put into words. As much as I want to make it again, I don't want to make it too big because after a while, I know it'll get old. Money really doesn't buy happiness. I can say this for certain because when my business WAS successful, I was sick as a dog. I was making more money than ever in my life and I was miserable. There were days I didn't want to go on.

        Now that I have my health back, I realize that the money won't make me happy. It might let me breathe a little easier knowing I don't have to worry about being out on the street and hungry, because nobody wants that, but it won't make me happy. I know the things in this world that DO make me happy and money isn't one of them.

        So yes, in spite of my financial setback, I am very happy with my life now that I can wake up in the morning and not be in agonizing pain.

        Until you've lived like that, you can't possibly understand.
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    • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
      Originally Posted by WalkingCarpet View Post

      Being of sound mind (relatively) I fear that money and the collection of wealth is the ONLY thing worth living for in this miserable manifestation. Anyone who thinks otherwise are simply deluding themselves.
      Troll much?
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      Just when you think you've got it all figured out, someone changes the rules.

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  • Profile picture of the author Rick Rodd
    I remain to be a person who still believes in sunshine, lollipops and rainbows. That is my happiness. Making people happy.

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