There’s another book out to tell us how to live happier if not longer lives: Thrive: Finding Happiness the Blue Zones Way by Don Buettner. He lists 10 suggestions which aren’t new but probably bear repeating, though I don’t agree with all of them. They include living in certain geographical locations, like the Pacific Northwest, or living near water and in sunny climes. Happiness also comes with sound financial footing, getting a good night’s sleep, eating breakfast, watching less TV, having a soul mate and a community of friends, being a member of a faith-based community, having a pet and being compassionate to others. To my surprise, absent from the list is good health, being pain free and having a purpose for getting out of bed in the morning.
As a single woman, I can’t agree that a soul mate would make me happy. I seldom get annoyed with dogs or squirrels or pigeons, but a single individual has been known to set my teeth on edge and leave me muttering for weeks. As for faith-based communities — too many people. I prefer the glow of charitable works done anonymously.
Wise minds have taught that happiness can’t be found in lists and doesn’t depend upon the external world. What matters is the inner one. I tend to subscribe to that though I confess, I cherish my friends. As for Buettner and his list, I don’t know the man, but I know what makes him happy. Selling his book.
(Courtesy of albris.com)
