I don't know about that, Ed. A couple years ago I was working 100-110 hours/week. Just because I had no time to myself, didn't mean that I necessarily felt fulfilled.

On top of that: I earned between $36K-50K annually. The job was about as high stress as you can get. I got yelled at daily by both bosses and "customers." And everything was an emergency, whether real or manufactured. It sucked. I got tired of trying to convince those "customers" that I was actually looking after their own best interests. Now I'm trying a career lateral move (roughly same pay, but far less stress and fewer hours--maybe 50-60 per week), and I must admit I'm much happier for it.

Edit: a new child has also done wonders for my psyche, if not my sleep.

RELIGION

So, you filled it with something, didn't ya?


Ed

Re: Are You Really Happy?
 

The most important words in the whole thread. Whether you're happy or sad, this too shall pass...

Re: Are You Really Happy ?
 

If you haven't already, read Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand. It might help you figure out what's missing.

I knew it.

The great nature of this forum.

I ask tips on changing shocks on TF and get loads of useful info. In a blink I can flip over to OT and spill my sorrow beans all over you. Immediately you change from expert wrenches to wonderfully emphatic, deeply caring human beings.

Have read every single word and I am confident a 2 hour private session with Dr Phil would be less worth. Several of your advice and insight is right on the money.

This is why this society have 34 thousand members. Its second family and price less at that.

Thanks everyone. I do feel better already.

Man, its not the first time I feel I should pay for this..

Re: Re: Are You Really Happy ?
 

Everyone should read this book at least once in life. I try to pick it up every 5 years or so, just to refresh its meaning in this tired old brain...

Joe A

Want what you have.

You need to retain a "life coach" for an exorbinate amount of money. I'm available... ;)

PM me for my address

:D :D :D :D :D :D

Livi,given your discription of your life..it's easy to say "you should be happy or what more do you want" well, you want something..not more .
Step back as they say..me thinks your taking some things for granted.
Loss of one or more of you gift's would surely rock your world quickly.
Rika

It's tough to judge someone else's level of happiness and sadly, it's often inversely proportional to their apparent wealth and good situation. My ex fiancee is richer than God, drop-dead gorgeous and smart as they come. Still, she has no direction in her life, hates living in the US and can't figure out what she wants to do, when life begins, where to settle, etc. Give me any one of her built-in advantages and I'd grab it by the throat.

Here's one of my favorite Neil Peart (drummer and lyricist for Rush) passages:

"And that is the secret, when all is said and done. "The pursuit of happiness" may be the finest phrase in history, and some people seem to forget that happiness is what we're supposed to be chasing here. Not short-lived pleasures, not commodities, not good hair or perfect cheekbones, but simply enjoying the mountain while we're climbing it. The upward paths may be hardest, but they have the best views."

Joseph Campbell wrote," When you're on a journey, and the end keeps getting further and further away, then you realize, the end is the journey,"

Nick

Markus - maybe Doctors without Borders is your ticket.

Me - I have never been happier in my life. Every next day gets better. By the time I am ready to die I will be living in heaven on Earth. For real!

Re: Re: Re: Are You Really Happy ?
 

One of my all-time favorite books!

Rika, you a fortune teller ?

My father just ended up in hospital. Diagnosed with pneumonia and pulmonary embolism. Very serious.

I just hope this is not the "loss" you mentioned.

I rather hope its an example of (don´t know the exact English phrase): Its alway darkest right before dawn..

Thanks again guys,

Lexapro.

Re: Re: Are You Really Happy ?
 

Read a book? Holy bejeezus what are you nuts or something!

Kids seem pretty happy these days why don't you do what they do...

Get a $300 video game, a $500 bag of weed, and a big bag of greasy McDonald's burgers and fries.

Just trying to interject a little humor here.

Cheryl Crow says it best... "It's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got."

Have you guys seen this thread?
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-used-parts-sale-wanted/259510-stolen-car-911t-1971-3-0-reward-2000-a.html
It's in the parts section so it's easily missed. It's a painful read, but it might make some of your "problems" go away.

I believe that happiness is a choice. I saw evidence of this when I was younger. My mom and dad were retired and had ordered a new motorhome. They spent a lot of time picking out the features they wanted. Before it was delivered from the factory my mom died of an aneurysm. My dad was miserable.

Then one day he decided to get on with his life. When the new motorhome arrived he carried on just like they had planned and began to travel. He met numerous new friends and eventually met a wonderful woman. During one of our visits he told me that he had "decided" to be happy. And he was... happier than I ever remember seeing him. His only regret in life was not deciding to be happy sooner.

no