History repeats itself, fashions come and go, attitudes change even philosophies constantly change. At one time it seemed right that to be happy you needed to amass everything our little hearts desired. America went crazy purchasing the big SUV’s, big luxury homes, stainless steel appliances, the latest technology gadgets and the theater room size plasma TV’s. Part of the dream was to have it all. As the old saying goes “Nothing ever remains the same” NOW is the right time to come to grips with the idea that maybe that wasn’t the best school of thought. These purchases haven’ t really done much to ensure our happy state. Mostly they are to blame for some of the unhappiness we are facing, creating strain and stress over how to pay for them.

What to do now ? Logic tell us to try to manage and salvage what’s left, after all its already purchased. How about if from now on we get rid of our excesses and materialistic state of mind. Rid ourselves of these material stressors and commit to leading a happier, downscaled and healthier life by simplifying it and therefore reducing this debt stress.

People around including self, family and friends are stepping it down a notch. Some by necessity others by choice and some for fear of the future outlook of our economy. None of us are alone. We are no longer taking the long lavish vacations we took before, we are no longer consuming the Steak Diane, lobster dinners and drinking pricey bottles of Chardonnay at five star restaurants. We are not going on shopping sprees for designer purses and the latest shoes every other month. But did these things really make us happy ? Or was it the ability to obtain them that did ? Did we have to reach this point to figure out what really makes us happy ?

Instead we now vacation close to home if we can still manage it or do mini weekend getaways where we can drive to nearby destinations instead of purchasing flight tickets. Cruises are relatively cheap and all inclusive. We eat more chicken and grill burgers in our backyards with the people that really count. We shop when we need to and for the basic necessities. We learn to give gifts from the heart. We are all still here. No one goes into shock much less dies from less consumption or frugal spending.

Almost immediately upon the sky starting to fall I noticed the social changes amongst my group of family and friends and commented I didn’t believe it was such a horrible thing. Some looked at me like I had a third eye on my forehead, some politely disagreed and some one asked who my doctor was, to ask for some of my medication. Of course being facetious, as I don’t take any.

The downturn of the economy has awakened something in me that immediately I couldn’t quite understand or describe. I now know - The pressure is off. No longer do I feel the need to keep up with the Jones’s because the Jones’s aren’t doing all that well. Not that I did to begin with but I admit every now and then I felt a tang of jealousy and wondered why I couldn’t be more of a risk taker and bring myself to splurge.

I’ve since witnessed the turning in of luxury vehicles for modest ones. I’ve seen those backed up on their car payments switch vehicles with others in similar circumstances to stall the repo man. I see people living in homes they can no longer afford waiting for the banks to come and padlock them. I’ve felt compassion for fellow friends with homes in foreclosure and mounting debt.

I’m a little more kind to those around me. I now spend more time with my husband and family. I’ve picked up rewarding hobbies and developed a habit of picking up my little grandson once a month for a week long stay. I have more time. I forgive more easily. I have more time to be grateful for what I have, I feel humbled and timely so.

The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself. ~Benjamin Franklin

The one good thing that has come out of all this gloom and doom ’ Chicken Little’ effect around us is the notion that we will not perish. For better or for worse we are here until our maker asks for us. That could be a while ! No matter , life is still worth living. You’ll have plenty of time to rest when you are gone. Make the most of what you have and surround yourself with like minded happy people or infect them with your enthusiasm. Nothing worse than having a negative soul constantly around you sucking and draining the energy right out of you. There is no room for negativity here.

Now is a good time as any to pursue personal growth and intimacy through exercise, sports, writing, meditation, journaling, listening to music, having sex, yoga , laughing, gardening, volunteering. All noteworthy activities that promote inner peace and well being also serve to promote and build upon your happiness. Whatever you are comfortable doing by all means do more of. Relax, unwind, relieve a bit of stress before going back to the daily routine.

What’s more, we really can do this, we can live with less, less is more. My new philosophy on life and happiness. Happiness is not a destination , it is a way of life. Find what makes you happy and keep repeating.

Hope smiles on the threshold of the year to come, whispering that it will be happier.
Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Happiness lies in wait; it comes upon suddenly, like a midnight thief at a turn up in the street, or in the midst of a dream, because a ray of light a strain of music, a face, or a gesture has overcome the despair of living.
Hector Bianciotti
Sans la Misericorde du Christ

To be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness.
Bertrand Russell
The Conquest of Happiness

Before strongly desiring anything, we should look carefully into the happiness of its present owner. Francois de la Rochefoucauld

Often people attempt to live their lives backwards; they try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want, so they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then do what you need to do, in order to have what you want. ~Margaret Young

We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have. ~Frederick Keonig

Of all the things you wear, your expression is the most important. ~Janet Lane

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. ~Dalai Lama

Fun Fact Survey Taken 2005 - Ranks the Happiest Country

Psychologists Know What Makes People Happy