Share Your Happiness

Although the primary focus of my blog is to share creative ways to relieve back pain, as an extension of my newly created website, http://www.back-exercise-and-pain-relief.com/ (a work in progress), I thought this article might be an interesting and fun diversion from that topic.

Have you met Alex Shalman? If not, you may want to meet him and you may be happier because of it.

In February 2008, Alex had the opportunity to interview 34 people on the subject of happiness. He asked each participant 5 simple questions about happiness and from those interviews Alex grew his Happiness Project.

Alex is now inviting everyone to participate in what is being referred to as the Happiness, Group Writing Project. The possibility that he created for this project, is that everyone who participates, and reads his interviews will be left inspired, empowered, and happier than they were before.

Check out the guidelines for participation:

http://www.alexshalman.com/blog/2008/03/01/happiness-the-group-writing-project/

Be sure to notice step 4 that says if you post your happiness answers on your blog, Alex will provide a link back from his site to your blog. However, you don't need a blog to participate you can post your replies directly on Alex's' site.

For a dose of happiness before you get started, read the responses of other participants:

http://www.alexshalman.com/blog/happiness-project/

As for my responses...

1. How do you define happiness?

I believe happiness is being at peace with yourself and where you are in your life.

2. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your happiness now, versus when you were a child?

Now: 9

Child: 9

I have to say, I was a relatively happy child and am so now. Although there certainly have been ups and downs I try to take a lesson from each of the downs and go forward with a positive attitude.

3. What do you do on a daily basis that brings you happiness? (and how consistent is the feeling of happiness throughout your day)

I try to focus on my realization that nothing lasts forever and continually remind myself of that. Doing so gives me a much better appreciation of the simple pleasures of life and encourages me to be more of a participant in it. However, as I get caught up in my day-to-day doings I often don't take the time to appreciate the here-and-now as I should.

4. What things take away from your happiness?

The sadness and unhappiness of others is bothersome to me. It also upsets me when I get stressed about things that are inconsequential in comparison to the major struggles that many other people go through on a daily basis.

5. What do you plan on doing in the future that will bring you even more happiness?

Laugh at myself, enjoy the humor we each create every day and hope that I can help others be happier because of this.