I just stopped writing my own newsletter to read this and I'm glad I did. Thank you and Es guets Nöis to you too. I just realized that in Swiss German we say "a good new year". Now considering which I prefer.
I love what you said about happiness. I've written about happiness myself and won't repeat it all here. I'm generally happy - a lot happier than this time 4 years ago. And, I am happy because I've learned to feel, accept and embrace all those other emotions humans can experience. That to me was the key to happiness. Happiness does not/can not exist without them.
Walking alone early in the morning - yes, please! I totally understand what you mean. I'm the same way.
Well written. I just can add some words that reinforce, each day, my way to move forward on real actions of rewarding happiness: “The very act to trying to look ahead to discern possibilities and other warnings is in it self a act of hope.” - Octavia Butler
My own happiness is a bit like yours, a combination of alone time and social interaction when available to me. The moments I cherish at this time late in life are the peaceful ones with my precious furry family devoted unconditionally which is hard to find in the “peopled” world. But in recent years I’ve paid much more attention to the global aspects of impossibly difficult and threatened lives across our troubled world. 🌎 And an element of genuine happiness is lost forever because I have such empathy for these people and would like to make a difference. I’ve always been committed to helping others and found joy in doing so in my career. But the global situation escaped my notice for many years until it literally exploded into all our lives and could no longer be ignored. I suspect much of that unfettered happiness arose from an absolute trust in governance to take care of the “others” but knowing the illusion of that thinking has changed me forevermore. For the better, I believe, but at a cost of an element of happiness never to be regained. Eyes open for what develops in the coming year. And attention to what I may do to impact positively in whatever small way. Thank you, Alexander! 😘
Thank you, Judith. If only all of us would do as much as we are possible to do, we could set all wrongs right. Your impact may be small; if it is one contribution in a wave of many similar efforts, it becomes a powerful force for positive change.
Scientists have revealed that "Good Vibrations" by the Beach Boys is the world's happiest song with "YMCA" coming in at 8th. These songs are danceable with a repetitive beat. Surgeons who listen to AC/DC in the operating room were quicker and more accurate. I think music makes us happy. Dancing like nobody's watching gives a canvas for sadness -- something to do with it. As does a walk in nature, a recipe, books or a funny movie. Even cleaning out a drawer. Maybe we need to turn the music on and "Don't Worry Be Happy."
There are so many outside factors that can affect or rob us of happiness. You have gone through them flawlessly. I try to remain ultimately concerned for my fellow man & for our species while trying to find peace amidst the noise in today's world.
My word for 2024 is equanimity; to try and observe the chaos around me with a level head; to find a life of balance. To continue to believe in the mystery of this Universe; how the grueling desert outfuels the blistering heat and blooms like paradise.
Thanks for letting me audit your classes, Alex. I always learn something and that makes me happy.
Thank you, Sharon, there is so much I recognize and like in your comment. And Good Vibrations is brilliant, I always wonder why many of my friends who love the Beatles fail to see the outstanding productions of the Beach Boys like they achieved at Pet Sounds and Good Vibrations.
I just stopped writing my own newsletter to read this and I'm glad I did. Thank you and Es guets Nöis to you too. I just realized that in Swiss German we say "a good new year". Now considering which I prefer.
I love what you said about happiness. I've written about happiness myself and won't repeat it all here. I'm generally happy - a lot happier than this time 4 years ago. And, I am happy because I've learned to feel, accept and embrace all those other emotions humans can experience. That to me was the key to happiness. Happiness does not/can not exist without them.
Walking alone early in the morning - yes, please! I totally understand what you mean. I'm the same way.
Thank you for this!
Thank you, Evelyne. I'm glad you recognize so much.
I wish you happiness!
This makes me happy 😊
That’s sweet. Thank you 😊
Well written. I just can add some words that reinforce, each day, my way to move forward on real actions of rewarding happiness: “The very act to trying to look ahead to discern possibilities and other warnings is in it self a act of hope.” - Octavia Butler
Thanks. And yes, well formulated 😊
My own happiness is a bit like yours, a combination of alone time and social interaction when available to me. The moments I cherish at this time late in life are the peaceful ones with my precious furry family devoted unconditionally which is hard to find in the “peopled” world. But in recent years I’ve paid much more attention to the global aspects of impossibly difficult and threatened lives across our troubled world. 🌎 And an element of genuine happiness is lost forever because I have such empathy for these people and would like to make a difference. I’ve always been committed to helping others and found joy in doing so in my career. But the global situation escaped my notice for many years until it literally exploded into all our lives and could no longer be ignored. I suspect much of that unfettered happiness arose from an absolute trust in governance to take care of the “others” but knowing the illusion of that thinking has changed me forevermore. For the better, I believe, but at a cost of an element of happiness never to be regained. Eyes open for what develops in the coming year. And attention to what I may do to impact positively in whatever small way. Thank you, Alexander! 😘
Thank you, Judith. If only all of us would do as much as we are possible to do, we could set all wrongs right. Your impact may be small; if it is one contribution in a wave of many similar efforts, it becomes a powerful force for positive change.
Scientists have revealed that "Good Vibrations" by the Beach Boys is the world's happiest song with "YMCA" coming in at 8th. These songs are danceable with a repetitive beat. Surgeons who listen to AC/DC in the operating room were quicker and more accurate. I think music makes us happy. Dancing like nobody's watching gives a canvas for sadness -- something to do with it. As does a walk in nature, a recipe, books or a funny movie. Even cleaning out a drawer. Maybe we need to turn the music on and "Don't Worry Be Happy."
There are so many outside factors that can affect or rob us of happiness. You have gone through them flawlessly. I try to remain ultimately concerned for my fellow man & for our species while trying to find peace amidst the noise in today's world.
My word for 2024 is equanimity; to try and observe the chaos around me with a level head; to find a life of balance. To continue to believe in the mystery of this Universe; how the grueling desert outfuels the blistering heat and blooms like paradise.
Thanks for letting me audit your classes, Alex. I always learn something and that makes me happy.
Thank you, Sharon, there is so much I recognize and like in your comment. And Good Vibrations is brilliant, I always wonder why many of my friends who love the Beatles fail to see the outstanding productions of the Beach Boys like they achieved at Pet Sounds and Good Vibrations.
I agree, Alex. The Beach Boys sang the soundtrack of my life. I love them.