Is happiness a country trait?
Happiness is termed sometimes as a country trait. Switzerland claims that they are the happiest people on the top of the list. I can almost vouch for them and in my visit last year I found a lot of people joyous and with a very positive attitude. They are a happy lot and they mix well with people. Tourists visiting the country have many wonderful stories to tell about their hospitality. The fun lies in the fact Denmark, Australia, Canada, Philippines and Costa Rica albeit their lower GDP, also join the bandwagon to claim they are among the happiest. All that well for God Almighty’s wonderful planet. A Buddhist lama has of late self-declared that he is the happiest person living on earth and he wrote a book on that.
All fine. I suppose there are millions of people who have disappeared behind the curtain of time and those still living, who could claim happiness. Positive Psychologists for decades have been researching in this area trying to analyze and peep into the brain of happy people by asking questions and observing their behavior, and closely watching as to determine after all that it is that ticks them.
One thing I’ve noticed about almost every single happy (and being successful is a different issue) person is that they share a lot of the similar attitudes and beliefs about life. Let us take a cross section of the society and watch. We get to see happy people among menial laborers, top-notch physicians, scientists, housewives, teachers, etc. etc.
They all seem to share some common traits. Here are some of the fundamental basic attitudes and beliefs that psychologists say contribute to their happiness.
1 Self-Confidence bestowed upon
Happy people are a confident lot having faith in their own abilities and the talents showered upon them by the Almighty. They are never stressed or disturbed, for they know the storms would vanish and the sky would become clear again. They never lack in confidence whether they can accomplish their dreams.Doubts fears and apprehensions don’t shackle them and they fix their eyes on the target alone. Confident people tend to perform better even when hurdles and obstacles appear. They reach the destination fearlessly. These all add up to their happiness. Practicing positive thinking and standing on the strength of our talents and skills and the belief that our shortcomings and defects can well be overcome by God’s Grace, is the secret of happiness
- Mixing well
Happy people tend to share their joy with others. They may be interacting with much less number of people as compared to a political or spiritual leader. But what makes the difference is their empathy and genuine interest in people.
They cooperate in their activities especially in needy times and share personal feelings. They take care and fulfill duties as a friend or relative. They give a lending ear, express genuine interest in what people say, and respond positively and in encouraging ways to enrich relationships.
- Much Adaptable
We do not really know what is in store for us across the life. Problems and obstacles are there in our homes office and in the society we live in. Sometimes devastating calamities rock our boat. But the happy do not lament for long. They would focus on finding the best way around to overcome the obstacles. They are adaptable and don’t worry about life’s unpredictability. They simply move forward and wait for another morning to bloom.
- Ready to accept mistakes
Individuals who realize their mistakes, shortcomings, and failures and readily admit them before others are immediately welcomed and accepted into the society. They spread much fresh air and understanding and their openness becomes an open sesame for their acceptance. What more, they become much more exposed to happiness and joy.
When they fail, fall below expectations or realize having committed a mistake, they do not worry. For they are confident of the future
- Grateful for all that is showered upon
Happy and successful people are immensely grateful to God for His gifts, their capabilities, education, parents, other dear ones, wealth, fame and everything they have. They give thanks for enabling noble and fruitful relationships, their home, their job, their possessions, their talents, their achievements, etc.
Happy people are often busy and engrossed in activities in the interest of humanity. They are always hungry and striving always to improve other’s lives and make things better not only for themselves.T his altruism and inner drive is a key factor making them very happy and content in their lives. Their good work transforms the society and they become catalysts for social change. They are loved and admired by people and people are always anxious to be in the company of such happy individuals.
Watch happy persons when they achieve something and are rewarded. They would pass on credits to others and are extremely grateful for all the good fortune to be able to associate with people. Happy individuals are never self-centered or egoistic.
Gratitude is an irreplaceable characteristic of true happiness and success. Even if we achieve great things in life, without gratitude we often find ourselves empty and discontent. Make sure you take the time to reflect on how lucky you are as a person. Surely every one of us has innumerable and glorious gifts to be grateful to God.
- Optimist, Optimist ever
The power of positive thinking is a supreme attribute of happy people. You start believing in a good ultimate outcome and that things will work out fine in the end.This makes you easy going and stress will be never ever near to you. Optimists focus on the good and the best in everything. They never run around with a microscope to detect faults or defects in things. Constantly viewing life situations through positive eyes will make them happier and life becomes a sweet and enjoyable experience. If you happen to foster a cynical line of thinking you need not worry. With constant practice and by pushing more of positive thoughts into your brain it’s possible to change your outlook.
- Peaceful journey
When something goes wrong in life, the happy people maintain their calm and they don’t get upset. They are aware that the life has its own ups and downs, and there is a morning after every dark night. They never get perturbed too fast.
People who are weak get overwhelmed and flustered when something goes off-track. They are too much nailed to that moment, and they do not have the mettle to take stock and watch for the better turn of events in future. The thing for which you worried sometimes melts off completely by the next dawn. So what matters is a positive outlook.
- In tandem with other happy people
Those happy creatures know that we can learn a lot from other happy and individuals. Having admirably positive people to look up to is a great comfort and resource for self-improvement. Their ideals beliefs habits and strength which enables them to light up their lives, spreading sunshine can have a great indelible and lasting impact on us. We can emulate their examples in life and make them models and join the happiness wagon irrespective of the country you live in.
Read more from the Author: GIVE THE YOUTH A DREAM TO LIVE FOR
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jose Vazhuthanapilly, Bsc., LLB, DBM, CAIIB retired in 2008 as AGM from State Bank of India. He had worked as a visiting faculty in the Bank’s Staff Training Centers for 5 years. He is a writer with 20 books to his credit including 3 on self-help/ psychology. He resides in Ernakulum, Kochi. He is active in the social service area.
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Jose Vazhuthanapilly, BSc., LLB, DBM, CAIIB Retired in 2008 as AGM from State Bank of India. He had worked as a visiting faculty in the Bank’s Staff Training Centers for 5 years. He is a writer with 22 books to his credit including books on self-help/ psychology. He resides in Ernakulam, Kochi. He is active also in social service. He can be contacted at josevazhuthanapilly@gmail.com
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