Chasing Happiness?

Happiness is not achieved by the conscious pursuit of happiness; it is generally the by-product of other activities. Aldous Huxley This blog comes from that quote I found online. It got me thinking to if it is valid or not. It also brought about another question to me. It seems that many people, at least in America, think that money leads to happiness, or at least act as if that is what they believe. But is that the case? I doubt that one. At least for me, I would rather be doing a job I love with minimal pay than to hate a job making millions. Besides, as one actor said on Numb3rs: "Take it from someone who has more than enough... it's never more than enough." Money seems to lead down a never-ending path that will probably end in despair for the person when it is realized that there is no end to the path. Still, is pursuing happiness possible? It's certainly doesn't seem to be the by-product of ALL activities, but that wasn't suggested by the quote anyways. All I know is from personal experience. I have TRIED to be happy in the past. Trying itself has yet to ever produce happiness, at least for me. Some by-products of trying have led to happiness, but never directly. From what I can see, the quote seems to be correct. What do you think?

The Root of All Evil?

You've probably heard it said, "Money is the root of all evil". First off, to me that's obviously not true. Money is behind a lot of wrongs, but not all of them. I present another candidate. I don't think it's the root of ALL evil, but I think it at least gives money a tough time for first place. This thing is miscommunication. You probably see examples of this all around you. I know I certainly do. At my work, miscommunications are at the foundation at probably 90% of the issues there (and there's a lot of junk going on). And, it's evident anywhere else you turn. And, it's an even harder problem to solve than money. Money has a simple solution: don't be controlled by it. Of course, that's much easier said than done, but it's definitely possible. But how does one solve miscommunications? I have searched for years and have yet to find a solution. There are certainly ways to help decrease the number of them (such as assuming the best or true listening or repeating things back) but there is no foolproof way to solve all miscommunications. What can be done after it happens? Only thing I know of: apologize. Even if you don't think it's your fault, still apologize. And, be sincere about it. One thing that includes is to not expect anything in return. Miscommunications are no one's fault and thus also everyone's fault. At least I have yet to come across one that someone is not at fault at all. Challenge: Today's challenge is simply to think. Answer these two questions: What has being right ever gotten you? And, what has being right ever cost you? And then answer the real question: Were the costs really worth it?

To Care or Not To Care

Coming from me, this blog title might seem rather strange. Isn't it always better to care than not to care?

I wonder.

However, the things we can care about are nearly infinite, so I am just focusing on one: opinions, specifically others' opinions on who we are/what we do.

(Before I go any further, know that I am probably using a different definition of "care". What I mean is changing to suit what the person wants. There may be a better word for it, but my mind is blank searching for it. Also know that I am for respecting others' opinions, that is NOT what this blog is about)

This issue doesn't seem to be black and white. On one hand, if you care about everything everyone says about you, you'll no longer be yourself. But the other option wouldn't seem viable either, as ignoring all opinions can lead to troubles too, or so it seems.

The only thing that's clear to me here is that to always care about opinions is NOT the way to go. Grayscale also has issues, those being whose opinions to trust and to what degree to trust them. That would be a juggling act that could end up with loosing as much self as simply caring about all opinions. Also, it takes a lot more energy than the other options to digest the advice and weigh it out.

So which is better: black or gray? Or a specific color of gray? I don't know if there is a right answer...

As for me, I am something like a dark gray.

Daily Challenge: Nothing in this life is for certain. Your next breath, your next heartbeat might never come. So, your challenge today is to take one day this week (you can pick the day), and for just 15 minutes, think about what you would do if these were your last 15 minutes and then do it. Clear up those loose ends. Have to say "I love you" to someone? Do it. See how your outlook on life changes, if it changes at all.