Definition of happiness
Some things can be taught, others must be experienced. The best teacher I had in high school, Rhoda Radow, gave me the task to define happiness. As a 16 year old without life experience, I could not complete the assignment, so I turned in a paper on what happiness is not. She forgave me for that, and for a later assignment that I completely botched.
38 years later, on this Day of Atonement — Yom Kippur, I think I can now finish the assignment.
Happiness: Only do what you have to do, and what you want to do. The definitions of “have to” and “want to” are an accurate gauge of your character.
Before doing something, ask yourself will it make you happier, wealthier or wiser? If not, why are you doing it (see #1)?
Recognize your strengths and play to them. Recognize your weaknesses and avoid them.
Acknowledge both upon request.
Respect friends and strangers alike unless they have proven themselves unworthy of it.
Tolerate others that do not share your views, lifestyle or beliefs as long as they do no harm to you or the ones you care about.
Treat people fairly, and give them the opportunity to do likewise. Even if they fail to do so, continue to treat them fairly. This is for your benefit, not theirs.
Be skeptical, but open-minded.
Do not be cynical — ever. It will never bring you happiness or true satisfaction.
Mrs. Radow, wherever you are, thank you.
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Happiness is a Hillary KACKLE...a phony belly-laugh!
Posted by Hank on October 1, 2007 01:36 PMShalom and good for you, Harry!
Posted by Sheila on October 2, 2007 07:55 PM