Happiness & Value Definition

The Happiness Project is one of my favorite blogs (see my last entry!). But it's not always "on happiness"--well, maybe it is, but sometimes in a more roundabout way.

Anyway, today's blog was on the definition of character, and it hit especially close to home since I've been enjoying trying to clarify my values--off and on--over the past month.

Two things in particular:

1. It confirmed in my mind how hard it is to define values because we all come to the table with different life experiences (I know the definitions weren't academic, but even so...maybe particularly so). For example, my father would have failed miserably if society defined character by whether one was a drinker--but they would have been wrong! On the other hand, several of those definitions could be good indicators of character. And that is a window into the beauty of the world we live in.

2. Some of those definitions sure did make me rethink some things as to my own character/nature...somehow I think that treating people better leads to happier self and happier people around the self. Now there's an idea! And something positive to work on!

I hope you take a moment to read the blog and maybe even come up with your own definition (or, better yet, self evaluate!).

Happy Value Hunting! (Hmmm. I just noticed that all the capital letters in my title are HVD: so early Happy Valentine's Day!)

Twists on a Common Practice: New Year's Resolutions

I find it beneficial to really look at myself and my potential at least once a year (be it January, June, or October) and write down some life goals. This pursuit is undertaken with one understanding: Life is a journey, not a destination - so if I don't make real headway until six months from now (or even in a year or two), that's okay. I've written them down because it's important to me to keep the goals in sight, not to torture myself that I said I'd do them and haven't yet.

Some years I write them down just like a New Year's Resolution List--even title it as such. But this year, I came across two twists on this practice that I like better than the "Resolution List".

The first a list of your own commandments--a list of phrases, words, and insights that will help you to be your best self (see http://www.happinessproject.typepad.com/). Below is just the beginning of my list...

1. Know Thyself, but more than that: Be Thyself.
2. Low hanging fruit does not make the best pie.
3. See perfection for what it is: unattainable. (And that’s okay.)
4. Seek out meaningful human relationships.
5. Ask questions.

The second is "Forget New Year's Resolutions, Make 52 New Week's Resolutions" by CurtRosengren. I'm sure this is much like Stephen Covey's 7th Habit - Sharpen the Saw. But what always stresses me about the "Sharpen the Saw" when I'm thinking about change is that I don't feel ready to tackle several parts every week (at least not in the beginning). So this is more free form and freeing to me.

So those are my New Year's Tools. Here's to a year of new journeys for everyone--enjoy the path!