The arguments usually go like this, everyone starts out happy and then,

Society teaches us false ideas which lead to unhappiness
We learn language, the ambiguities of which cause unhappiness
We watch TV, the advertisements and news distort our thinking
We play video games, which teach violence and sloth 
We make commitments to ourselves and others that we struggle to honor 

So, the question arises, if everyone [...]

I remember Steve Irwin, the Australian wildlife expert and television personality. He was killed by a stingray while snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef. When I heard of his death, I was surprised by my own strong feelings of sadness. I really mourned for his death.
This strong emotional response puzzled me, why would I mourn so strongly for a [...]

I have a mental habit where I set up two opposing options in my mind. These options are exactly opposite and each represents a deeply held personal need. Confronted with the need to decide between these two options, I debate the choice endlessly with myself and lament that I cannot satisfy both needs at the same [...]

Welcome to the April 29, 2007 edition of happiness carnival.

Carmine Swan presents Choosing to be a Success posted at The Carmine Swan, saying, “Success and failure are mindsets that you control. Change your mindset and change your life.”

Debra Moorhead presents The Motivational Trick that Works – EVERY Time posted at Debra Moorhead.com.

Ririan [...]

I am sometimes skeptical of those who report that they are happy.
Our American culture expects, even demands, that every American say that they are happy. After all, you live in America, the greatest country in the world. If you are not happy, then something must be wrong with you.
I have had my share of experiences where, [...]