Can we ever be really happy and satisfied?

[Raven]

I'm wondering if the human condition requires us always to want more or better. I've been wondering about this for awhile. Can we ever be satisfied with our lives as they are or are we conditioned to always look for more. No matter how good things are, do we always manage to find something to bitch about? Has anybody here figured out why this is?

[Blue_Roses]

1. we discussed this same baffling question in another forum...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=245x63148

We still couldn't come up with a concrete answer...:)

[GOPisEvil]

2. Happiness is largely a choice.

I think human nature is to seek improvement, but one can be generally happy and still undertake change.

[Raven]

3. You and that goddamned golf cart! You're always right on! n/t

[GOPisEvil]

6. Strangely enough, I usually walk when I play.

I used to have the cart scroll across the bottom of posts. But Catwoman got tired of it running over her toes, so I made it into an avatar.

And I'm not always right, it just seems so. :rofl:

[Raven]

9. Your avitar has always reminded me of happiness and I don't

play golf. But it just looks soooo .... happy! Somehow I always associate you with satisfaction. Go figure! I know you're really seething below the surface!

[Shine]

12. I agree 100%

:thumbsup:

:hi: buddy!

[Blue-Jay]

4. "If this isn't nice, what is?" - Kurt Vonnegut

Say that to yourself (aloud!) the next time that you're in a comfy chair enjoying the beverage of your choice. Or maybe when you're sharing a chuckle with a loved one. Or any time when you're enjoying a small measure of comfort.

[Shine]

13. Nice. To me, it's all about remembering to be in GRATITUDE

:hi:

[ThomCat]

5. That depends

on whether or not your train yourself to be happy and satisfied. Unless you have medical issues that make the decision for you, most people can train themselves to be happy, or miserable. And most people do.

[Shine]

14. ...

:hug: :loveya: ThomCat

[ThomCat]

24. Hi Shine!

:hi:

Right back at ya. :loveya:

[SKKY]

7. As long as I get my way...

...yea, pretty much.

[Raven]

8. Hah! Yup, that's the key to happiness...how did I miss that!

Very funny but very true!

[S n o w b a l l]

10. Well, I have one possible answer....

It might have been 60 Minutes, but it was a show on what country is the happiest....the Danes. There is only one social class...they all feel equal to each other. They have government paid medical care, college, nanny care after someone has a baby, something like a year of maternity leave, six weeks vacation/year and their avg work week is 37 hrs. But, for that, they pay around 50% income tax. Would you mind that? I know I wouldn't.

They interviewed a few people there and their message to Americans was...quit waiting for that American Dream that we're taught from childhood and lower our expectations.

We're taught that we have to work hard to get ahead. We do it and never get ahead. Just like Bush in one of his ridiculous community propaganda sessions where he was talking about the woman working 3 jobs "see, that's the American way. Look how hard she works!" Ha! And that's what's ingrained in us. We're Corporate slaves. My company is cutting our vacation to one week/year and this not a small business. We work too hard and are not able to enjoy our lives. They raise the retirement age and no one can live on SS, so aging people have to work just to eat and pay the rent. We live our lives working and just struggling to maintain a moderate comfortable life. Is it any wonder people here are unhappy?

Well,that's my opionion of most of our society, but that doesn't answer the question of why people with money and a comfortable life aren't happy. That one I don't understand. I can only think it still has to do with unrealistic expectations.

[Shine]

15. Yes, I agree. Unrealistic expectations and comparing ourselves to others

are the cause of much suffering.

[Shine]

11. Absolutely. Happiness is a choice

the key to Happiness is in our own hands.

Have you ever read the Dalai Lama's book called "The Art of Happiness" ? Good stuff, check it out.

http://theartofhappiness.com/

:hug:

[Raven]

17. I always thought it was something that just happened to you...

not something you could choose. I don't know how I managed to miss that point, but you have given me a lot to think about. Thanks!

[Shine]

20. I think a lot of us live our lives as if it's something that just "happens to us"

rather than seeing ourselves as the powerful creators that we are. Perception is everything.

[S n o w b a l l]

18. I have that book....

And I guess I should read it. :) But, I really wish it was that simple.

[Shine]

21. It's an excellent book

do yourself a favor and check it out. Just for another perspective....

:D

[S n o w b a l l]

23. I certainly will!

Thanks for the reminder & good review to dust it off and read! :)

[triguy46]

16. At my age, I'm striving to have less. Simplify. 72 ways.

If I could a few of these each year, I believe I would be moving in the direction of greater happiness. Perhaps I'm being smug, but the price I've paid emotionally to have the income I have and the comfort I've purchased, has been too high. I neither want more or need more.

http://zenhabits.net/2007/09/simple-living-manifesto-72-ideas-to-simplify-your-life/

[bicentennial_baby]

22. Thanks for that link

:thumbsup:

[fizzgig]

19. it comes in spurts for me

more satisfaction than happiness, but those are largely situational for me

i am not unhappy in my life, but i wouldn't go as far to say i'm totally satisfied with my life. i am not yet where i want to be, but i'm not totally miserable (well, not often)

[Seashell Eyes]

25. For a few minutes, yes.

People will always want more because greed is a part of human nature.

[Political Heretic]

26. I feel happy and content. But then again, I'm on Celexa. :D

hee hee

[Inchworm]

27. Tragedy vs Allegory or vicey versey

Seems like it is

The Allegory of the Cave

vs.

The Tragedy of the Commons

:shrug:

[lligrd]

28. That Is What Alcohol And Drugs Are For

Silly. :toast:

[Jamastiene]

29. Ebbs and flows and knowledge of the difference create happiness.

All shitty luck like mine or all good luck like some people seem to have do not create happiness. Ups and downs show you the difference between good times and bad times and that helps you recognize when it's good. Of course, nothing is permanent, so a true state of permanent bliss is impossible, unfortunately.

[Skittles]

30. not if you care about everyone else

no, I could never be REALLY happy, knowing what is going on in this world

[Fire Walk With Me]

31. Yes.