Questioning Happiness, Success, and Successful Happiness

 

“Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be.”

-- Abraham Lincoln

Do people feel happy when they realize something or have an "Aha!" moment in life?

If I realize a car is heading straight for me, I doubt happiness will strike. I’m more apt to experience that “Aha!” moment. I suppose a moment of understanding could elicit happiness, but, since I strive to be happy always, I'd probably be a bad judge of this.

How can I become successful in my life?

Learn how to be happy always. Once you learn this, you will have become successful regardless of your circumstances.

" Just do nothing and it is impossible." What is your own opinion about this quote?

Well, if you're doing nothing, then you’re doing something. Even while sleeping, you’re doing something. Maybe if you die, you will finally be not doing anything. Although, some would say you’re pushing up roses, or taking the long, black, train, or moving on, which would all be doing something.

“It's neither easy nor impossible. Everything in this universe ranges from fear to hard work. Just go and get what you want.”

-- Giridhar Alwar

How do wealthy people manage to stay grateful and humble?

They do?

How much does hard work play in someone actually 'deserving' rewards in life?

If you “deserve” rewards, then you aren’t truly enjoying your life. You are living life in expectation of rewards. How disappointing can that be? Better to work hard at a job you enjoy doing, and be selfless in what you do for others. If you garner rewards, this should be the unexpected gravy of life. Spend more time enjoying life and less time expecting something back for what you give.

Most of your life will be what happens to you, not what you choose. What's your opinion about this statement?

What happens to us is usually a result of some choice or decision we made. Why were you hit by a car? Did you leave the house too early? Too late? Why is your marriage crap? Marry the wrong woman? Why does your job just suck? Maybe you should have kept looking? Do you choose to be miserable, or do you choose to rise above misery and those who you allow to keep you there? What happens to us is most often because of us. We can try to shift the blame, but, truth be told, it is, usually, all on us. Very young age is the only factor I can see affecting this.

“The most important thing is this: To be able at any moment to be free to choose a life that makes you happy.”

-- Roy T. Bennett

Why can’t I give myself any credit?

Do you deserve credit for anything? 

What is entrepreneurship, theory, or practice?

I’d say it’s both theory and practice. Once you become an “entrepreneur” you have graduated from the theory and practice into a modicum of success, or you have failed at being an entrepreneur.

Does life get easier after you retire?

YES!

“The goal of retirement is to live off your assets-not on them”

-- Frank Eberhart

Do you believe that someone with the confidence to do something is better off than someone who is more talented, but cautious?

Is it bomb disposal?

Is "just do one thing at a time" good advice to give to someone who is dysfunctional due to depression and fear? I honestly don't know.

I can’t see that “multitasking” is going to be a big success for them. Do one thing at a time. Do it well. Add another thing. Do both of them well. Then, add another thing, and so on, until you have taken on all the responsibility you can easily handle without fear, depression, or dysfunction. If you can just do two things at the same time, you can consider yourself a multitasker. Personally, I struggle at it. I can’t even listen to the radio and concentrate. But, then, I’m happy all the time, so it really isn’t an issue for me.

What is the most simplistic and effective "to-do list"?

Mow the lawn. Tada!

“The only thing more important than your to-do list is your to-be list. The only thing more important than your to-be list is to be.”

-- Alan Cohen

Have you had a partner that influenced you to do things that you regret?

Yeah, but we got a divorce when I got wise to her.

How can a loser/failure survive?

Even a blind squirrel finds a nut, sooner or later. No one is a total loser, and no one fails all the time. If you lose, keep trying. If you fail, learn from what you did wrong and try again. The only way you lose or fail is if you quit, or you frequent a casino. Casinos don’t make money because they rely on pure luck. Sometimes life is stacked against you, like in a casino. You have to watch, listen, and learn. Usually, you learn not to frequent casinos. Sometimes a chosen path needs rethinking.

What’s one thing everyone should do at least once in their life?

Nightlong "exotic" sex.

“Sexual pleasure is, I agree, a passion to which all others are subordinate but in which they all unite.”

-- Marquis de Sade

“Sex at age 90 is like trying to shoot pool with a rope.”

-- George Burns

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch, it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either opinion any more right or wrong than the other. An opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form opinions of their own, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint. 

It is my fervent hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions and while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion, in an arena of mutual respect, concerning those opinions put forth. After over twenty years with military intelligence, I have come to believe engaging each other in this manner and in this arena is the way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience, and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with the United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. He spent 17 years, following his service career, working with the premier, world-renowned, Institutional Review Board helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. Ordained 1n 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As the weapon for his war on intolerance he chose the pen, and wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's own personal, spiritual, path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He currently resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as a chaplain at the regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony:  tolerantpastor@gmail.com