HAPPINESS AT ANY PRICE
… get my argument here for free
Tuesday Apr. 8, 2014
I don’t care for unhappy feelings, unhappy days or unhappy people.
Does anyone?
If there is consensus on this dislike for unhappiness, why do so many of us spend (dare I say, WASTE) so much valuable time doing it?
I like happiness. I prefer happiness. Not constant, but often.
Daily is good.
Sometimes two or three times daily is even better.
Don’t you like happiness? I think most people prefer it.
Doesn’t everyone?
Do you?
Recent experiences (mine), discussions with old friends about old trials and current tribulations (our own, of others, with others) put me in ‘my pot is stirring’ mode.
Together with recent readings – daily pieces on criticism by Seth Godin. And this piece from early this morning by David Brooks.
Seems I’m not alone in this mode … something that comes with spring perhaps, or with aging?
Or with getting through, getting done, getting over some loss?
I’m convinced it’s not about grieving – perhaps more a post-grieving phenomena if you buy David Brooks’ argument.
Haven’t enough to think/worry about? Perhaps you need additional argument in your day.
Or a laugh.
Most days, we need both. We are all some-parts self destructive, some parts self-delusional, aren’t we? We see things as we wish they might be, rather than as they are – and see people as we wish they might be, rather than as they are.
We know we can’t change anyone’s actions, attitude or character – but we keep waiting for DNA to change just the same.
The only person I can change is me. And I can report, it is bloody hard to do.
How about you?
I haven’t had enough laughter yet this week, so I’m girding for a ridiculous argument.
They are all ridiculous, aren’t they?
Ah, yes … but there are precious exceptions.
Those intellectual arguments – discussing ideas, points of view and philosophy – anything that matters to us which brings great pleasure, generates endorphins, sometimes great passion. If it matters.
If it doesn’t matter – no cause for arguing, who cares.
And, if someone isn’t fit for arguing with us, why waste their time, or our own?
I can’t suffer people without a point of view, or the verve to defend their views – there’s just no fun in it …
Life is like watching paint dry, or if you prefer a more visual metaphor – like a giant hour-glass, its sand grains flowing through that pinch point at alarming rate, as life courses through all of us at the pace of 86,400 seconds every day.
That’s a lot of sand.
Same pace whether we are waking, walking or even thinking about anything.
Flows just as fast when we sleep. I’m seriously considering an increase to my life expectancy. Not just from 95 to 100 (I’ll have to buy so much sand!), but expecting so much more of myself, and of others. More time, more chances, to argue a lot.
And then argue some more. I can’t imagine greater happiness.
Next time someone says something rude to you involving pounding of sand or ridicules your argument – just tell them to come see me.
I can always use more sand and I thrive on good arguments.
What’s your point of view?
Get a soap-box, stand up. Start shouting, start arguing.
And don’t worry, be happy.
Mark Kolke
197,800
column written/ published from Calgary
morning walk: 10C/50F (going to 68 today!) … mostly sunny, great day for being outside. Gusta distracted by joggers and smells. I found it interesting to observe the cemetery, now absent its snow blanket to see what is left of flowers and things deposited over the winter. A toy windmill is still moving to the breeze, and a tiny flag (the one I saw planted on Remembrance Day) still supported by its tiny wire .. flapping in the breeze.
Reader feedback / comments always welcome:
Hi Mark, Enjoyed your 'by ourselves' and also I hope you get out with shorts on bike today!! warm here too - cleaning garage….but good day to do it as no wind. Happy spring!, DL, Invermere, BC
The census erroneously makes me believe that I count to whomever is curious as to whether I exist or not. That would make me just a number or would I be an actual somebody to them? As to conforming; never been there and don't plan to visit, thank you. GW, Bon Wier, Tx.
