Excerpt from Daily Cures, Wisdom for Healthy Aging by Connie Mason Michaelis
A young friend of mine has accepted an opportunity to travel around the world on a Happiness Project. She and her colleagues are researching what makes people of all nationalities and cultures happy, or what they say makes them happy. It sounds fascinating and, no doubt, will be inspiring. She quotes an ancient Chinese proverb, “Happiness is something to do, something to love, something to hope for.” She candidly confesses, as most of us would, this is a far cry from the mechanical consumerism we experience. I would suggest another study that would prove equally insightful and perhaps even more meaningful in our lives. What do Elders say makes them happy? I guess we might come close to fulfilling the ancient Chinese proverb.
I have the opportunity to talk to hundreds of Seniors. I hear their desires, concerns, and fears. I always ask them what they look forward to and what is most important to them. There are some universal responses. They want to stay active and be involved (something to do). Most want to be close to friends and family (someone to love). Perhaps most importantly, Seniors want a reason to get up every morning (something to hope for). Is it possible that mechanical consumerism is age-related? I believe that the older you get, you may arrive at a been there done that phase. There is a truer sense of what makes you happy. Elders have the opportunity to sort through the unimportant things and get to the place of happiness.
"Happiness is something to do, someone to love, and something
to hope for!"