Happy

Recently I had the chance to catch Happy, a documentary on what makes people happy and the perception of happiness. This film studied and interviewed people--poor and rich, educated and not-- all over the world, asking them what makes them happy. Really, when it comes down to it, as the film shows, happiness is not having money or "things" or cars, actually quite the opposite. The Indian rickshaw driver is just as happy as the "average" American. He lives in a hut with 2 walls and hauls people around in the heat of India; yet, he is happy--he has a family and feels loved and valued in his village community.

Bhutan measures happiness instead of GDP, and has the one of the highest rates of "happy" people. Tokyo, on the other hand is the least happy place, mostly because people are working themselves to death--literally.


I walked away feeling hopeful, shameful, thankful, refreshed, and yes, happy. The film put my life into perspective. I get caught up in wanting more, thinking my life would be "better" if I had more, especially living here where people make as much per month as I do each year. Are those people happy? I don't know. As bad as things get (or my perception of "bad"), I have a pretty good life. I have people who love me, great friends, supportive family, freedom to make my own decisions, live where I choose, and importantly, I am employed. 


The reality is, happiness is relative and perception. The things that make us (or me at least) happy aren't things, usually, and don't cost a lot. 

My "happy" 
--Going to the Farmer's Market
--Drinking coffee with my parents
--Cycling with my friends
--A letter from my aunt
--Sunshine on my skin

Yes, those are happy and money can't buy them for me.


Check out the film. 

What's your happy?