The key to a happy life

[TrophyWinner]

For me, I've always thought the two most important things are rewarding work and strong realtionships.

On the whole, I've achieved rewarding work (which for me included a short period as SAHM) always looking to develop and progress, but am finding as I approach the possibility of early retirement I care less and less.

So, I guess the purpose of my post is to discuss how I can stay "engaged" when I don't feel there's anywhere further to go and may leave within a year or two.

Also, if I do take the early retirement option, where do I get the "rewarding work" part of a happy life?

What else do you find key to a happy life?

I read something the other day about the seven things that raise your baseline happiness level - not stop you experiencing the normal ups and downs of life, but generally result in permanently boosted mood. They were meditate for 5 minutes per day, being physically active, have things to look forward to, going to sleep and getting up at about the same time every day, spend money and time on experiences rather than things, spend quality time with people. Cannot remember the last one!

Perhaps you need to find a new type of meaningful work. Maybe cultivating a fantastic vegetable plot in your garden, or volunteering work? Anything that you enjoy that gives you a sense of satisfaction.

Learning and Laughing.

There is no other reason why we are here. The rest is just the method, the conduit or the journey.

Everything comes back to those two things.

'I always wanted to be happy, so I decided I would be'. Neil Baldwin, Stoke City kitman, and star of the film 'Marvellous'.

On reflection dcats and ddogs not dc and a dh...

@balanceo

'I always wanted to be happy, so I decided I would be'. Neil Baldwin, Stoke City kitman, and star of the film 'Marvellous'.

Oh, I've meant to watch that. Tonight might be he night, thank you

I don't intend to retire!

TrophyWinner Fri 07-Jan-22 15:08:54 'Marvellous'.... it's joyous (but you'll need your hankie)

It might sound clichéd but get outside more. Volunteer for a local gardening group or just do something more adventurous with your own garden. Have an outdoor project to aim at. That's my one bit of advice; I know it's not much but it really worked for me.

The constant attainments of small, achievable goals.

And, marry someone who will always make your heart sing.

Finding the perfect balance of selfishness.

Doing things for yourself that bring you pleasure and joy and helping and supporting others that gives you a sense of satisfaction and brings you respect and friendships.

Sleep and friends

Community work. Organising a litter picking group, or a walking club. Go on parish council. Gives life a purpose.

Yes - I second a porpoise in life.

Porpoises are meaningful and lift my heart with joy. Porpoises.

Porpoises, Laughter, Learning, Love and Lightness. And anything else beginning with L.

Apart from Lambrusco. It's shit.

'I always wanted to be happy, so I decided I would be'

Aw, I love that. Yes, for me it's just having a positive attitude as much as possible. Learning to laugh at things and be a glass half full person.

Of course it helps if you have a good relationship with your partner and/or good family & friends around you. But ultimately it comes from you making the choice to be happy.

@TheFishWillSeeYouNow

I read something the other day about the seven things that raise your baseline happiness level - not stop you experiencing the normal ups and downs of life, but generally result in permanently boosted mood. They were meditate for 5 minutes per day, being physically active, have things to look forward to, going to sleep and getting up at about the same time every day, spend money and time on experiences rather than things, spend quality time with people. Cannot remember the last one!

Perhaps you need to find a new type of meaningful work. Maybe cultivating a fantastic vegetable plot in your garden, or volunteering work? Anything that you enjoy that gives you a sense of satisfaction.

I would Love to read this

A positive mindset, whatever life throws at you.

I think the key to being happy is appreciating the things you have. Being a "glass half full" person.

In your case, though, as others have suggested, you need to find something that you can get a sense of achievement from. It might be something quite personal, like developing a garden (not for me, but huge numbers of people get huge pleasure from their gardens), or some sort of fitness goal or a challenge like climbing the 10 highest mountains in your country, or walking the coastal path or whatever. Or, what I would do is take up some volunteering. There is SUCH a huge range of things you can do that will give you that sense of achievement / sense of being needed / sense of doing a job well that you seem to be craving.

Dolphins!

I love Dolphins. They uplift me.
Not keen on Porpoises much though. Great pretenders.

Highly recommend Michael mostly Just one Thing series of short podcast.

One that stuck out was about counting your blessings. Ie writing a list each day what you are grateful for.

The science abs studies being all the episodes is amazing

@cherrycola7

Highly recommend Michael mostly Just one Thing series of short podcast.

One that stuck out was about counting your blessings. Ie writing a list each day what you are grateful for.

The science abs studies being all the episodes is amazing

Michael Moseley that should be

Interesting to read studies on this - its not spending time and money on yourself but spending time helping others that brings the greatest satisfaction. Ive found this to be true when Ive had the time to do community projects, charity work. I def felt more content.

The best way to live a happy life is to stop comparing yourself to other people.

For me, time pottering about chatting to myself makes me happy in the short term. Little projects that I can do in peace.

Helping others, volunteering, friendship. I've realised recently that it's no longer big goals or achievements I want. It's the pleasure of growing a plant, or nurturing a friendship, or curling up with a good book or a funny film. And getting a balance between doing things for myself and doing things for others.

A friend once said to me -

Something to do, someone to love, something to hope for.

Assuming that good health is a given, I find that quite a good mantra to live by.

@Magnited

Learning and Laughing.

There is no other reason why we are here. The rest is just the method, the conduit or the journey.

Everything comes back to those two things.

Love this