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Blog: The Nature of Being Organized
 The Happiest Place On Earth
Have you ever found yourself interested in a particular subject and the next thing you know you're reading about it everywhere? I'm definitely attracting happiness. This week I "accidently" tuned into 20/20, the ABC Friday night news magazine show. I haven't watched this particular TV station, let alone 20/20, for months. The show this week was on happiness! I was very tuned in.
I found the statistics fascinating. Forty percent of the happiness we experience is within our control. Choosing to be optimistic, pursuing life goals and dreams, and finding healthy relationships will raise our levels of happiness. Only ten per cent of our happiness can be attributed to material possessions. The other fifty per cent is directly related to our family of origin. If our parents were optimistic and happy, we have a greater chance of being optimistic and happy.
A group called Blue Zones—www.bluezones.com-- has been studying happiness on a global level for a decade. They interviewed thousands of people and uncovered some interesting facts. The happiest country in the world is Denmark, a country that experiences cold, dark winters. The overwhelming majority of Danes interviewed said they trust and feel taken care of by their government. A garbage man is as valued as the highest ranking officers in government. They don't choose careers based on status or pay, but on interest. The Danes are not social climbers. There is less emphasis on personal possessions and shopping is not a national pass time. They feel safe and the crime rate is extremely low. Most people belong to dancing, singing, and laughter clubs--some paid for by the government!
The United States ranked 23rd on the happiness scale with Ashville, NC ranking as the happiest city. Ashville is noted for its strong community and family ties. Blue Zones reports that there are higher levels of happiness in places that have strong community and family values. This was true even in poorer countries.
Regardless of where we happen to live, it's apparent that a good deal of our happiness depends on how we choose to think and act. We are the creators of our experience. There are obviously some places in the world that make it easier to have a higher "Happiness Quotient"—HQ. At any rate, practicing gratitude, non-judgment and forgiveness, counting our blessings, following our bliss, being trustworthy, feeling valued and having strong social connections are the keys to a happier, more fulfilling life.
Where's your HQ today? What will you do to raise it?
posted on: 1/17/2008 12:00:00 PM by Maggie McCauley
category: The Mental Side
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The Nature of Being Organized
by Maggie McCauley
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About Maggie:
Maggie McCauley, ACC, LICSW, The Effortless Organizing Coach, is the president of "A New View". She takes a holistic approach to organizing coaching her clients to create new habits that promote overall well-being, a sense of freedom and peace of mind.
Maggie's Website:
www.anewviewforyou.com
Maggie's Products:
My Favorite Books
- The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
- It's Hard To Make A Difference When You Can't Find Your Keys by Marilyn Paul
- Organize With Confidence by Elizabeth Hagen
- The Secret Of Letting Go by Guy Finley
- Life Is Short--Wear Your Party Pants by Loretta La Roche
- The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
- The Seven Whispers by Christina Baldwin
- Loving What Is by Byron Katie
- Making A Change For Good by Cheri Huber
- "Happiness Now!" by Robert Holden, PhD.
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