Intentional activity—mental and behavior changes to rise above our chromosomes and circumstances—can elevate our set point for joy.
This is good news: those that cultivate certain habits can learn to live a joyful, contented life no matter what circumstances occur.
After living through an any tragic event, survivors appreciate those values that make life worth living—love, friendship and an abiding appreciation for finding pleasure in the common hour.
Those that develop a plan for living a life of joy accept certain truths that argue against pop culture happiness:
- Material possessions may interfere with our getting that which is best for us.
- Not everything that makes us feel better is good for us.
- Not everything that hurts is bad for us.
- The idea that life must always be fair, easy and stress free engenders frustration, despair
- The work of gathering and heaping interferes with a contented life.
- Virtuous choices—choices that leave us with no regrets—allow us to put aside things we want that may interfere with obtaining things of lasting value.
- Delaying gratification almost always provides worthwhile pleasures.