What makes you happy? Human beings are bad at predicting what will actually make them happy. It’s true. The things we think and assume will give us joy, peace, and happiness don’t work.
Just this week I read some research about happiness. Harvard Psychologist Daniel Gilbert‘s research suggests that between the two options of getting a $30,000 salary increase or taking a 30-minute daily walk, the 30-minute walk is much more likely to increase happiness than the salary increase.
It so crazy it actually makes sense.
Walks
For about 2 years now I have walked my dog every morning for around 30 minutes. Originally is was not about me or some research I read. It was about my boxer and her insane levels of activity. Now it is about me too. It’s hard for me to go a day without the walk. Here’s some reasons this ritual has become vital:
- I need to be outside. The majority of my life and job take place inside.
- It clears my mind.
- It forces me to be active.
- I can focus on God and pray about the upcoming day.
- My day begins “unplugged.”
Of course, walking is definitely no “secret to happiness.” It is just fascinating to me that sometimes the simple things we have right in front of us are
…enough.
Treasures
Regarding happiness, the author Matthew says,
“do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy.” All of our stuff, possessions, and accomplishments are not going to last.
Matthew 6:19
And don’t get me wrong, I think it’s fine to want things. I want a big backyard, a fishing kayak, pristine recording equipment, and bar of this bacon-soap. But, it seems that putting a lot of hope and effort into acquiring all of this is exhausting and will simply wear us out, while we miss the joy that is all around us.
