Gathered Pleasure

"There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy. Happiness does not need to become the goal. We need a variety of experiences and moods to write about." - Robert Louis Stephenson

In the 1980’s  Martin E.P. Seligman adopted the term, “positive psychology.”  After years of studying the “learned helplessness” that characterized depression, he began to study how individuals could learn optimism. Seligman felt a search for “authentic happiness” made more sense than  relying on psychology’s one-sided focus on illness and disorders.

Consider how to gather simple pleasures. Choose to focus on optimism, courage and perseverance rooted in well-being.   The process itself will attract feelings of exultation.

When nature provides a feast, take time to savor all the flavors. Everyone needs to awaken to the positivity that explodes in blossom and sky.

Take a pleasure interlude from your busy life to revel in the marvelous around you.

Squeeze out joy and appreciation for the living, growing creatures, plants and trees.

Creative Write:  Write about  "learned helplessness," optimism or courage. Move through a variety of moods.