A Happiness Duty

"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.

Defer a negative focus on disorders.

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

Take time in nature to savor all its flavors. Everyone needs to awaken to the positivity that explodes blossoms and sky. Take a pleasure interlude from your busy-ness to revel in sounds and scents. Squeeze out joy and appreciation for the creatures, plants, and trees.

As you consider "learned helplessness" move through a variety of moods.