Category: happiness

Elon Musk, money and happiness

Joey Jones1 Comment

June, in England. It was the perfect drying day. Warm and breezy. Whilst I was sat thinking about stuff, I heard the unmistakable sound of splashing of water from the bird bath. I looked up, and there was a young blackbird living his best life.

At that moment, I was engulfed in happiness. The natural world in its beauty and innocence.

As some of you know/may have gathered, I  become deeply disturbed looking at the big picture and the human madness that prevails.

By the same token, I appreciate its absolute beauty-which I am lucky enough to witness. Not everyone is for a multitude of sad/heartbreaking reasons.

And then I thought back to the DP we had recently, asking us about happiness.

I led the DP with Elon Musk. The richest man in the world. He had once commented on a quote about money not buying you happiness. He agreed and said they were right.

Of course, we all rolled our eyes, really, Mr Musk? You cannot be serious?

Imagine  being superbly financially secure and stable, with not a shred of apprehension when a bill shows up. That surely equates to a shred of happiness. Even a little whisper of ‘ all is cool in that camp’ kinda thing.

Thinking deeper if you were born into wealth and were yourself a multimillionaire in your 20s, struggling to pay bills will never have been a thing. That part of your character would never have developed. So, I needed to rule that excuse out.

Then there’s is the fact that Elon Musk has revealed he is neurodivergent with Aspergers Syndrome. So is it possible he doesn’t recognise happiness within himself? I don’t know, I’m not qualified to suggest it’s so. But it could be, do you think?

It is documented that at the launch of his successful SpaceX rocket launches, he shows signs of excitement and satisfaction. Well, that’s a start!

Now, what if he used his wealth on Earth. To provide clean water for all?Currently, half of the world’s population still lacks safely managed sanitation. We are talking 3.4 billion people, and how many animals?

This man could do some good worthy of sainthood if he wanted – but could he cope with the messy social and political systems? Probably not, but he could pay someone handsomely to do so.

If Elon Musk could provide clean water for all worldwide, not only would he make billions of folk happy and healthy he would also restore our faith in human nature.

From his viewpoint, surely he would be rewarded with a sense of happiness, even if it was only fleetingly. Whilst the rest of the world rejoiced by this humanitarian for eternity.

Mr Musk, sir. I will be your Happiness Engineer. Let me show you the way.

What do you think, peeps?

I remember you

Joey Jones20 Comments

What’s a common misconception people have about happiness?

Elon Musk says, ” Whoever said ‘ money can’t buy you happiness’, really knew what they were talking about.”

I say ‘ Boo hoo, Mr Musk’.

If having a stash of cash relieves you of’ money worries’, well, I’d say there some happiness to be found there. Surely?

Happiness isn’t something you can chase,is it? You can find it in the most unexpected places and situations. And it can find you.

Happiness can be a fleeting moment, a passing phase-something you feel at breakfast, but by midday it’s gone.

Happiness isn’t something that can be sustained, but when you recognise it, enjoy it and remember it. That way, you will be able to return to those memories with clarity.

Trippin’

Joey JonesLeave a comment

How do you plan the perfect road trip?

Thesedays WP I just do the one 600 mile round trip to Cornwall in the South West coast of the UK, whenever I can.

Having the car in good working order and getting Patch’s things together take priority. I have the all singing and dancing RAC cover so as not to worry about breaking down. It’s costly, but hey! It takes away any stress about that.

You have to think about the four seasons in one day, England has going on when you’re packing. I invariably get it wrong!

With the car packed off we go, with water and snacks up front for us both. Stops when His Nibs gets restless. Sometimes music, sometimes not. And that’s us.

I will be driving slower/taking longer to reach our Shepherd’s Hut, as petrol prices dictate that now…

Paws for thought

Joey Jones10 Comments

Which animal would you compare yourself to and why?

WP, if it’s all the same to you, I will answer instead ‘which animal would you like to be?’ And in this case I would also add for one day only.

That would be a cat. A British domestic type.

When I first read this Prompt, my mind wandered into the realms of a Feline-Existence. Immediately put in survival mode, it came to me all of the places on Earth where it wouldn’t be a safe option. War zones, obvs. That would include civil and any areas where there is conflict. I wouldn’t want to be a Stray in, say, Saudi Arabia or any of those regions worldwide ( and there are more than you would imagine) where I may be considered a tasty morsel. So, with that settled, let’s go back to being a Moggy in the UK.

Without a doubt, I would be a cat ‘allowed’ outside.  There will be plenty of  warm and sheltered places to nap. I would check out the hood, be tolerant of other furry residents, and generally have a fun and easygoing time. If I was hungry, I could go indoors. My people have kindly installed a flap-door for me. Or I could nip into the neighbour’s’. Or I could test my patience by sitting close, facing a stone garden wall, and wait for Mousey to come out.

In the early afternoon, after a roll about in the Catnip at number 14, I like to head into Tom’s shed. The door is always open then, and jump onto the shelf at the window. It’s a bit dusty and cobwebby, but I don’t mind. The sun streams through there for about an hour. Bliss!

Little pockets of happiness …with edit and afterthought

Joey Jones8 Comments

When are you most happy?

I’m thinking  we have all worked out that happiness is not a destination. We can stop and enjoy a happy dance sometimes when we have a measure of inner alignment and all feels well with the world.

If we recognise and cherish those moments, they can help to fuel our well-being. The thing is, if you’re not feeling particularly happy at the moment because you are too tired, too stressed, or preoccipied, say, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re unhappy. Simply getting on with life.

One blogger’s post I read today told how happy he feels just chillin’ in the bath. ( you know what I mean), and I totally get that. Someone else writes that moment after the family is packed off for the day and before the chores begin. Another say settling down for sleep. I guess most of us would agree how blissful that can be. It’s getting that happy vibe for a moment and loving it.

Each of us will experience it differently, of course, but some of mine?..

A day out shopping with a buddy, back in the day when we were minted. It makes me happy to think back to those days.

A pint and a catch-up with an old friend, fresh air, and exercise with the dog, in any weather, and then watching them sleep soundly afterwards. Waking up feeling rested. An unexpcted msg, a lottery win. Getting home safely after a long day. Good news about someone’s health issues.Feeling healthy oneself.

There are so many little pockets to be had and remembered. It’s a double whammy if you can have a good time and be able to relive it in your head. Your body doesn’t recognise it as a memory, so the dopamine kicks in

And today, the shortest day and longest night. Slowly we will notice the evenings staying lighter for longer. Spring waiting in the wings for us to enjoy. Bring it on!

Edit. After I posted this I was gazing out of the window watching the squirrel having his tea…and it occurred to me I’m of a sunny disposition, really. And that I have more than my share of those little pockets.🙏 I hope you guys do, too xxx

After thought. I’d like to add that I’m not immune to slithering down the rabbit hole. We all do it. But I’ve learnt to sit it out.

Happiness is an inside job

Joey Jones3 Comments

List 30 things that make you happy.

WP! Really? Yesterday it was one thing, today it’s 30?

I know for a fact I could keep the list going for a very long time, but the thing is, other emotions will get drawn in too and then I’ll digress and next thing we know it’s Thursday.

Happiness is a funny old thing, and the key is to recognise it when it lands. It may only be for a fleeting moment, so you need to pay attention. You acknowledge it, enjoy it, give thanks for it, and wait for the next one.