Happiness All Round

A recent happiness indicator rates Zimbos as the unhappiest country-folk in the world. We share this dubious honour with the Ukraine and Moldova. Hmm. And there we thought we had rated everything there is to rate.

Apparently the happiest place on earth is Malta. It has to do with expecting very little and getting a whole lot more. Don't look at me, I didn't start it. But it brings up this thing of happiness, joy and satisfaction. Did you know that there is an Annual Database of Happiness?

One wonderful thing it says is that it's not the richest people who are the happiest and that after a certain point, having more money has no effect on your happiness. Yes, better believe it. Money only increases your happiness up to a certain point.

Which in my wisdom I've always said in this way: what's the difference between earning 1 million dollars and earning 1,5 million dollars. Yes, seriously... You can buy a little more stuff, maybe a later version of your favourite Merc. But hey, a Merc's a Merc, right?

Needless to say, there really is more to life than money. A whole lot more. The rain, the sun, love, children, laughter, getting drunk, losing weight, gaining weight, crying, sport... So much more to cherish and enjoy.

I've never agreed with the whole 'the poor shall inherit the earth' theory. There's nothing good or glamorous about poverty. And it is nice to have the things you need and want to make your life easier. But to believe that being rich will make you instantly happy is also incorrect. The UK, as a good example, polled in 21st in this year's database.

It would seem that the cliches and the gurus are correct. Happiness really isn't about getting what you want, but wanting what you have AND expectancy reduces joy!!!!!!But when you focus on the other stuff, the relationships, the laughter, the faith. When you 'seek ye first' and truly enjoy your life, all these things shall be added unto you.

Much love.