Happiness Newsletter Jan 2010

Hello Again,


As we are beginning a new year, a new decade even I want to wish you a truly Happy 2010 from Type Dynamics.

Last year pushed many of us into having to reassess and rethink our views around various aspects of our lives. For some there has been a lot of change, some good, some not so good but as we enter into 2010 there is a sense of some confidence creeping back into our communal psyche. Ever the optimist I am looking forward to 2010 as a year that will bring new challenges and with it growth and new learning for all of us.

This months newletter is about how when we connect with others it can lead to increased happiness and wellbeing.

I hope you enjoy it and as always your comments are always welcome.

Regards,

Carole

Connecting with Others equals Happiness

Over the past weeks I saw something that I think could be directly attributed to the weather we’ve been experiencing. I noticed people seemed to be connecting more with those around them. My mother is a case in point, for even with family regularly calling in on her she was both surprised and delighted that one of her neighbours took the time out to drop by several times to see how she was and check if she needed anything. We also heard on the news about a group of people in Drimagh who delivered flyers to all the houses in the local area with telephone numbers on them so that those who needed help, assistance, or simply wanting to talk could reach out and call someone. In Roscommon the local community organised a bus to pick up and drop off people from their homes so they could shop, get to the post office and above all stave off any feelings of isolation. I am sure there were many more similar stories but how does any of this relate to happiness?

Good Deeds

It has been proven that kindness, generosity and compassion for others while benefiting the receiver actually boosts the happiness levels of the person doing the good deed. Not only do we get to feel useful but we are given an opportunity to use our strengths and talents in a meaningful way – even if that is simply clearing the ice from a front pavement.

Social Animals

What is easy to forget in a culture focused entirely on the individual is that human beings are in fact hard-wired to connect. Instinctively we are social animals. Without any connection we are unable to function well and can become prone to depression, isolation and despair. By comparison, when we are connecting with others we have a much better chance of bringing meaning and purpose into our lives along with a feeling of belonging and personal self-worth. The experience of connection and community with others is widely recognised as one of the strongest factors in increasing our happiness and wellbeing.

While that renewed sense of community is still with us it is the perfect time to put in place some New Year Resolutions for 2010 that will keep us connected with others. I've made some suggestions below to get you started:

At least once a week, do something that allows you to reach out and really connect with the people in your life - not just family, push it out further to neighbours and colleagues. (This has the effect of creating a chain reaction of positive emotions)

Let someone know that you care about them. Do it with a smile or better still through your actions.

Once in a while switch off the MP3 or equivalent and really take in and acknowledge the world around you.

And Finally, remember we are all inextricable bound to one another and when we connect we have the ability to do so much more together than we can alone.

“I believe that the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness.” — The Dalai Lama


Happiness Newsletter Jan 2010 © Carole Smith / Type Dynamics