1. Name: Bob C.
2. Age: 54
3. My definition of happiness is:
-Good health
-Giving love to and receiving love from others.
4. Basically I am happy. I have a great wife, a good job, set and met goals and I'm in good health.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
An Inch Without Asphalt screening info and preview!!
A very compressed YouTube preview of my film, An Inch Without Asphalt, as well as the official invite to its screening:
Here's the YouTube link...
free films & ice cream under the stars
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Short films by female media artists
8:30 pm. free.
22 Vinal Ave, Union Square, Somerville
The Growing Center
www.thegrowing center.org
Women in Film & Video/New England (WIFV/NE) presents its outdoor summer screening series GARDEN SHORTS, a selection of short films by female directors held at the Somerville Growing Center. This second program, Thursday Aug 16th features films by acclaimed animator Karen Aqua, nationally recognized photographer Marnie Crawford Samuelson, Emerson College student Nicole Prowell, and writer and director Patricia Rozema.
This Screening is free, open to the public, and will begin at 8:30PM. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner at 8PM. The rain date is Aug 23rd. J.P Lick's has donated ice cream for the first 100 guests. Avanti Media ( www.avantimedia.net ) has generously donated equipment for the series . Continuing its benevolent sponsorship this year is the Growing Center, located at 22 Vinal Avenue, just outside of Union Square, in Somerville. For directions, call 617-666-2969.
Production Volunteers
Have an interest in helping to set up our projector & equipment? We could use a volunteer on the evening of the 16th. Meet folks, make friends, and be helpful.. paulina@womeninfilmvide.org
About Women in Film & Video/New England
WIFV/NE is dedicated to advancing professional development and achievement for women involved in all areas of film, video, television and multimedia. Our members include directors, producers, camera and sound operators, art directors, production assistants, gaffers, actors, voiceover artists, entertainment attorneys, film festival coordinators, and more. Besides our regular programming, which includes screenings, social gatherings, special-interest group meetings, workshops and more, WIFV/NE members will find many opportunities to network and learn about the industry through informal contacts.
Membership in Women in Film & Video/New England is open to women and men who work in the film, video and related industries or those who aspire to working in these fields.
About The Growing Center
The Somerville Community Growing Center is much more than a community garden. Situated on a ¼ acre of gently sloped hillside near Union Square, the site has become a center for both environmental education and cultural performances in Somerville. Initiated in 1994, it is a model for urban land use and collaboration between city government and local nonprofit and community agencies. This urban oasis was designed and built by local residents and is maintained by volunteers.
The Center provides a hands-on learning environment for local youth to learn about the natural world, science, community service and cultural issues. After school programs are offered during the fall and spring, and there is a spring vacation camp, in collaboration with local elementary schools, such as the Cummings School. Teachers from Cummings and the High School use this space as an outdoor classroom to support a wide range of educational programs. A volunteer group coordinates a full season of concerts and other events that are free to the public, in addition to educational programming.
Women in Film & Video/New England
Rosalie Fay Barnes
Program Administrator
info@womeninfilmvideo.org
Here's the YouTube link...
free films & ice cream under the stars
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Short films by female media artists
8:30 pm. free.
22 Vinal Ave, Union Square, Somerville
The Growing Center
www.thegrowing center.org
Women in Film & Video/New England (WIFV/NE) presents its outdoor summer screening series GARDEN SHORTS, a selection of short films by female directors held at the Somerville Growing Center. This second program, Thursday Aug 16th features films by acclaimed animator Karen Aqua, nationally recognized photographer Marnie Crawford Samuelson, Emerson College student Nicole Prowell, and writer and director Patricia Rozema.
This Screening is free, open to the public, and will begin at 8:30PM. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic dinner at 8PM. The rain date is Aug 23rd. J.P Lick's has donated ice cream for the first 100 guests. Avanti Media ( www.avantimedia.net ) has generously donated equipment for the series . Continuing its benevolent sponsorship this year is the Growing Center, located at 22 Vinal Avenue, just outside of Union Square, in Somerville. For directions, call 617-666-2969.
Production Volunteers
Have an interest in helping to set up our projector & equipment? We could use a volunteer on the evening of the 16th. Meet folks, make friends, and be helpful.. paulina@womeninfilmvide.org
About Women in Film & Video/New England
WIFV/NE is dedicated to advancing professional development and achievement for women involved in all areas of film, video, television and multimedia. Our members include directors, producers, camera and sound operators, art directors, production assistants, gaffers, actors, voiceover artists, entertainment attorneys, film festival coordinators, and more. Besides our regular programming, which includes screenings, social gatherings, special-interest group meetings, workshops and more, WIFV/NE members will find many opportunities to network and learn about the industry through informal contacts.
Membership in Women in Film & Video/New England is open to women and men who work in the film, video and related industries or those who aspire to working in these fields.
About The Growing Center
The Somerville Community Growing Center is much more than a community garden. Situated on a ¼ acre of gently sloped hillside near Union Square, the site has become a center for both environmental education and cultural performances in Somerville. Initiated in 1994, it is a model for urban land use and collaboration between city government and local nonprofit and community agencies. This urban oasis was designed and built by local residents and is maintained by volunteers.
The Center provides a hands-on learning environment for local youth to learn about the natural world, science, community service and cultural issues. After school programs are offered during the fall and spring, and there is a spring vacation camp, in collaboration with local elementary schools, such as the Cummings School. Teachers from Cummings and the High School use this space as an outdoor classroom to support a wide range of educational programs. A volunteer group coordinates a full season of concerts and other events that are free to the public, in addition to educational programming.
Women in Film & Video/New England
Rosalie Fay Barnes
Program Administrator
info@womeninfilmvideo.org
Friday, June 1, 2007
The results are in!!
Posted in order from when I first received responses:
March 29, 2007
Name: Kamil Can A.
Age: 23
Occupation: Studante
What is your definition of happiness?
Happiness is not being unhappy. Someone can be unhappy for various reasons. Most of them are trivial. Important ones include losing the sense of self and losing the ability to appreciate time.
Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come?
I am currently. I know because I can tell when I am unhappy.
Name: Craig A.
Age: 25
Occupation: Documentary Film Student
What is your definition of happiness?
The definition that I will use for today is: Doing what you ought to do even
when you don't want to do it. ...That's right, also the definition of
discipline.. the key ingredient in cultivating happiness. You can have
anything that you want, just not everything you want, discipline allows you
to continue on in a direction, that will lead to lasting happiness when
infinite distractions present themselves. Although our natural state of
being, happiness in this world has to be cultivated. We have to choose the
conditions that allows our natural state of happiness to rise to the
surface.
Many of us know only small fractions of the happiness that we possess. That
being said I will say that I experience a degree of happiness. If I make the
claim that I am happy then what more do I have to strive for. My ultimate
goal with happiness, is to return to the state of happiness that I once had
as a child growing up but do so in my adult life. Most children express our
true state of being easily, as they have not been conditioned to this world.
I feel that if I can properly see the world for what it truly is, then life
becomes a game, once again, meant to be played with the most joyous of
attitudes. So yah, I'm happy, I know because I have been severely unhappy,
if anyone gives themselves permission to fully be in this world they will
experience that at sometime as well. That being said I am only a fraction
happy compared to 5 years from now, as I said before I'm striving to make
the choices that lead to lasting happiness on a day to day basis. Does it
work? Sometimes, but wait until I can except the "bad" or "negative" things
that happen to me with the same attitude that I welcome the "good" and
"positive".....now we're talking true happiness.
Name: Kristopher K.
Age: 24 (still younger than you)
Occupation: Student, i dont do much else so
What is your definition of happiness?
To have a non-tangible object that makes you want to
get up in the morning, such as looking through the
eyepiece of a camera, seeing the waves roll in through
the morning fog just calling your name or seeing
something you built and bbeing proud that your mind
and hands were able to put the pieces together.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not,
how come?
I am happy most of the time, i have friends, i get to
be outside, and everyone is my family is pretty
healthy and happy. I know once i get out of Boston i
will be better off, since i hate the city but hey what
can you do.
Name: Bonnie R.
Age: 32
Occupation: REALTOR
My Definition of Happiness: Doing a few things I like, mixed in with all the mundain things we must do in life. Knowing I make a difference in the lives of the people I know and hopefully in the lives of people I don't know.
Am I Happy: Given this definition I think I am happy.
Name: Jai P.
Age: 27
Occupation: police officer, NYPD
What is your definition of happiness?
being surrounded by the ones you love. not worrying about life and material things. taking one day at a time and taking it all in.. like the saying goes, "stop to smell the roses." because if you do, it could all be taken away from you in an instant. and you can never get that back...
Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come?
if i go by the definition, then i am happy.. (fortunate) but not quite happy, but thankful/grateful for everything..
Name: Rick R.
Age: 35
Occupation: Development and Content Manager, Inspiration Software, Inc.
What is your definition of happiness? A content state of mind free from negative emotions such as fear, anger, hatred, resentment, or anxiety. It requires loving compassion of all other people and the ability to live completely in the here and now as opposed to dwelling on the past or the future.
Are you happy? Completely
If so, how do you know? I have a big grin on my face a lot of the time, have no trouble sleeping, and am free of negative emotions most of the time, eventhough I have been through some difficult times recently.
Name: Joseph P.
Age: Old enough.... 65
Occupation: University Professor/Arbitrator/Consultant
What is your definition of happiness? Not an easy question.
Fundamentally, happiness is "good" and good derives from "freedom" (just as
"evil" derives from the abuse of freedom). But, I like to define happiness
in terms of outcomes and, for me, there are six measures of happiness: A
zest for life--a life condition which prompts one to rise each day, eager to
engage the day; affection; community; work (yes, work--consider the
alternative); leisure; and an Aristolean sense of "resignation"--the sense
that I am comfortable with where I've been, who I am, and where I am likely
to be. To the extent that I can see each of these elements in my life, I am
"happy".
Are you happy? On balance, yes. If so, how do you know? I do look
forward to most days--not every moment of every day and some days are
clearly filled with a taxing agenda such as two weeks ago when I was called
upon to deliver the eulogy for my 58 year old brother-in-law while his wife,
two pre-teen daughters, and hundreds of friends looked on (though even in
that moment I was "happy" because, sad as it was, it was a moment of
affection); I do have affection in my life through marriage, kids,
grandkids, and lots of long time friends; I am connected to a variety of
communal settings in my Village, the University, golf and tennis partners,
consulting connections, current and former students...; I am working; I
find time to play; and I think I am comfortable in my own skin.
Name: Amy T.
Age: 22
Occupation: Graduate Student (M.A. Journalism)
What is your definition of happiness? Happiness is a state of mind - a state of absolute bliss.
Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come? I think certain aspects of my life make me truly happy and there are aspects that contribute to the downfall of that happiness...so to lump it all together and define my entire life in one fell swoop wouldn't work. After all, life ebbs and flows - there's no way it can always be neatly categorized into boxes marked "happy" or "not happy". I may not consistently be blissfully happy, but I'm always content.
Things that make me happy:
-Kristopher (the bf)
-good coffee
-Mom & Dad
-Old friends..new friends
-Driving on back roads
-Campfires
-Hanging out lakeside, oceanside, etc
-Late summer nights
-Snow on the trees
-A really good book
-Etc
Things that don't make me happy:
-MBTA
-Bitchy Boston residents
-BU (yup, the whole school)
-Journalism courses at Emerson
-Snobby and un-idealistic young people
-Money
-Etc
Name: Ishita G.
Age: 25 yrs old
Occupation: Photographer, student NESOP
Def. of Happiness: The feeling that comes from
within that no matter what circumstances arise, no
matter which challenges you face or dire circumstances
arise, you know that you will be ok and that life will
continually be a learning experience for you. Totally
dependent on your inner state of mind, never on
external conditions.
Am i happy? How do i know: I am happy. I feel
that if your state of mind is one that finds a
learning experience out of every challenge and that
you carry the conditions of happiness (calmness,
balance/evenness of mind, an understanding that this
physical world is full of obstacles to make you
realize your true nature) within you, than you aren't
so inclined to get knocked down by life every time it
tries to do so. I feel like each day i'm growing and
learning about myself and my emotions and the type of
person that I am. I know i'm most happy when i'm
helping others, hence the decision to do medicine.
But then also, i know i'm most happy when i'm doing
the right thing for myself, hence photography. So
hopefully those two worlds will combine someday where
i can help people through my photography...that will
make me happy...more importantly though, and i think
its what i struggle with daily, is being happy in this
moment..today and tomorrow, not necessarily when i get
to my "ideal" career goal, financial goal, status
goal....i think thats how i know that i can be truly
happy and aspire to be happy, is that each day i take
the opportunity to see what THAT particular day brings
and the happiness i can get from that day, as opposed
to waiting to "be happy" later on.....i know i'm happy
when i'm actively trying to be happy...cuz lets face
it, its hard sometimes in the midst of things, school,
work, crazy documentarians and video shoots and photo
shoots, to try to keep it all together...its
definitely a process for me, but hopefully it will
progress and grow and i will continually learn
more...
Name: Christopher W.
Age: 26
Occupation: College Professor/Academic Advisor
What is your definition of happiness?
Happiness is an overwhelming feeling of joy. There can be many levels of happiness; finding that lost $10 in your winter jacket, enjoying a cold drink on the beach, getting married to the person of your dreams, eating a piece of chocolate cake after a bad day, or a smile from a stranger. Happiness is an everyday experience.
Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come?
I believe I am happy right now in my life. I am happy and enjoy my choice of occupation, my working environment, my family life, my anticipation of getting married to the person I am meant to be with, my two kittens, and where I am. Of course, having more luxuries or opportunities in life would increase my happiness, but for now I believe I am happy where I am. People strive for happiness.
Name: Laurence C.
Age: 28 - 2 years left :(
Occupation: Podiatrist
What is your definition of happiness? Happiness is nothing more than good health with a bad memory. Then again, what's the use of happiness? It can't buy you money...
Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come? Dunno. I forgot, but I'm in good health so no complaints. I will instead part wisdom picked up from my days in gastoenterology clinic ~ seeing a hundred happy patients doesn't necessarily make for a great day, but only one to shit on you to ruin it.
Name: Jamie O.
Age: 38
Occupation: Human Resources Professional
Definition: Happiness to me is to have inner peace. When I lay my head on
the pillow at night being completely content with where I am in life, I
know I am happy. And yes, I am happy.
1. Name: Kerri R.
2. Age: 37
3. Occupation: Internet Marketing Manager
4. What is your definition of happiness? Acceptance and love of self, which is then shared with others.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come? Yes, I am very happy because the glow of happiness starts in the center of my being and is shared with others naturally as I live my life to its fullest potential.
1. Name: Mike G.
2. Age: 26
3. Occupation: Flight Instructor
4. What is your definition of happiness? It's definitely a tough one,
but in the past year I think I am coming closer to figuring this out.
To me, it means that you are doing what you want to be doing in life,
you're following your dreams no matter what. Also, it's important to
have dreams.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not,how come? HA!!
Actually, the other day when I was walking around on the beach, I had
a realization that I truly am happy. I am doing what I have always
dreamed of doing all my life. There is nothing else I'd rather be
doing, seriously, I can't think of anything. Well, maybe I'd rather be
doing Angelin Jolie, but that's besides the point. Anywhoo, so the
short answer is yes, I am happy and I know that because I can't think
of anything else that will make me happier than I already
am....besides Angelina of course.....
1. Name: Nancy P.
2. Age: 54
3. Occupation: artist
4. What is your definition of happiness?
Having a sense of fulfillment in your lot in life, and inspiring others
to find the same. Being able to appreciate the minutiae of everyday
existence.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come?
Basically yes - with major qualifications. By nature l try to find the
positive, but with all the horrors in our world this is an hopeless
notion. The only way I've been able to manage anything approximating
happiness is to focus on what I can manageably do - be it a kindness,
charitability, or the creation of something from my soul that may stir
up a sense of joy or peace in others.
1. Name: Aldon H.
2. Age: 47
3. Occupation: Social Media Consultant
4. What is your definition of happiness?
Happiness is the sense that you have accomplished something worthwhile.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come?
From time to time. The times that I am happy, I know it by seeing
peoples lives that have been positively touched. Yet too often,
in the struggle to get by, I don't find the opportunities to help people,
or if I do, I somehow fail to accomplish what is needed.
(The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation...
It's when I'm weary of considerations, And life is too much like a pathless
wood...)
1. Name: Joey (Joanne) R.
2. Age: 58
3. Occupation: registered nurse
4. What is your definition of happiness? This has sure changed a lot over the years. "Back in the day" when Tessa and I used to hang out, it would have been: good sex, drugs, rock and roll. Now it's a more: good health, and the health and well being of family, the ability to keep working at a job I like (boy is that a change! It would have been "not working"), and good love, more than just good sex. And having a couple pairs of great shoes-that one has held true throughout.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come? Yes, knock wood, by those parameters. Expectations of happiness mellow with years on the planet I think. For example, I no longer include world peace, nuclear disarmament, etc as requirement in the happiness category, cause I chose not to be unhappy all the time. Universal healthcare would be nice.
Of course, one can always want more things, but the older I get the less things matter-except for shoes!
1. Name: Donna R.
2. Age: 66
3. Occupation: Retired Legal Assistant (48 years)
Volunteer (number of endeavors) - (2 years)
4. Are you happy? I am extremely happy. It might be the happiest (consistently every day) that I have ever been. I am doing everything I love, when I want to do it. I have many, many friends and acquaintances. Every day is "full", or if I chose, I rest when I wish. I am out and about every day, interacting with others. I have help in the home so almost all my time is utilized doing what I want. I am fortunate to have a wonderful family, husband and two children. We are extremely close and that adds to my over-all happiness.
1. Name: Anonymous
2. Age: 33
3. Occupation: Attorney but in another few hours I'll be unemployed - today is my last day.
4. What is your definition of happiness? a sunny day with a smile on my face - feeling peaceful and enjoying life.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come? No. At the moment, I'm dealing with my last day at work - a place that I thought of as home for a very long time. I'm trying to focus on wrapping up my work and I cannot focus at all because I really just want to be in the next phase of my life - without having to go through the process of searching for it. I know I'm not happy because I've been feeling very pissy and dark. Not much amuses me these days and I couldn't sleep last night. Although it's not personal and not directed at me, it's impossible not to take it somewhat personally. I also had a pissy run in with my mother this morning who is losing her hearing but refuses to do anything about it. I suggested that she take my son outside to play in his car today and she started screaming that she wasn't going to drive my car, etc.- she always thinks you said something totally different than what you actually said and yet when she realizes she was wrong, she's still blaming you.
1. Name: Kristy C.
2. Age: 29
3. Occupation: Office Manager/Demographer
4. What is your definition of happiness? Really knowing and
understanding yourself and being exactly where you want to be in life,
now matter where that may be.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come? Yes, I
am extremely happy. I have taken the last 29 years to get to know
myself, and I like what I'm about. I've learned a lot about life and
people and am on a path to exactly where I want to be when I grow up.
1. Name: Diann S.
2. Age: 62
3. Occupation: yoga teacher
4. Happiness: Definition: a sense of contentment and peace within, causing facial muscles to turn up in a smile.
5.Are you happy? Most of the time yes
How do you know you are happy? I wake up most mornings with a smile in my heart and a feeling of anticipation for the good stuff i'll experience in this great day. I have energy, a zest for life, and this very infrequently pales. I enjoy the work I do, the friends I share my days with, my home, and the fruitful endeavors of teaching yoga to people. All this makes me think this must be what they call "happy".
March 30, 2007
1. Name: Cleo M.
2. Age:24
3. Occupation: Event Planner
4. What is your definition of happiness?
A feeling of being content and at ease.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come?
Tough question. Who really knows the answer, but I think I am. I love my family, I will hopefully be moving into my first ever house soon, and I love my job most of the time. So is that the American dream? I just lost my grandmother, so that puts a damper on my happiness, but I know she is in a better place now. I guess that gives it an upswing again.
1. Name: AnnMarie B.
2. Age: 26
3. Occupation: Clinical Neuropsychology Doctoral Student
4. What is your definition of happiness? Not even really sure where to begin. To me happiness is being able to smile throughout your day and laugh as much as humanly possible. Its a crazy world we live in and there is a lot of negativity so true happiness in my opinion is difficult to see and find in some people. Happiness really is, no matter what the sum of your life is, no matter how much you dislike parts of your life, like where you work, or your social situations, that you can still step back and have parts of your life that make you laugh.
5. Are you happy? For the most part, yes If so, how do you know? For me its all about having a good time and laughing. If I am not crying, you know I am happy! If not, how come? Sometimes things get a bit too intense. That is when I am not happy. When I have put up with stress from family, friends, clients, and myself day after day and I reach a breaking point. Then, that is when I am not happy.
1. Name: Marcy E.
2. Age: 32
3. Occupation: Sales and Marketing Manager
4. What is your definition of happiness?
Being loved and loving another.
Freedom from worry or fear.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come?
In general yes, I am happy. I have almost everthing I want/need and am content and happy.
I can not say I am completely free of fear or worry but it is a very small feeling that I will continue to work on.
1. Name: Linda H.
2. Age: 60
3. Occupation: Marriage and Family Therapist. I work in the counseling
center at the California Institute of the Arts, a college and graduate
school of the arts in Valencia, California (near Los Angeles).
4. Happiness is knowing that I can handle whatever reality presents to me.
This definition evolved after I learned (about 19 years ago) the Four Noble
Truths of Buddhism. When I finally got it that suffering exists and also got
it that I wasn't doing anything wrong because I sometimes had feelings that
weren't happy ones, I was so relieved!
5. Yes, I am happy, but I would say it this way: I am a person who has many
happy moments. I say it this way because feelings don't stay the same for
very long. Feelings are like the weather---they come up, stay for a while,
then go away.
1. Name: Laura C.
2. Age: 29
3. Occupation: Store Manager
4. What is your definition of happiness? Feeling relaxed & carefree also a sense of joy.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come? Yes, because I love being a Mother & things are going well.
March 31, 2007
1. Name: Adam S.
2. Age: 28
3. Occupation: student/copywriter
4. What is your definition of happiness?
Having many things that bring you joy (friends,
family, significant other, career success, cash) PLUS
other things you don't have but can dream about having
in the future (you need both)
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come?
Yes, more often than not (though I think 'happy' is a
feeling that comes and goes, like anger or hunger,
rather than a permanent state of being).
I know I'm usually happy because I have occasional
waves of euphoria brought on by any number of things,
including but not limited to a warm day at the end of
winter, daydreams of future accomplishments, house
music, and thoughts of spending quality time with
people I enjoy spending quality time with.
Also, one time I was standing outside with this girl I
knew, she was smoking a cigarette, and she'd had bouts
of depression over the years, and she said to me:
"Tell me about your happiness."
April 16, 2007
1. Name: Katie S.
2. Age: 28
3. Occupation: Education Facilitator
4. What's your definition of happiness?
You know, those questions really get you to
think about happiness and what makes you happy.
I really don't know what will make one person
completely satisfied. I almost think that when someone finally
reaches their goals, they just want to get to the next step and won't
be happy until they get there and then once they do, they want to get
to the next one and so on. I think I am a happy person, but then I
sometimes feel unsatisfied (not unhappy, just unsatisfied) because I
know there are so many other things that i want to accomplish. I want
to travel, finish school, have children, make more money! :) But once
I reach these goals, will I want more? Will I want to go back to the
places I travelled to again? Will I want to find a new job? Will I
want another child?
April 26, 2007
1. Name: Karrie A.
2. Age: 27
3. Occupation: editor/paginator at a newspaper
4. What is your definition of happiness? Feeling
content where you are, what you're doing. When you
wake up, you feel ok waking up, like 'I will
accomplish things today' or 'I will enjoy work or
whatever the day may bring.' Smiling for unknown
reasons or letting things make you smile.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not,
how come?
I'm for the most part happy...I'm most happy in the
spring and summer when I can be outside and can enjoy
things those seasons allow for, sun, reading outside,
walking with friends, swimming, etc...I feel I
sometimes have winter depression. But there is a side
of me currently where I feel a bit discouraged...with
my current job, with still living at home, being in my
hometown, not meeting new people. I feel I will be at
a truely content state when I have my own apt/house,
new job and am in a new atmosphere, meeting new
people. But I would say when I'm off from work and
totally relaxed and mostly when I with friends and/or
family...I can say I'm truly happy.
1. Name: Joel A.
2. Age: 60
3. Occupation: agricultural education: Cooperative Extension Educator and Association Executive Director
4. What is your definition of happiness? "when you are satisfied/pleased with what is happening to you and/in your life"
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? Yes, I am happy. I am pleased/satisfied with just about everything in my life: family, spouse, children, home, health, job, future, church, friends I have, organizations I belong to and support, realizing this could all change suddenly, but can't/shouldn't think about that or you'd never leave the house!
1. Name: Diane W.
2. Age: 59
3. Occupation: Retired Teacher
4. What is your definition of happiness?
Knowing that those I love are safe and well--being with those I love is happiness.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come?
I am content and happy--because those I love are safe and well, and I am with them often!
April 28, 2007
1. Name: Alison C.
2. Age: 28
3. Occupation: Master's student, teacher
4. What is your definition of happiness? Happiness is being able to see
the great things in all of the small things in life. For example, smiling
at a beautiful sky after a long day of work, laughing at a silly joke when
you are broke and hungry. A truly happy person knows that happiness is not
about having everything you want in life and then "voila!" happiness
doesn't just seek you out and hit you, happiness is in the journey, in
everyday life and it is 100% a life choice.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If
not, how come? Most of the time. Because I can pick myself up when I am
having a bad day, because I laugh everyday, I recognize what is important
an relevant and not just fleeting, and I am constantly looking for the
often missed items of the mundane to maintain my joy within.
1. Name: Sarah D.
2. Age: 28
3. Occupation: YMCA child care worker, mom
4. What is your definition of happiness? being at peace with yourself.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come? Yes , I am happy because I am able to make others happy (ie.my husband , my children )..I believe you need to be happy with yourself to make others happy.
1. Name: Jim W.
2. Age: 33
3. Occupation:Debt Collections
4. What is your definition of happiness? Being comfortable with yourself, being surrounded by people that care about you as much as you care about them and being financially able to do the "extra-curricular" things in life that I enjoy. ie: golf trips, going to Sabres games, a wekend getaway that wasn't planned until a friday afternoon...those sorts of things.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come? For the most part I would consider myself a happy person. I think everyone has their days when you wish certain parts of your life were different than they are at the present time, but overall I am happy. I have a stable income, a great group of family and friends that I can trust and lean on if needed and try to make everyday a good day, regardless of how many people or things try to ruin it.
April 29, 2007
1. Name: Cathy Camp
2. Age:56
3. Occupation:Vascular Ultrasound Technologist
4. What is your definition of happiness?
Waking up every morning and looking forward to the day-no matter what it will bring.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come?
I am happy, because I have all I need and each day is a blessing.
April 30, 2007
1. Name: Cathy W.
2. Age: 56
3. Occupation: Administrative Assistant
4. What is your definition of happiness?
My definition of happiness is "peace of mind".
Happiness is being content and finding something good
in the way things are at any given time as opposed to
wanting everything to be perfect.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how
come?
I am happy most of the time. I know because I have a positive
attitude about almost everything. I also have more energy and
enjoy being around people. I am more mindful when I am happy
because I am not dwelling on something that happened in the past
or something that might happen in the future. I am also aware
of God's presence in my life when I am happy.
When I am not happy, it is usually because I am giving some
injustice (in my mind) way too much power. I am dwelling on
how someone has hurt me, for example. I am hanging onto
something bad instead of naming the hurt, feeling it, and
then letting go of it. I am also totally focused on myself
whenever I am unhappy instead of following God’s lead for my
life – doing what I know He would want me to do in a given
situation. I also have a strong desire to be alone when I am
unhappy.
May 10, 2007
1. Name: Shara S.
2. Age: 48
3. Occupation: Sole proprietor, marketing/communications firm
4. What's your definition of happiness?
Having the freedom to do whatever you want ... be whoever you want ...
whenever you want ... to.
5. Are you happy?
I am happy most of the time. I am not happy when I'm in situations that
get in the way of #2.
May 30, 2007
1. Name: Kimberly D.
2. Age: 25
3. Occupation: Teacher/Swim Coach
4. What is your definition of happiness? Happiness is being satisfied with
yourself both on the inside and the outside, in addition to loving and
enjoying what you do with you life, what you are doing at that moment in
time and and who you are surrounded by.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come? Difficult
question to answer. It depends on the day and time I suppose. Am I happy
with myself... most of the time, there are always those days when you feel
like there is something else you are meant to do. Often these feeling are
more respresentative of how people around you make you feel. I would say I
am happy 80% of the time. Sometimes it seems as if time flies by too
quickly. So fast that you dont have a moment to just enjoy your life and
those around you. Sometimes you feel as though, what would truly make you
happy, is just out of your reach. I guess however, if you really had
EVERYTHING you could ever want, life would be pretty boring.
July 20, 2007
1. Name: Linda V.
2. Age: Just turned 50 in March!
3. Occupation: Retired on SSDB
4. What is your definition of happiness? I Love these abstract questions -- let's say Love --second response Family.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come? OK 10 years ago my nephew was killed in a car accident -- I never had kids but him and his brother were with me every weekend, I loved them like my own children, and they loved their Aunt Linda, So I know what sadness is. They say you heal with time, that's a bunch of bologna. I miss him every day. So where does happiness come into this, once you've lost someone that young and close to you, you start to realize that life goes on and what is most important in life is your family and friends. After that day, not a lot bothers me, when you look at the big picture of life. Like when I'm in line at a market waiting and waiting, when a car cuts me off, I take a step back and remember how important it is going home each day to see your family. So Real Happiness is the Love that you have for your family and don't even know it until sometime goes terribly wrong.
March 29, 2007
Name: Kamil Can A.
Age: 23
Occupation: Studante
What is your definition of happiness?
Happiness is not being unhappy. Someone can be unhappy for various reasons. Most of them are trivial. Important ones include losing the sense of self and losing the ability to appreciate time.
Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come?
I am currently. I know because I can tell when I am unhappy.
Name: Craig A.
Age: 25
Occupation: Documentary Film Student
What is your definition of happiness?
The definition that I will use for today is: Doing what you ought to do even
when you don't want to do it. ...That's right, also the definition of
discipline.. the key ingredient in cultivating happiness. You can have
anything that you want, just not everything you want, discipline allows you
to continue on in a direction, that will lead to lasting happiness when
infinite distractions present themselves. Although our natural state of
being, happiness in this world has to be cultivated. We have to choose the
conditions that allows our natural state of happiness to rise to the
surface.
Many of us know only small fractions of the happiness that we possess. That
being said I will say that I experience a degree of happiness. If I make the
claim that I am happy then what more do I have to strive for. My ultimate
goal with happiness, is to return to the state of happiness that I once had
as a child growing up but do so in my adult life. Most children express our
true state of being easily, as they have not been conditioned to this world.
I feel that if I can properly see the world for what it truly is, then life
becomes a game, once again, meant to be played with the most joyous of
attitudes. So yah, I'm happy, I know because I have been severely unhappy,
if anyone gives themselves permission to fully be in this world they will
experience that at sometime as well. That being said I am only a fraction
happy compared to 5 years from now, as I said before I'm striving to make
the choices that lead to lasting happiness on a day to day basis. Does it
work? Sometimes, but wait until I can except the "bad" or "negative" things
that happen to me with the same attitude that I welcome the "good" and
"positive".....now we're talking true happiness.
Name: Kristopher K.
Age: 24 (still younger than you)
Occupation: Student, i dont do much else so
What is your definition of happiness?
To have a non-tangible object that makes you want to
get up in the morning, such as looking through the
eyepiece of a camera, seeing the waves roll in through
the morning fog just calling your name or seeing
something you built and bbeing proud that your mind
and hands were able to put the pieces together.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not,
how come?
I am happy most of the time, i have friends, i get to
be outside, and everyone is my family is pretty
healthy and happy. I know once i get out of Boston i
will be better off, since i hate the city but hey what
can you do.
Name: Bonnie R.
Age: 32
Occupation: REALTOR
My Definition of Happiness: Doing a few things I like, mixed in with all the mundain things we must do in life. Knowing I make a difference in the lives of the people I know and hopefully in the lives of people I don't know.
Am I Happy: Given this definition I think I am happy.
Name: Jai P.
Age: 27
Occupation: police officer, NYPD
What is your definition of happiness?
being surrounded by the ones you love. not worrying about life and material things. taking one day at a time and taking it all in.. like the saying goes, "stop to smell the roses." because if you do, it could all be taken away from you in an instant. and you can never get that back...
Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come?
if i go by the definition, then i am happy.. (fortunate) but not quite happy, but thankful/grateful for everything..
Name: Rick R.
Age: 35
Occupation: Development and Content Manager, Inspiration Software, Inc.
What is your definition of happiness? A content state of mind free from negative emotions such as fear, anger, hatred, resentment, or anxiety. It requires loving compassion of all other people and the ability to live completely in the here and now as opposed to dwelling on the past or the future.
Are you happy? Completely
If so, how do you know? I have a big grin on my face a lot of the time, have no trouble sleeping, and am free of negative emotions most of the time, eventhough I have been through some difficult times recently.
Name: Joseph P.
Age: Old enough.... 65
Occupation: University Professor/Arbitrator/Consultant
What is your definition of happiness? Not an easy question.
Fundamentally, happiness is "good" and good derives from "freedom" (just as
"evil" derives from the abuse of freedom). But, I like to define happiness
in terms of outcomes and, for me, there are six measures of happiness: A
zest for life--a life condition which prompts one to rise each day, eager to
engage the day; affection; community; work (yes, work--consider the
alternative); leisure; and an Aristolean sense of "resignation"--the sense
that I am comfortable with where I've been, who I am, and where I am likely
to be. To the extent that I can see each of these elements in my life, I am
"happy".
Are you happy? On balance, yes. If so, how do you know? I do look
forward to most days--not every moment of every day and some days are
clearly filled with a taxing agenda such as two weeks ago when I was called
upon to deliver the eulogy for my 58 year old brother-in-law while his wife,
two pre-teen daughters, and hundreds of friends looked on (though even in
that moment I was "happy" because, sad as it was, it was a moment of
affection); I do have affection in my life through marriage, kids,
grandkids, and lots of long time friends; I am connected to a variety of
communal settings in my Village, the University, golf and tennis partners,
consulting connections, current and former students...; I am working; I
find time to play; and I think I am comfortable in my own skin.
Name: Amy T.
Age: 22
Occupation: Graduate Student (M.A. Journalism)
What is your definition of happiness? Happiness is a state of mind - a state of absolute bliss.
Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come? I think certain aspects of my life make me truly happy and there are aspects that contribute to the downfall of that happiness...so to lump it all together and define my entire life in one fell swoop wouldn't work. After all, life ebbs and flows - there's no way it can always be neatly categorized into boxes marked "happy" or "not happy". I may not consistently be blissfully happy, but I'm always content.
Things that make me happy:
-Kristopher (the bf)
-good coffee
-Mom & Dad
-Old friends..new friends
-Driving on back roads
-Campfires
-Hanging out lakeside, oceanside, etc
-Late summer nights
-Snow on the trees
-A really good book
-Etc
Things that don't make me happy:
-MBTA
-Bitchy Boston residents
-BU (yup, the whole school)
-Journalism courses at Emerson
-Snobby and un-idealistic young people
-Money
-Etc
Name: Ishita G.
Age: 25 yrs old
Occupation: Photographer, student NESOP
Def. of Happiness: The feeling that comes from
within that no matter what circumstances arise, no
matter which challenges you face or dire circumstances
arise, you know that you will be ok and that life will
continually be a learning experience for you. Totally
dependent on your inner state of mind, never on
external conditions.
Am i happy? How do i know: I am happy. I feel
that if your state of mind is one that finds a
learning experience out of every challenge and that
you carry the conditions of happiness (calmness,
balance/evenness of mind, an understanding that this
physical world is full of obstacles to make you
realize your true nature) within you, than you aren't
so inclined to get knocked down by life every time it
tries to do so. I feel like each day i'm growing and
learning about myself and my emotions and the type of
person that I am. I know i'm most happy when i'm
helping others, hence the decision to do medicine.
But then also, i know i'm most happy when i'm doing
the right thing for myself, hence photography. So
hopefully those two worlds will combine someday where
i can help people through my photography...that will
make me happy...more importantly though, and i think
its what i struggle with daily, is being happy in this
moment..today and tomorrow, not necessarily when i get
to my "ideal" career goal, financial goal, status
goal....i think thats how i know that i can be truly
happy and aspire to be happy, is that each day i take
the opportunity to see what THAT particular day brings
and the happiness i can get from that day, as opposed
to waiting to "be happy" later on.....i know i'm happy
when i'm actively trying to be happy...cuz lets face
it, its hard sometimes in the midst of things, school,
work, crazy documentarians and video shoots and photo
shoots, to try to keep it all together...its
definitely a process for me, but hopefully it will
progress and grow and i will continually learn
more...
Name: Christopher W.
Age: 26
Occupation: College Professor/Academic Advisor
What is your definition of happiness?
Happiness is an overwhelming feeling of joy. There can be many levels of happiness; finding that lost $10 in your winter jacket, enjoying a cold drink on the beach, getting married to the person of your dreams, eating a piece of chocolate cake after a bad day, or a smile from a stranger. Happiness is an everyday experience.
Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come?
I believe I am happy right now in my life. I am happy and enjoy my choice of occupation, my working environment, my family life, my anticipation of getting married to the person I am meant to be with, my two kittens, and where I am. Of course, having more luxuries or opportunities in life would increase my happiness, but for now I believe I am happy where I am. People strive for happiness.
Name: Laurence C.
Age: 28 - 2 years left :(
Occupation: Podiatrist
What is your definition of happiness? Happiness is nothing more than good health with a bad memory. Then again, what's the use of happiness? It can't buy you money...
Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come? Dunno. I forgot, but I'm in good health so no complaints. I will instead part wisdom picked up from my days in gastoenterology clinic ~ seeing a hundred happy patients doesn't necessarily make for a great day, but only one to shit on you to ruin it.
Name: Jamie O.
Age: 38
Occupation: Human Resources Professional
Definition: Happiness to me is to have inner peace. When I lay my head on
the pillow at night being completely content with where I am in life, I
know I am happy. And yes, I am happy.
1. Name: Kerri R.
2. Age: 37
3. Occupation: Internet Marketing Manager
4. What is your definition of happiness? Acceptance and love of self, which is then shared with others.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come? Yes, I am very happy because the glow of happiness starts in the center of my being and is shared with others naturally as I live my life to its fullest potential.
1. Name: Mike G.
2. Age: 26
3. Occupation: Flight Instructor
4. What is your definition of happiness? It's definitely a tough one,
but in the past year I think I am coming closer to figuring this out.
To me, it means that you are doing what you want to be doing in life,
you're following your dreams no matter what. Also, it's important to
have dreams.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not,how come? HA!!
Actually, the other day when I was walking around on the beach, I had
a realization that I truly am happy. I am doing what I have always
dreamed of doing all my life. There is nothing else I'd rather be
doing, seriously, I can't think of anything. Well, maybe I'd rather be
doing Angelin Jolie, but that's besides the point. Anywhoo, so the
short answer is yes, I am happy and I know that because I can't think
of anything else that will make me happier than I already
am....besides Angelina of course.....
1. Name: Nancy P.
2. Age: 54
3. Occupation: artist
4. What is your definition of happiness?
Having a sense of fulfillment in your lot in life, and inspiring others
to find the same. Being able to appreciate the minutiae of everyday
existence.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come?
Basically yes - with major qualifications. By nature l try to find the
positive, but with all the horrors in our world this is an hopeless
notion. The only way I've been able to manage anything approximating
happiness is to focus on what I can manageably do - be it a kindness,
charitability, or the creation of something from my soul that may stir
up a sense of joy or peace in others.
1. Name: Aldon H.
2. Age: 47
3. Occupation: Social Media Consultant
4. What is your definition of happiness?
Happiness is the sense that you have accomplished something worthwhile.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come?
From time to time. The times that I am happy, I know it by seeing
peoples lives that have been positively touched. Yet too often,
in the struggle to get by, I don't find the opportunities to help people,
or if I do, I somehow fail to accomplish what is needed.
(The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation...
It's when I'm weary of considerations, And life is too much like a pathless
wood...)
1. Name: Joey (Joanne) R.
2. Age: 58
3. Occupation: registered nurse
4. What is your definition of happiness? This has sure changed a lot over the years. "Back in the day" when Tessa and I used to hang out, it would have been: good sex, drugs, rock and roll. Now it's a more: good health, and the health and well being of family, the ability to keep working at a job I like (boy is that a change! It would have been "not working"), and good love, more than just good sex. And having a couple pairs of great shoes-that one has held true throughout.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come? Yes, knock wood, by those parameters. Expectations of happiness mellow with years on the planet I think. For example, I no longer include world peace, nuclear disarmament, etc as requirement in the happiness category, cause I chose not to be unhappy all the time. Universal healthcare would be nice.
Of course, one can always want more things, but the older I get the less things matter-except for shoes!
1. Name: Donna R.
2. Age: 66
3. Occupation: Retired Legal Assistant (48 years)
Volunteer (number of endeavors) - (2 years)
4. Are you happy? I am extremely happy. It might be the happiest (consistently every day) that I have ever been. I am doing everything I love, when I want to do it. I have many, many friends and acquaintances. Every day is "full", or if I chose, I rest when I wish. I am out and about every day, interacting with others. I have help in the home so almost all my time is utilized doing what I want. I am fortunate to have a wonderful family, husband and two children. We are extremely close and that adds to my over-all happiness.
1. Name: Anonymous
2. Age: 33
3. Occupation: Attorney but in another few hours I'll be unemployed - today is my last day.
4. What is your definition of happiness? a sunny day with a smile on my face - feeling peaceful and enjoying life.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come? No. At the moment, I'm dealing with my last day at work - a place that I thought of as home for a very long time. I'm trying to focus on wrapping up my work and I cannot focus at all because I really just want to be in the next phase of my life - without having to go through the process of searching for it. I know I'm not happy because I've been feeling very pissy and dark. Not much amuses me these days and I couldn't sleep last night. Although it's not personal and not directed at me, it's impossible not to take it somewhat personally. I also had a pissy run in with my mother this morning who is losing her hearing but refuses to do anything about it. I suggested that she take my son outside to play in his car today and she started screaming that she wasn't going to drive my car, etc.- she always thinks you said something totally different than what you actually said and yet when she realizes she was wrong, she's still blaming you.
1. Name: Kristy C.
2. Age: 29
3. Occupation: Office Manager/Demographer
4. What is your definition of happiness? Really knowing and
understanding yourself and being exactly where you want to be in life,
now matter where that may be.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come? Yes, I
am extremely happy. I have taken the last 29 years to get to know
myself, and I like what I'm about. I've learned a lot about life and
people and am on a path to exactly where I want to be when I grow up.
1. Name: Diann S.
2. Age: 62
3. Occupation: yoga teacher
4. Happiness: Definition: a sense of contentment and peace within, causing facial muscles to turn up in a smile.
5.Are you happy? Most of the time yes
How do you know you are happy? I wake up most mornings with a smile in my heart and a feeling of anticipation for the good stuff i'll experience in this great day. I have energy, a zest for life, and this very infrequently pales. I enjoy the work I do, the friends I share my days with, my home, and the fruitful endeavors of teaching yoga to people. All this makes me think this must be what they call "happy".
March 30, 2007
1. Name: Cleo M.
2. Age:24
3. Occupation: Event Planner
4. What is your definition of happiness?
A feeling of being content and at ease.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come?
Tough question. Who really knows the answer, but I think I am. I love my family, I will hopefully be moving into my first ever house soon, and I love my job most of the time. So is that the American dream? I just lost my grandmother, so that puts a damper on my happiness, but I know she is in a better place now. I guess that gives it an upswing again.
1. Name: AnnMarie B.
2. Age: 26
3. Occupation: Clinical Neuropsychology Doctoral Student
4. What is your definition of happiness? Not even really sure where to begin. To me happiness is being able to smile throughout your day and laugh as much as humanly possible. Its a crazy world we live in and there is a lot of negativity so true happiness in my opinion is difficult to see and find in some people. Happiness really is, no matter what the sum of your life is, no matter how much you dislike parts of your life, like where you work, or your social situations, that you can still step back and have parts of your life that make you laugh.
5. Are you happy? For the most part, yes If so, how do you know? For me its all about having a good time and laughing. If I am not crying, you know I am happy! If not, how come? Sometimes things get a bit too intense. That is when I am not happy. When I have put up with stress from family, friends, clients, and myself day after day and I reach a breaking point. Then, that is when I am not happy.
1. Name: Marcy E.
2. Age: 32
3. Occupation: Sales and Marketing Manager
4. What is your definition of happiness?
Being loved and loving another.
Freedom from worry or fear.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come?
In general yes, I am happy. I have almost everthing I want/need and am content and happy.
I can not say I am completely free of fear or worry but it is a very small feeling that I will continue to work on.
1. Name: Linda H.
2. Age: 60
3. Occupation: Marriage and Family Therapist. I work in the counseling
center at the California Institute of the Arts, a college and graduate
school of the arts in Valencia, California (near Los Angeles).
4. Happiness is knowing that I can handle whatever reality presents to me.
This definition evolved after I learned (about 19 years ago) the Four Noble
Truths of Buddhism. When I finally got it that suffering exists and also got
it that I wasn't doing anything wrong because I sometimes had feelings that
weren't happy ones, I was so relieved!
5. Yes, I am happy, but I would say it this way: I am a person who has many
happy moments. I say it this way because feelings don't stay the same for
very long. Feelings are like the weather---they come up, stay for a while,
then go away.
1. Name: Laura C.
2. Age: 29
3. Occupation: Store Manager
4. What is your definition of happiness? Feeling relaxed & carefree also a sense of joy.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come? Yes, because I love being a Mother & things are going well.
March 31, 2007
1. Name: Adam S.
2. Age: 28
3. Occupation: student/copywriter
4. What is your definition of happiness?
Having many things that bring you joy (friends,
family, significant other, career success, cash) PLUS
other things you don't have but can dream about having
in the future (you need both)
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come?
Yes, more often than not (though I think 'happy' is a
feeling that comes and goes, like anger or hunger,
rather than a permanent state of being).
I know I'm usually happy because I have occasional
waves of euphoria brought on by any number of things,
including but not limited to a warm day at the end of
winter, daydreams of future accomplishments, house
music, and thoughts of spending quality time with
people I enjoy spending quality time with.
Also, one time I was standing outside with this girl I
knew, she was smoking a cigarette, and she'd had bouts
of depression over the years, and she said to me:
"Tell me about your happiness."
April 16, 2007
1. Name: Katie S.
2. Age: 28
3. Occupation: Education Facilitator
4. What's your definition of happiness?
You know, those questions really get you to
think about happiness and what makes you happy.
I really don't know what will make one person
completely satisfied. I almost think that when someone finally
reaches their goals, they just want to get to the next step and won't
be happy until they get there and then once they do, they want to get
to the next one and so on. I think I am a happy person, but then I
sometimes feel unsatisfied (not unhappy, just unsatisfied) because I
know there are so many other things that i want to accomplish. I want
to travel, finish school, have children, make more money! :) But once
I reach these goals, will I want more? Will I want to go back to the
places I travelled to again? Will I want to find a new job? Will I
want another child?
April 26, 2007
1. Name: Karrie A.
2. Age: 27
3. Occupation: editor/paginator at a newspaper
4. What is your definition of happiness? Feeling
content where you are, what you're doing. When you
wake up, you feel ok waking up, like 'I will
accomplish things today' or 'I will enjoy work or
whatever the day may bring.' Smiling for unknown
reasons or letting things make you smile.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not,
how come?
I'm for the most part happy...I'm most happy in the
spring and summer when I can be outside and can enjoy
things those seasons allow for, sun, reading outside,
walking with friends, swimming, etc...I feel I
sometimes have winter depression. But there is a side
of me currently where I feel a bit discouraged...with
my current job, with still living at home, being in my
hometown, not meeting new people. I feel I will be at
a truely content state when I have my own apt/house,
new job and am in a new atmosphere, meeting new
people. But I would say when I'm off from work and
totally relaxed and mostly when I with friends and/or
family...I can say I'm truly happy.
1. Name: Joel A.
2. Age: 60
3. Occupation: agricultural education: Cooperative Extension Educator and Association Executive Director
4. What is your definition of happiness? "when you are satisfied/pleased with what is happening to you and/in your life"
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? Yes, I am happy. I am pleased/satisfied with just about everything in my life: family, spouse, children, home, health, job, future, church, friends I have, organizations I belong to and support, realizing this could all change suddenly, but can't/shouldn't think about that or you'd never leave the house!
1. Name: Diane W.
2. Age: 59
3. Occupation: Retired Teacher
4. What is your definition of happiness?
Knowing that those I love are safe and well--being with those I love is happiness.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come?
I am content and happy--because those I love are safe and well, and I am with them often!
April 28, 2007
1. Name: Alison C.
2. Age: 28
3. Occupation: Master's student, teacher
4. What is your definition of happiness? Happiness is being able to see
the great things in all of the small things in life. For example, smiling
at a beautiful sky after a long day of work, laughing at a silly joke when
you are broke and hungry. A truly happy person knows that happiness is not
about having everything you want in life and then "voila!" happiness
doesn't just seek you out and hit you, happiness is in the journey, in
everyday life and it is 100% a life choice.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If
not, how come? Most of the time. Because I can pick myself up when I am
having a bad day, because I laugh everyday, I recognize what is important
an relevant and not just fleeting, and I am constantly looking for the
often missed items of the mundane to maintain my joy within.
1. Name: Sarah D.
2. Age: 28
3. Occupation: YMCA child care worker, mom
4. What is your definition of happiness? being at peace with yourself.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come? Yes , I am happy because I am able to make others happy (ie.my husband , my children )..I believe you need to be happy with yourself to make others happy.
1. Name: Jim W.
2. Age: 33
3. Occupation:Debt Collections
4. What is your definition of happiness? Being comfortable with yourself, being surrounded by people that care about you as much as you care about them and being financially able to do the "extra-curricular" things in life that I enjoy. ie: golf trips, going to Sabres games, a wekend getaway that wasn't planned until a friday afternoon...those sorts of things.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come? For the most part I would consider myself a happy person. I think everyone has their days when you wish certain parts of your life were different than they are at the present time, but overall I am happy. I have a stable income, a great group of family and friends that I can trust and lean on if needed and try to make everyday a good day, regardless of how many people or things try to ruin it.
April 29, 2007
1. Name: Cathy Camp
2. Age:56
3. Occupation:Vascular Ultrasound Technologist
4. What is your definition of happiness?
Waking up every morning and looking forward to the day-no matter what it will bring.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come?
I am happy, because I have all I need and each day is a blessing.
April 30, 2007
1. Name: Cathy W.
2. Age: 56
3. Occupation: Administrative Assistant
4. What is your definition of happiness?
My definition of happiness is "peace of mind".
Happiness is being content and finding something good
in the way things are at any given time as opposed to
wanting everything to be perfect.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how
come?
I am happy most of the time. I know because I have a positive
attitude about almost everything. I also have more energy and
enjoy being around people. I am more mindful when I am happy
because I am not dwelling on something that happened in the past
or something that might happen in the future. I am also aware
of God's presence in my life when I am happy.
When I am not happy, it is usually because I am giving some
injustice (in my mind) way too much power. I am dwelling on
how someone has hurt me, for example. I am hanging onto
something bad instead of naming the hurt, feeling it, and
then letting go of it. I am also totally focused on myself
whenever I am unhappy instead of following God’s lead for my
life – doing what I know He would want me to do in a given
situation. I also have a strong desire to be alone when I am
unhappy.
May 10, 2007
1. Name: Shara S.
2. Age: 48
3. Occupation: Sole proprietor, marketing/communications firm
4. What's your definition of happiness?
Having the freedom to do whatever you want ... be whoever you want ...
whenever you want ... to.
5. Are you happy?
I am happy most of the time. I am not happy when I'm in situations that
get in the way of #2.
May 30, 2007
1. Name: Kimberly D.
2. Age: 25
3. Occupation: Teacher/Swim Coach
4. What is your definition of happiness? Happiness is being satisfied with
yourself both on the inside and the outside, in addition to loving and
enjoying what you do with you life, what you are doing at that moment in
time and and who you are surrounded by.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come? Difficult
question to answer. It depends on the day and time I suppose. Am I happy
with myself... most of the time, there are always those days when you feel
like there is something else you are meant to do. Often these feeling are
more respresentative of how people around you make you feel. I would say I
am happy 80% of the time. Sometimes it seems as if time flies by too
quickly. So fast that you dont have a moment to just enjoy your life and
those around you. Sometimes you feel as though, what would truly make you
happy, is just out of your reach. I guess however, if you really had
EVERYTHING you could ever want, life would be pretty boring.
July 20, 2007
1. Name: Linda V.
2. Age: Just turned 50 in March!
3. Occupation: Retired on SSDB
4. What is your definition of happiness? I Love these abstract questions -- let's say Love --second response Family.
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come? OK 10 years ago my nephew was killed in a car accident -- I never had kids but him and his brother were with me every weekend, I loved them like my own children, and they loved their Aunt Linda, So I know what sadness is. They say you heal with time, that's a bunch of bologna. I miss him every day. So where does happiness come into this, once you've lost someone that young and close to you, you start to realize that life goes on and what is most important in life is your family and friends. After that day, not a lot bothers me, when you look at the big picture of life. Like when I'm in line at a market waiting and waiting, when a car cuts me off, I take a step back and remember how important it is going home each day to see your family. So Real Happiness is the Love that you have for your family and don't even know it until sometime goes terribly wrong.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Not too shabby...
In the first 24 hours alone, I've received about 22 survey reponses... with almost half of them being from people I have never met in my life. My plan is to post the responses by date.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Coincidence?
After discover at least 3 grammatical errors in my mass email happiness survey that I sent out at 2:45 last night, I feel my ulcers rumbling in my stomach as I am reluctant to sign in to my new email account for the results. This, below, doesn't help matters much:
Word of the Day Archive
Friday March 23, 2007
Today's Word | Yesterday's Word | Previous Words | Subscribe for Free | Help
animadversion \an-uh-mad-VUHR-zhuhn\, noun:
1. Harsh criticism or disapproval.
2. Remarks by way of criticism and usually of censure -- often used with 'on'.
No weakness of the human mind has more frequently incurred animadversion.
-- Samuel Johnson, Rambler No. 155, September 10, 1751
This animadversion pales before those of other critics.
-- Scott C. Martin, "Violence, Gender, and Intemperance in Early National Connecticut", Journal of Social History, Winter 2000
This is neither a compliment nor an animadversion -- just a conclusion.
-- Robert Schwarz, "Passion: Ein Gestandnis", World Literature Today, January 1, 1995
It is unfortunate, therefore, that Stephen Holmes mars his otherwise helpful Anatomy of Antiliberalism with a few stray animadversions on libertarianism.
-- Hayward, Steven, "Political Liberalism", Reason, February 1, 1994
Animadversion is from Latin animadversio, animadversion-, from animadversus, past participle of animadvertere, "to turn the mind toward," from animus, "mind, spirit" + advertere, "to turn toward," from ad, "toward" + vertere, "to turn."
Word of the Day Archive
Friday March 23, 2007
Today's Word | Yesterday's Word | Previous Words | Subscribe for Free | Help
animadversion \an-uh-mad-VUHR-zhuhn\, noun:
1. Harsh criticism or disapproval.
2. Remarks by way of criticism and usually of censure -- often used with 'on'.
No weakness of the human mind has more frequently incurred animadversion.
-- Samuel Johnson, Rambler No. 155, September 10, 1751
This animadversion pales before those of other critics.
-- Scott C. Martin, "Violence, Gender, and Intemperance in Early National Connecticut", Journal of Social History, Winter 2000
This is neither a compliment nor an animadversion -- just a conclusion.
-- Robert Schwarz, "Passion: Ein Gestandnis", World Literature Today, January 1, 1995
It is unfortunate, therefore, that Stephen Holmes mars his otherwise helpful Anatomy of Antiliberalism with a few stray animadversions on libertarianism.
-- Hayward, Steven, "Political Liberalism", Reason, February 1, 1994
Animadversion is from Latin animadversio, animadversion-, from animadversus, past participle of animadvertere, "to turn the mind toward," from animus, "mind, spirit" + advertere, "to turn toward," from ad, "toward" + vertere, "to turn."
Let the madness begin.
Sent to roughly 111 friends... not BCC (email wouldn't go through unless I copied everyone... am already fearing the "reply all" responses...
Dear Friends,
For those of you whom I have not spoken to for a while, I'm still
alive, dodging trains and attempting to make films up in Boston.
Please forgive my lack of communication in the past few months since I
exiled myself from the tri-state area! For the rest of you, yes, be
prepared for another mass-email request.
As most of you know, as part of my MA program at Emerson College, my
final project requirement is a 20 minute documentary on any topic.
While it's not due for another 14 months, I am starting to have
anxiety attacks over the thought of getting this thing finished (and I
haven't even started yet!). So, I'm starting now. At 2:33 in the
morning.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to email me back at
this email address, with your responses to the following questions:
1. Name:
2. Age:
3. Occupation:
4. What is your definition of happiness?
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come?
Please be as truthful as possible!! Without sounding too much like an
SAT proctor, "There is no right or wrong answer!" I absolutely
promise that I will in no way share your information with anyone
without your consent. Your responses, with your permission, will be
posted on a website that I am creating for the film. Your responses
can be anonymous on the website-- it is completely up to you.
This email project is a primitive litmus test that I promise will grow
into something a little more profound within the next year. But, it
cannot be done without your help!
Finally, please feel free to pass this anyone and everyone you know,
and have them email their response to this email address,
happyhuntingdoc@gmail.com. I know it's a pain to pass this on, but it
would be a huge help for me. There's about 100 of you copied on this,
so if you all sent it out to even just 10 people each, that would
be... um... a really awesome amount of people! Sorry, I lost my math
skills back in 2005. Ok, I admit it, I never really had them to begin
with.
Thanks in advance for all of your help!!!!!
Peace, love, and maybe even happiness,
np
Dear Friends,
For those of you whom I have not spoken to for a while, I'm still
alive, dodging trains and attempting to make films up in Boston.
Please forgive my lack of communication in the past few months since I
exiled myself from the tri-state area! For the rest of you, yes, be
prepared for another mass-email request.
As most of you know, as part of my MA program at Emerson College, my
final project requirement is a 20 minute documentary on any topic.
While it's not due for another 14 months, I am starting to have
anxiety attacks over the thought of getting this thing finished (and I
haven't even started yet!). So, I'm starting now. At 2:33 in the
morning.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to email me back at
this email address, with your responses to the following questions:
1. Name:
2. Age:
3. Occupation:
4. What is your definition of happiness?
5. Are you happy? If so, how do you know? If not, how come?
Please be as truthful as possible!! Without sounding too much like an
SAT proctor, "There is no right or wrong answer!" I absolutely
promise that I will in no way share your information with anyone
without your consent. Your responses, with your permission, will be
posted on a website that I am creating for the film. Your responses
can be anonymous on the website-- it is completely up to you.
This email project is a primitive litmus test that I promise will grow
into something a little more profound within the next year. But, it
cannot be done without your help!
Finally, please feel free to pass this anyone and everyone you know,
and have them email their response to this email address,
happyhuntingdoc@gmail.com. I know it's a pain to pass this on, but it
would be a huge help for me. There's about 100 of you copied on this,
so if you all sent it out to even just 10 people each, that would
be... um... a really awesome amount of people! Sorry, I lost my math
skills back in 2005. Ok, I admit it, I never really had them to begin
with.
Thanks in advance for all of your help!!!!!
Peace, love, and maybe even happiness,
np
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Get busy living, or get busy dying.
So, here I am, with six Safari windows open at the bottom of my PowerBook's dashboard, two Word documents open in the hopes of writing down ideas for my most recent paper (due next week), as well as my final paper (due next month), and all I keep thinking about is the crunching timeline that crunches my mind more and more as each day passes: The Master's Project. Yes, my 20 minute documentary, the one that grants me my Masters, and perhaps (finally), some street cred in this filmie phile region. It's about time I get busy living, or get busy dying, or failing the Emerson College Media Arts Program.
This blog will serve as the main website for information about my master's project, tentatively titled Happy Hunting. Soon I will be sending out a mass email to all those near and dear to my heart, in a selfish plea for their definitions of happiness. With their permission, the responses will be posted on this site. Once I begin interviews and obtaining footage, I'll be able to post rough cuts of my project, which of course, will be open for feedback/ridicule.
Without giving too much away, some backgrounder on the idea for my film can be found here:
http://nymag.com/news/features/17573/
That's all for now. I have to get cracking on all my other (life) assignments.
Peace, love, and maybe even happiness,
np
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