Last week’s question had to do with a stupid picture I saw going around on Facebook:
I mean, who wouldn’t do this? It’s a no-brainer in my book on my blog. Here is what you had to say:
JC from Passive Income Pursuit:
Sign me up for that challenge. Looks like you would have a kayak for exercise and exploration and could even use it as transportation to what looks like land to solve the toilet issues. I love getting disconnected from everything every now and then.
I was concerned about the potty (or lack of one) situation. Broke Millennial mentioned this:
Just jump in the lake and go! It doesn’t appear anyone is around.
Could Broke Millennial be watching the same juvenile crap that I watch?
Reader Rae wouldn’t do it and I give her a lot of credit. What is more important than our relationships?
The bigger issue for me is that I don’t know if I’d want to be completely alone for 30 days *there*. I’d be fine without the internet or TV, etc., but if I am to give up my family and friends for that amount of time, it would have to be for either a life-changing amount of money or for something that would charge my batteries.
Yeah, I just don’t think the $100k would be worth spending my limited time isolated away from those I love, in an environment that looks cold and inhospitable to me.
I am a lot like reader FrankiesGirl. I very much enjoy (and need) alone time:
As a confirmed hermit, this actually sounds like a cruel trick. I LOVE being alone and if I had a comfy place to sleep and lots of books (I am a speed reader, so LOTS of books for a month) and art supplies… that sounds like an awesome vacation idea for me. And I would get paid? OMG yes.
On to this week’s question. Brace yourself for more toilet talk!
I was sitting on the throne Sunday morning deep in thought. Yes, that throne:
I’m sorry for the imagery, but hey, at least I didn’t post a picture of myself! And besides, this is where some of my best thinking happens.
Mrs. 1500 note: That explains why he is in there for 45 minutes.
I was thinking about what I need to be happy. The first thing that popped into my head was that I CANNOT stand being bored. I’ve used this quote before on the blog and I’m using it again today because it is exactly how I feel. This is from Voltaire’s Candide, one of my favorite books:
“I should like to know which is worse: to be ravished a hundred times by pirates, and have a buttock cut off, and run the gauntlet of the Bulgarians, and be flogged and hanged in an auto-da-fe, and be dissected, and have to row in a galley — in short, to undergo all the miseries we have each of us suffered — or simply to sit here and do nothing?’
That is a hard question,’ said Candide.”
Yeah, this a strange quote without the context of the rest of the book. Read it and it will make sense.
Anyway, I cannot stand doing nothing. Here are some activities that are pure torture for me:
- Sunbathing: How can people just lay there for hours? Arrrrrgghhh!
- Watching baseball: Just thinking about this puts me in a foul mood.
- This job:
I believe that everyone needs meaningful activity to be truly happy and content. This hit home for me on Saturday. Mrs. 1500 and I spent a good part of the day building a bookshelf that also doubles as a barrier to keep people from falling down the stairwell:
After the building was done, I felt really good. It was the same feeling that I used to have at my job when I got to write code. I think it is slightly odd that writing software and building a bookshelf out of MDF give me the same high, but so be it. Building things, whether physical or in the form of ones and zeros, is part of who I am.
I’ll bet that meaningful work is important for other humans as well. I don’t necessarily mean working for money (although it could be), but performing a task that accomplishes something. Maybe your version of it is gardening, working on bicycles, writing, tinkering with engines or quilting.
Good work is just one component to happiness though. Off the top of my head, we need healthy relationships, money and exercise. What else?
So Readers, what do you think? What makes you happy and content? Do you need a form of work like I do to be happy? How do you balance your life for maximum happiness?
The best answer wins a month in that cabin on the lake*. I’ll even throw in a floating porta-potty where you can do some thinking too:
*Not really.
Join the 10s who have signed up already!
Subscribing will improve your life in incredible ways*.
*Only if your life is pretty bad to begin with.
JC @ Passive-Income-Pursuit says
To be happy I need my family. My favorite part about the holidays is never centered around the food or gifts, but always just getting together with family and spending time together. When we get together we usually have some big games of rather competitive battle of the sexes pictionary with house rules of course. I couldn’t tell you hardly any of the gifts I’ve ever received from Christmas, especially when I was really young and gifts meant a lot more to me, but I could recant plenty of stories from us all being together and just enjoying ourselves.
Aside from that I need exploration whether that’s reading a book or actually getting out in nature and walking around. One thing that is great to satisfy both the mental and physical exploration is geocaching. I love taking our dog on walks and doing a bit of caching.
JC @ Passive-Income-Pursuit recently posted…Weekly Roundup – February 21, 2016
1500 says
“My favorite part about the holidays is never centered around the food or gifts, but always just getting together with family and spending time together.”
Those must be awesome memories. My favorite times are the family gatherings when I was a child. Like you, I don’t remember the gifts, just the good times. Sigh…
Beth says
I’m happiest learning new things, creating things and doing things for others, and having great people and some furry friends to share my life.
I have to admit, it’s pretty easy to live a modest lifestyle this way.
1500 says
Right on Beth! Great people is one of the keys.
Lady FruFru says
Simple question but a hard one!
For me, happiness is a necklace made up of all kinds of beads. One bright, shiny bead is being around friends and family: staying connected is so important. Ditto, my fur kids – two fuzzy, adorable beads on my happiness pendant – they bring me so much joy. Like you, I am happiest and most fulfilled when I am busy–whether it’s crossing off household chores or training for my next marathon. My hobbies all add to the necklace’s color and texture – running, cooking, writing, drawing, traveling. All of these things, interestingly, are pretty simple and don’t necessarily require a lot of money.
Lady FruFru recently posted…dig deeper for deeper savings
1500 says
“All of these things, interestingly, are pretty simple and don’t necessarily require a lot of money.”
Yep, money is a small part of the equation. Love your answer!
Kate @ Cashville Skyline says
Yup, I absolutely need some form of work or activity to be happy. I feel most fulfilled when I’ve created something I’m proud of (writing, art, music). And I’m not one for laying around either unless I’m totally exhausted.
Kate @ Cashville Skyline recently posted…How I Launched My Freelance Career From the Caribbean
Rae says
Oh, these questions always get me!
I don’t know what makes me happy. In general I try to separate my happiness from my circumstances. I enjoy reading and being around certain people, but I also need time to decompress and just sit and do nothing. I like learning new things, but I also like sitting around and re-watching Firefly episodes. I enjoy walking in the woods with just my dog, but I’m also scared of bears, so I don’t do that very often.
My greatest satisfaction comes from work, to the extent that I wrote an essay titled “I can’t retire – I don’t have any hobbies!” The other day, I heard someone sum up what I’ve been thinking: “No matter how much you like it, it’s still work,” so I am working on having an actual hobby. Not sure what it’ll be yet, but I’m trying all sorts of things.
Kyle says
By the way, I love Firefly. I’m going through Dark Matter now which I noticed has a lot of Firefly parallels.
I think the most satisfying hobbies are in creating and accomplishing something physical. Cooking, coffee roasting, brewing beer, making wine, wood working, crafting, painting, creating a blog/website, programming, , working on a house, working on cars, crochet, knitting, playing an instrument, etc.
Gwen says
I love the feeling when I step back and admire the latest sewing project I’ve done. Especially when all my points match up! Knowing I set myself a challenge and I accomplished it is very satisfying. Bonus points if it’s a friends baby quilt and they love it 🙂
Gwen recently posted…The House Hunt Continues
Beth says
I’m a quilter too. There’s just something about those perfect points!
1500 says
I’d love to see some of your work! This is something I may try too, but with robots and dinosaurs. Is that possible? Can Optimus Prime be in a quilt? Aquiltosaurus?!!!
Kyle says
I read Rae’s comment last week, and honestly felt like she’s just trying to avoid discomfort. People often go away from family and friends for a month or more for work, a month really isn’t that long of time. I’m guessing she’s several years away from retirement like me, $100k isn’t enough to retire, sure, but it really does catapult me an extra 3-4 years closer. But mainly, It’s human nature to avoid discomfort, but an experience like that can really change a person, hopefully for the better. it’s through discomfort that we grow as people. It would be time to reflect and unplug, get in touch with nature and ourselves. Even I doubt I’d really “enjoy” being there for a month, but I really do believe I’d take away something great from the experience, even if I hated the journey along the way. Hopefully I didn’t offend Rae, none was intended, that’s just what came to mind last week. I do understand the point of view though as being with loved ones makes me happiest.
Last week, while working out, I started laughing at how pathetically lazy human life has become that we jump and run around in a room for no actual useful productivity beyond staying in shape. But I do live a pathetically lazy life, so I continued to work out.
I feel a sense of accomplishment when I complete something like wood working, programming, or seeing my muscles grow, but really almost all of my happiness comes from social interactions with loved ones. I’m still adjusting to living alone, my life is still a pretty big mess thanks to me being overly nice to people in need, and people taking advantage of that. I just enjoy the days I get to hang out with friends and family and thankful that I have quite a bit of friends and family around to be with.
Rae says
Hi, Kyle – Interesting point, and you are kind of right.
I lived for a couple of years aboard a 28′ boat (a 1966-ish Uniflite cabin cruiser), so I have some experience in living small and simple. The cabin’s lack of heat might be a concern (though there may be some sort of exhaust on the other side that I can’t see), but if I wanted to be there, it would not honestly be a big deal.
There are a lot of places where a month in a cabin like that would be a wonderfully refreshing sojourn. I just wouldn’t want to be in that location (as opposed to that cabin, if that makes sense), for an extended period of time – just looking at the picture drained away my energy.
So, it is avoiding discomfort, in a way.
Kyle says
I know I wouldn’t want to live on a tiny boat for a couple years. I guess it’s a difference in perspective, which I always find fascinating how people can see the same event and every person see’s the event in a different way. We all experience life differently depending on how our brains interpret our senses of everything around us. I’m sure there are challenges that would seem similar to this cabin to most, but seem infinitely more difficult to me.
Maggie @ Northern Expenditure says
Creating always leads to happiness. Seeing something that you created that is done well is very satisfying. I look forward to seeing that shelf in action. It looks cool!
Maggie @ Northern Expenditure recently posted…Fight Back by Changing the Rules
Brian @ debt discipline says
It a simple, but complex question. Thanks for making me think. 🙂
Spending time with my family makes me happy. As well has helping others. I’m excited for the possibility for my children. It will be bitter-sweet when they are off on their own.
Brian @ debt discipline recently posted…The Fill the Bucket List Challenge
SavvyFinancialLatina says
Food makes me happy. I’m counting down until I can heat up my lunch and eat it….so hungry over here.
SavvyFinancialLatina recently posted…New Couch Purchase
LIGE IS MY GOAL says
Take a look at this! Some stuff that I think make people happy.
http://lifeismygoal.blogspot.se/2016/01/what-makes-you-happy.html
Use google translate, or my translate button on the rigthside on page.
/LIGE IS MY GOAL
LIGE IS MY GOAL recently posted…Embrace the Dividens.
Mr. CF says
Nature! You make me very happy being on a lake, in the mountains, on a volcano, on the beach or in the woods. As long as there are few other folks around, it is quiet and sunny (preferably). This perhaps stems from being around people most of the time, which is generally good fun and enjoyable, but I seem to have these intense happy moments during holidays when there is just me or just us (i.e. Team CF).
Why, oh why, do we then live in the Netherlands you ask…..good point.
Mr. CF recently posted…Creative Living Options
Mom says
I definitely need something to keep my hands and my brain occupied pretty much at all times. Even when I did sit and watch TV, I was still cross-stitching or knitting, or something else instead of *just* watching TV. Even when I’ve managed to get myself to a point of “OK, I can sit and take a break”, I might sit still for all of about 5 minutes before I’m up and ready to go again. I don’t even necessarily need it to be “productive” – putzing around on my phone is sufficient in most instances – although it’s not as happy-making as productive work.
Mom recently posted…January 2016 Early Retirement Progress
Tawcan says
I’m happy when I’m learning new things and challenging myself. Doing the same thing over and over will bore me to hell. Also I’m happy when I’m outside enjoying mother nature.
Watching baseball is a torture to me. 🙂
Tawcan recently posted…Food for thought – 7 aha moments
Mr. Tako @ Mr. Tako Escapes says
Like you Mr. 1500, I’m happiest when building things. It actually seems to be genetic, as the vast majority of males in my family spend/spent a significant portion of their lives building things.
As Mr. Munger says, “always invert”. What doesn’t make you happy? Avoid those things.
Mr. Tako @ Mr. Tako Escapes recently posted…What I Do All Day
G-dog says
Watching sunrise or sunset in the fresh air.
Seeing how happy my dogs are when they realize I am taking them for a walk.
A great joke.
Baking the perfect chocolate chip cookie.
Eating that perfect chocolate chip cookie, crunchy on the outside, chewy in the middle, still warm from the oven with caramely dough and melty chocolate chips.
Making great roasted chicken breast with crispy skin and succulent meat.
Finally having that ‘aha’ moment when I solve a problem or learn something new.
Reading a really good 1500 rant (need more rants dude).
When a friend shares their good news with me.
Retiring from my soul sucking job.
1500 says
“Baking the perfect chocolate chip cookie” Umm, I’m passing through in about 2 months??!!!!
Ha, rants are hard, but I’m going to visit my sister soon, so that should reload my brain. Chocolate chip cookies would help too…
G-dog says
With nuts or without? Recently I’ve been making granola bars that are about 50% nuts – so good. Crispy and chewy and nutty …
1500 says
Nuts!!!
Jason says
Golf, a good bottle of wine, a lovely excursion to Europe, getting an article or book published, watching a great movie (e.g. Star Wars: The Force Awakens), being with my wife.
Jason recently posted…Debt Is a Part of Life
Emma | Money Can Buy Me Happiness says
I wish I could spend time thinking on the toilet. With 2 little kids it’s more like a stage show when I use the bathroom so I have to make it quick. Anyway, happiness.
I need to work, I need a project to be constantly mulling over, writing notes about and incubating in my head. It gives me something to do when my husband forces me to go to the beach and sunbathe! Oh how I deplore sunbathing. Why would anyone purposely expose themselves to skin cancer? It’s beyond me. I’m the weird one hiding in the shade with her notebook!
I am happy when I get to work on stuff I love in different places. So if I can check out a new library or cafe (yep, I spend money on coffee – my only vice) and work in a new environment that feels like a real treat and makes me happy. My husband loves working in our garden and growing food, it’s his project and he wakes up on the weekends excited to get into the garden. I think humans are designed for work, but being able to choose what that work is and where we do it, feels like a luxury.
Emma | Money Can Buy Me Happiness recently posted…Why Early Retirement Is Not for Me and What I’m Aiming for Instead
1500 says
Spending money on coffee is OK. As long as you’re aware of your spending, don’t be ashamed. Well, as long as you’re not buying a new BMW or McMansion…
I love going to the library too. I’ll be there Monday-Friday when my job ends. All of the librarians will know me by name.
And this is great:
“I think humans are designed for work, but being able to choose what that work is and where we do it, feels like a luxury.”
Chris @ Flipping A Dollar says
I was going to say family but as one kid just woke up with a night terror – nearly inconsolable and a complete jerk when this happens and the infant also is up and won’t calm back down… Beauty rest! I’d love to be able to sleep 10 hours every night even though I’m sure I’d get sick of it at some point. Right now it sounds damn glorious.
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Broke Millennial says
I hadn’t seen that video until you posted a link in the response last week! Too funny. And I too abhor being bored. But, in a terrible catch-22, I also translate that to silence — meaning I need constant distraction. Whether it’s podcasts, TV shows, music or what have you, there is rarely a moment in my day that involves sitting in silence. This also limits my ability to reflect and meditate — an issue I need to work on. Speaking of work, I do like to keep my hands busy (mostly by typing my thoughts down). I’m not sure I could ever completely live a life of leisure. There would need to be some element of feeling productive. Finally, the best way to pass time, in my opinion, is over a nice pot of tea with a side of scones whilst discussing some of life’s great issues with close friends. You can sub the tea and scones for wine — but I think a sober discussion is more enlightening.
Broke Millennial recently posted…Beneficiaries: the Easy Way to Protect Your Money
1500 says
Ha, I HATE silence too! Mrs. 1500 and her family are the exact opposite. A long time ago, we went on a car trip. Mrs. 1500’s dad was driving and won’t turn on the radio, so we ran out of crap to talk about after 30 minutes and spent the next 4 hours just sitting there in silence. It. Was. Torture.
I need to work on it too.
This is pretty awesome:
“Finally, the best way to pass time, in my opinion, is over a nice pot of tea with a side of scones whilst discussing some of life’s great issues with close friends. “
Chris says
Apparently I do not need paid work to be happy since I have spent most of the last 14 years at home with our kids. I do need activity, though. Once our boys are out of the house I will definitely pursue some kind of career…but it will be my own version of that. I also need independence to be happy. I could work part time right now but I am not willing to sacrifice the freedom we have to travel when the kids are on a school break or to go to a long lunch with my husband. That is why we started our pest control business…to afford us autonomy and I won’t give it up.
Mostly I need to love my husband and my kids and my extended family and close friends. It is 8 people that I need. Today is not the day to contemplate my happiness status if I were to lose one of them. Everything else can go hang. Money? Useful, but not a source of happiness. A big house? Well…I don’t have one so it must not be necessary to me. Fancy clothes, prestige, blah, blah…nah. I don’t care.
My people and something worthwhile to do. Apparently not even health is necessary because my oldest has been chronically ill for 7 seven years and yet we are all happy and grateful. We have him here and he is doing better, sort of. It is enough.
1500 says
“My people and something worthwhile to do.” Right on, that is the key I think.
I’m also sorry for your son’s illness. I can’t imagine going through that. I’m sure that you’d take that illness on yourself without a second thought if it meant he could be free of it.
Christina says
Gardening makes me happy. I love watching nature do its thing.
Christina recently posted…Baby Pepper Extravaganza
1500 says
Nature puts on the most spectacular shows.
Millennial Boss says
That picture is actually my childhood dream! I grew up visiting a lake in NH every summer and there was a little cabin on one of the tiny islands on the lake. I used to imagine living there someday!
I’m starting to think deeply about happiness, settling, and challenge as I debate whether I should leave my current job or pursue something different. I’m leaning towards staying put (where I’m happy!) rather then chasing challenge. I’ve always been a go-getter so that is hard for me.
Millennial Boss recently posted…Tech Giant Yanked My Offer
Linda says
Like a lot of other commenters, nature makes me happy. I absolutely love going camping and try to make it at least once a year, preferably more. I’m also very happy when I’m cooking a meal and I have some great music playing and some sort of alcoholic drink to imbibe in. And I can’t forget friends and family. It’s a rare thing these days when my entire family is able to make it to a holiday, but it’s great when it does happen.
Linda recently posted…This Is Why Annual Exams Are So Important!
Amanda S @ Passionately Simple Life says
There’s a lot that makes me content at this point in my life, but there are times where I feel a bit too comfortable. That I have yet to leave this country and see how others around the world live their lives, that I have not experienced anything but comfort in my years on this planet. That is not to say that I have not worked hard towards goals in my life, but there has always been a warm home to come to with food in the cupboards and a soft bed. At this point, being content means good food, tea and lots of books.
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