Allison's Thoughts on Bliss

I thought I would be the good example by posting my thoughts about our latest read. :)

First, I will answer Brittney's questions and then I will add my own thoughts.

Do you think that relationships affect you more than the local culture?
Yes.  I think the book demonstrated that you can be in paradise with the nicest people in the entire world and still be unhappy if you don't have any personal relationships.  Of course, local culture influences those relationships by setting up regional protocol for interaction.  The idea that trust is key to happiness was repeated throughout the book in different locales.  Think about it.  It makes perfect sense.  Security is one of our most basic, primal needs.  If you don't feel like you can trust your neighbor you aren't going to be out looking for deep companionship.

What contributes to your happiness? family and gratitude?
Ummmm...all of the above?  But I don't think you can have those things without trust.  What good is a family if your family members aren't trustworthy?  And gratitude...that's just basically not recognizing what is already making you happy.

Another note on family: before I read this book I would have said that my family is really high up there in what makes me happy.  But, I realize that my family embodies more than people.  I trust them to keep my secrets, to give me good advice, that they love me and have my best interest at heart.  I am secure in that.

What detracts from your happiness? Money? That something/someone you stubbornly envy?
Yes.

Okay, okay.  You know that good feeling when you buy a new (fill in the blank) and it is really awesome or stylish?  You feel good for a couple days, maybe even weeks or months.  Then you have to go buy something else to feel new and exciting and just as pretty as the other ladies at church (don't act like you don't know what I mean!).  It's such a problem.  I never feel like that about my family.  It would be ridiculous if I felt like I needed a new husband every couple of months (I guess some people do feel that way).  I would hate living in Qatar if I had to do it for a long time...sounds nice to visit though!

Anyway, I spend a lot of energy dealing with that sometimes.  When I go home and visit family, I feel like those feelings I have as we are playing a board game or laughing at something last forever.

Do you think happiness is a choice? Or is it mainly determined by our environment? Or anything else?
Both.  Ultimately, we are responsible for our own happiness.  I kind of liked the belief system that British seem to have.  Dig in and work at it.  Does our environment make it or easier or harder to be happy?  Definitely, but deal with it. 

Also, I 'd like to add that it's not so easily with mental illness.  That definitely requires more than choice and environment.

*And I want to add my own question:  Which place was your favorite?
Mine was Bhutan.  I thought it sounded funny/slightly amusing and easy going.  I also liked Iceland and Thailand...definitely need to work on an attitude of letting things go sometimes.