Blog Post #9

 I have come to the realization that happiness is subjective, it's dependent on our personal wants, goals and desires. The movie Happy made this realization even more apparent to me. From visiting different countries and people the movie shows that the idea of happiness is not universal. For example the  rickshaw operator in India. He lives a very poverty induced life but yet finds happiness in his situation. For most of us living in a first world nation we would see his life as a living hell, but he finds contentment in his situation. For the man the love of  his family and stability in resources are enough  to sustain overall joy. I couldn't help  but compare his life to the lives of many Americans I know who have beautiful things, but spend so much time working they don't find time to enjoy what they are working for. The most impactful part of this movie was when they traveled to Denmark and interviewed a single mom with two kids who  joined a co-housing community when she had financial difficulties. This portion of the film touched me the most because when I was younger my mother had to do a similar thing.  The film showed how co-housing communities took the financial burden off people and give them an extended family and sense of belonging which promotes a deep sense of happiness.  This was not the entry case during my situation, but the landlord was very helpful when pushing back payments for the complex. During this time of my life my family didn't have lot. but I remember my siblings and I being very happy in our situation. I also found it interesting how the people of  the Himalayas believe their government is responsible for the happiness of the people and therefore, keeps track of their gross national happiness through supporting spirituality.  In America the poverty in this country is not as extreme as the poverty in their country, but a lot of Americans blame government for the issues they face. I am interesting in focusing on 
the topic of happiness being contentment. 
All those who were interviewed in this documentary lived extremely different lives but found happiness because they were content with their situations. I believe this idea can foster an interesting paper.