This interview is one in a series of expert interviews on the eDrugstore.com blog. We add new interviews on a regular basis. Please see our complete list of insightful interviews.
1. Why is it so important to be happy? What benefits do people see as “side-effects” to their happiness?
It’s important because happy people make memories that they can look back and smile; memories they can actually be happy to look back on. Sad/angry people usually tend to either a) not look on the past because it was miserable or b) take any means necessary to forget it; again because it was miserable. Being happy helps you live fully. And who in their right mind does NOT want to live fully? The side-effects to happiness are more than I can begin to say here. I could write a book on the positive side-effects of happiness! (I actually want to.) But anyway: longevity, agelessness, a positive mindset when surrounded by negativity, and the ability to smile no matter what!
2. Is there ever a time when it’s acceptable to let yourself be unhappy, if just for a bit?
Absolutely. You show me a person that has been 100% happy 100% of the time and I will show you someone who hides their true emotions. There are countless times when you will be unhappy. But the good news is this: it’s only temporary. Your state of mind and the duration you stay in it is chosen by you. When you know how to find happiness in any situation, you tend to be unhappy a lot LESS often than you’d expect. Why? Because you learn how to overcome the unhappy phases quickly and effectively.
3. What are key characteristics of genuinely happy people?
They don’t let things bother them. You know, like stubbing your toe, getting in a car accident, seeing the chickens all escape the coop. Whether big or small, they look at the bigger picture and realize the current situation really is not worth getting angry over. So they choose a happy reaction. They also tend to be a lot more patient than other people, which explains why they don’t get bothered by many things. However, if you do not fit this mold it does not mean you can’t be happy. It just means you need to find your own type of happiness.
4. What is the best way to “fake it ‘til you make it” while you’re on your path to happiness?
Practice patience. Go driving in rush hour traffic for the sole purpose of learning to be patient. When you start to enjoy sitting in traffic, and can do so without losing your temper, you’re on the right path to finding happiness. Either that or you’re off your rocker! How is sitting in traffic related to finding happiness? Because you need to learn some patience in order to find some happiness. You need to be able to be in a negative situation and find enjoyment. If you can do that, you’ve begun to find happiness. If you can do that, you’re on the right road.
5. What advice would you give to someone who has suffered a major blow (or many major blows)? How do they find happiness when everything seems bleak?
I’d tell them, there’s always tomorrow. A good friend of mine had breast cancer three times and I recently heard something she said, “You know, there’s always tomorrow and if we can’t fix it tomorrow, there’s always the next day. Life goes on.” So, I’d tell them not to give up or give in that easily. They are here to face challenges and overcome them, in order to make them an amazing person with much to offer. Problem is, many people have trouble seeing and understanding that when they are at the bottom of the valley and trying to work their way up to the top of their mountain. That’s what I’m here for!
6. What advice would you give to someone who is down not because of some major catastrophe, but because of the monotony of every day life (work, raise kids; work, raise kids)? How can they see positives when they feel as though they are just going through the motions every day?
Change it up! Add some excitement. Dance to music in the seat of your car on the way to get the kids. Sing to yourself while walking to your office at work. Smile and say hello to the people you see on your daily routine but don’t know. Get to know them! Not just, “Hey, nice to see you!” Take different routes to where you’re going. Listen to new radio stations. Play a computer game once in a while. But most of all, do what makes you happy!
7. Are happy people generally more successful in life? Or, conversely, are people happy because they are successful?
I think people that are happy are generally more successful and do not really care about how successful they are. Happy people can look at a bad month (financially) and still smile because they don’t let dollar signs determine whether or not they have happy minds! I think if you’re happy because you’re successful then you’re not truly happy. You’re being happy for the wrong reasons; money and power.
8. What are three Must-Dos or Must-Haves for people setting off on a journey to be happy?
- An open mind. Why? Because you are going to be exposed to things that you previously dismissed and are going to be asked to consider them in ways your previously would not, could not, or did not.
- Patience; in two respects. You must have patience when exemplifying happiness and you also must have patience when learning how to be happy. If it was easy, everyone would be happy. It takes time, and for some it takes more time. Happiness can happen if you know what you’re doing and how to find it. And if you don’t, simply find someone that does (which is the next one.)
- Someone to help you. Whether it be a happiness coach (like me!) or a friend who is happy himself/herself. You need someone to be by your side and direct you in the right direction. And if you find that person is steering you wrong, STOP relying on him/her because it will only worsen your situation. You can also find a group of people; a support system.
About Logan Lindabury: HappinessCanHelp.com, Logan’s Blog, Twitter @TalkToLogan
Logan resides in New Jersey as an entrepreneur, student, human, and overall talkative person. You will enjoy the conversations you have with him. He is the the Founder of HappinessCanHelp.com a site that allows anyone to receive happiness coaching; no matter where they live or how difficult they think being happy could be. “Realize that the decisions and actions you make can only be made by you. No coach can make them for you. Look inside yourself and decide if you are ready for a change; ready for more happiness in your life.”
Read more of our expert interviews:
Betty Dodson, Renowned Sexologist, Author, Feminist, Educator
Dean Osborne, Human Nature of Cheating
Dr. MP Wylie, Relationship Advisor
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