Happiness
#377. Dad, what really matters in the end?
Only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you. — […]
#374. Dad, what is conditional happiness?
Conditional happiness is the shortest path to misery. I will be happy when I meet a specific outcome is not going to make you happy.
#373. Dad, tell me about masking my emotions
We will benefit from being honest with ourselves about uncertainty, difficulty and moving forward.
#371. Dad, what does perfection look like?
No need to understand what perfection looks like, focus on what better looks like.
#370. Dad, what is “uitwaaien?”
“Uitwaaien” means to go out into nature as a way of clearing your mind.
#364. Dad, when are we happiest and effective?
We are happiest and most effective when our minds cease to be time travellers and stay focused on the here and now.
#358. Dad, what is the most important relationship I can have?
No relationship is more important than the relationship you have with yourself.
#356. Dad, what does it mean to be a person of colour?
It is exhausting being a person of colour. Beyond discrimination, psychological and social stress are long lasting and damaging.
#344. Dad, some people take pleasure in making me feel bad.
Successful, happy and emotionally balanced people don’t have time to shit on other people. Always be kind.
#343. Dad, I focus too much on yesterday and tomorrow?
Obsession with yesterday leads to regret and a constant focus on the future breeds anxiety.
#338. Dad, why do some people avoid happiness?
Some people avoid happiness because they fail to be grateful for the little things.
#336. Dad, what is the law of “diminishing gratitude?”
When you take everyday blessings for granted.
#332. Dad, what does “living slow” mean?
Living slow means listening to your body and giving it the rest it deserves. It means refusing to reach a level of exhaustion.
#323. Dad, I am happy with the current version of myself.
If you are happy with the current version of yourself, perhaps the question to ask is: How can I be better than before?
#319. How do I build my mental strength muscles?
Mental strength is built through small, daily victories. It’s the individual choices we make daily that build our “mental strength” muscles.
#315. Dad, what does Scrooge teach us about generosity?
The generosity of spirit is far more important than giving money.
#308. Dad, should I care what people think of my choices?
Become good at not caring what irrelevant people think about you. Decide who belongs in the relevant bunch.
#305. Dad, sometimes I feel like I have no direction.
Having no direction is an excuse to get one step closer to a more fulfilling life.
#301. Dad, I am afraid of being judged by strangers.
Become more aware of your own judgments of strangers.
#296. Dad, why do you prefer experiences rather than gifts?
I am not against gifts. I simply prefer something that has meaning or memories, instead of stuff.
#294. Dad, what should I NOT feel guilty about?
Staying true to your values, staying away from toxic people, and embracing change.
#291. Dad, does your car or house determine how wealthy you are?
What you drive and where you live has absolutely nothing to do with your wealth.
#277. Dad, can I always be perfectly happy?
There is no magic bullet to happiness. There will always be discomfort and worry.
#274. Dad, how do I know if I am in love?
You will know because it’s deliberate and conscious. Love is an act, not a feeling.
#273. Dad, what are the origins of “Trick or Treat?
It started with the Scottish Halloween custom of “guising”. Children disguised in costumes and went from house to house for food or money.
#268. Dad, what is emotional self-reliance?
I like Mark Manson’s definition: “The ability to see one’s own flaws and be accountable for them.”
#267. Dad, what causes unhappiness?
Our own unrealistic expectations of ourselves and others makes us unhappy.
#259.Dad, tell me about being liked.
Expecting to be liked by everybody is exhausting. Likability is not necessary if you want to make an impact.
#253. Dad, how do I live boldly?
Living boldly means recognizing that many of your fears are false.
#246. Dad, what is stillness?
To be steady while the world spins around you.
#245. Dad. What is the imposter syndrome?
The idea that you’ve only succeeded due to luck, and not because of your talent or qualifications.
#244. Dad, how do I tell my inner critic to f**k off?
Start the day by being true to yourself and trust your gut.
#242. Dad, what happens when I am not present?
DAD: By not being present, we scatter ourselves; and that scattering causes us to look for fulfillment in the wrong places.
#241. Dad, what is the meaning of life?
DAD: Whatever you want it to be.
#240. Dad, when should I start to worry?
DAD: Never. Worrying doesn’t change outcomes. Worrying ruins your day. Worrying distracts you from the work at hand.
#238. Dad, what is the difference between fear and sadness?
Fear usually pertains to the future sadness is mostly confined to the present or past.
#237. Dad, it is so tempting to buy stuff
DAD: Advertisers trick you into wanting stuff. Ignore the noise.
#236. Dad, what should I talk about?
DAD: Talk about life, love, meaning, experiences, entrepreneurship. Be inquisitive, learn about people