- By Peggy Perry -
Lots of folks say they are happy here at University Village, but what is happy? Happiness changes at different stages of life; it's a product of attitude; it is contagious.
Were we "happier" when we were younger? Maybe there were more ecstatic moments among life's early milestones - graduation, the wedding, receiving the key to that first home, a new baby. In time we experienced opportunities for
joy - involvement in community, increased living space, business and career successes, worldwide travel discoveries, fame and fortune for some in our midst. Most of us probably have moved on to a deeper level of
contentment, now that the grass across the way no longer looks greener. For a fortunate few those ecstatic, joyous happenings continue. All of us are blessed if we have developed a "habit of happiness," and it's never too late to begin!
Harvard psychologist Daniel Gilbert's research indicates that happiness doesn't imply "
walking around with a silly smile on your face. It means achieving a sense of satisfaction with life and a sense of well-being." Along with Gilbert, most of us have discovered, "
Worry less about big, big sources of joy and find a steady stream of small sources. Continue to invest in experiences, because experiences almost always determine greater happiness than things do. If you suffer hardship, just hang on, letting time do what time does well. You'll be surprised in a while to see how much better you are." Loss, loneliness and lessening of physical capabilities are real, but they needn't have the power to defeat us, even in these later stages of our lives.
Contentment is contagious. As our roots deepen at University Village, we appreciate the neighbors who radiate an obvious, deep joy in their lives. They greet us with smiles, warm words, a welcome hug. In ways large and small, they contribute to the good of the community - whether sharing artistic or organizational talent, doing the supportive work of a campus committee, or simply waving from their golf cart or asking, "Will you join us/me for dinner?" If they are agents for change, they are considerate and courteous, even as they are candid about their concerns.
Their demeanor is evidence of an attitude of gratitude, the habit of happiness. What is yours?