There's a fascinating website (http://www.smithmag.net/sixwords/archive.php?tag=epitap) in which people are encouraged to write their memoirs in just six words. The first published volume of these has the title "Not Quite What I Was Planning." Doesn't that sum up life? There are very few of us who manage to get through life without some major, unwanted 'bend in the road' of life.
But, research has shown that we all have a certain 'set point' of happiness. It seems to be a blend of temperament, basic constitution, genetic factors, and to a lesser degree, our experiences growing up. It's uncanny how we tend to return to this set point no matter the circumstances which life throws at us. An amazing study was done years ago that compared lottery winners to accident victims who became either paraplegic or quadriplegic. Immediately after the critical incident, of course there was a substantial difference in happiness. But within two years, these people returned to their original set points of happiness. Winning the lottery or becoming paralyzed really didn't affect this set point. So, if you're blessed with a naturally positive disposition and life really throws a curve ball at you, just bide your time. You'll find your way back to happiness.
The more challenging issue is what to do if your set point of happiness is low to begin with. That's when it's important to look for professional assistance to do all that you can to do increase your baseline of happiness. In the Chicago area, see us at www.heritageprofessional.com. Outside the Chicago area, ask someone whom you trust for the name of a reputable mental health professional.
