Creating friction while seeking Happiness

I create a lot of friction and that really does not help anyone and sometimes it might not even help me. That being said one thing that is certain in my case is that I end up filtering people that might be toxic or have very little in common with me. I have to say I might have lost one good person or two along the way because I was probably too passionate and firm in my beliefs.

As far as I can remember growing up as a kid in a neighborhood which had a good diversity of people from hard working individuals to drug dealers, I was always passionate about situations that were right and wrong. If I was able to stand up to individuals (some of them who are in jail or cut their lives short for living a risky lifestyle) who might have of intimidated me and could of hurt me, why not stand up via my blog against those who choose to do harm.

Last week I wrote about the Gasoducto and how our local government is trying to create an ecological disaster by putting a pipeline thru the middle of Puerto Rico. This pipeline will destroy the fauna and vegetation while creating other risks which I wrote about. Should we sit back and wait till our politicians and individuals controlling Puerto Rico’s interest get their way once again? I know some people might not have liked the post because they are either aligned to benefit economically from it or they are big fans of political parties and side with the one that decided to make this call.

I decided to write the post and share it with you and my other readers because I believed it was the right thing to do. And if you agree with me please sign the petition on the right side of my blog. The magic of blogging is that people now have a voice and can spread the word about injustices by having an internet connection.

I don’t expect you to agree

My purpose is getting the word out on something I think is outrageous and that needs to be changed. I don’t expect or need you to agree. If you don’t agree, I invite you to challenge my thoughts. There is nothing better than having a responsible and respectful conversation from different angles. Maybe the #Gasoducto is a bad example because other than receiving the benefit of money in one’s pocket, it does not bring any other advantages.  If you can bring an example of how it will benefit us aside from saving money, I am all ears.

Most conflict revolves around money

We see how people die in Iraq and Afghanistan to protect the interests of the U.S. Economy. I see how everyday my island gets corrupted because so many are after making money, not making the island a better place to live. Most politicians are getting ridiculous salaries and perks when the rest of the island such as small business individuals, are being taxed and bled to death. On many occasions, when someone does not agree with me, it is because they are defending their client, job, or income source. I respect those that can actually separate themselves from defending their income sources and understand the difference of right and wrong.

Next time you get heated up about a subject, think back and analyze if you are doing it for the good of yourself, family, neighborhood, city, state, and country. For most people, you can actually trace a defense to an income source. In certain instances I have turned down a profitable opportunity because it does not go inline with my way of thinking.

I wish we could be like Bhutan & Prioritize Happiness

In Michael J. Fox’s book  Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist(Amazon Affiliate Link)  he writes about how the country of Bhutan focuses more on happiness and the well being of their citizens instead of other things. Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) Index can be compared to how countries measure there Gross National Product (GNP) making it one of the happiest places in the world. I remember reading how Michael J. Fox explained  his Parkinson’s was under control while visiting Bhutan. Perhaps the change in altitude and low levesl of oxygen along with positive energy helped his Parkinsons.

A few months ago I read The Price of Everything: Solving the Mystery of Why We Pay What We Do by Eduardo Porter where the measurement of happiness was also taken into consideration. There was a more technical explanation of the measurement and the six dozen variables grouped into 9 dimensions which included psychological well being, community vitality, ecology, good governance, and time use.

When are we going to ask those around us to factor happiness and the true well being of our communities?

How can we stop many injustices from happening and making people realize that money is not everything?

I say we can make it happen creating lots of friction and convincing people that happiness really is achieved by seeking the well being of others not the economical benefit of a few!

How would you approach it?

While you think of what you are going to answer think of this phrase from the lyrics Jessie J’s Price Tag Song. (one of my new favorite songs thanks to Xenia)

Wanna make the world dance,  Forget about the Price Tag. ♩ ♪ ♫ ♬ (see the video)