The three things that lead to happiness - determined by UC Berkeley scientists

[Tsiyu]

26. I love your stories

Thank you for sharing them

I am someone who hasn't made over $10,000.00 a year in 5 years. Most years I've survived on $5000 and the help of family.

I've worn myself down - numbed hands, hips going out - because wherever I worked, I gave it 110%. It finally dawned on me this year that I have to stop doing that if I don't want to be broken down before I reach 60. It finally dawned on me that the hardest working person in the workplace is generally also the least respected. This is the New American work ethic.

I'm probably one of the happiest people I know, because I have wonderful friends, many natural talents that I've been able to rediscover since I got fired this summer (I was told by boss: " I hate to do this because you worked so hard and did such a good job" but at least a month later she sent me my nice bonus I earned. It was all about politics and cowtowing to the lazy boss and lazy, wealthy kid who worked there.)

All five of my high school graduated children have attended college. One is about to finish law school, another has earned a masters, another is enrolled on full scholarship and has another year to a degree, another has a film degree. My youngest - about to graduate HS - has a nice college nest egg in trust because his aunt really liked me a lot and left her fortune to him rather than to his dad. So there is a lot of satisfaction and happiness knowing they are getting an education even though I can't help them one bit.

I have wonderful family and friends, a beautiful little piece of land and a shack (without running water except what comes out of a hose) that is paid for - and believe me, I appreciate that. Instead of getting depressed over the crappy job market, I've tried to write, paint, play music and even started studying SQL and other skills online. I've sold two articles and have a commisioned painting waiting for me to finish(if I can stay off the intertubes lol) so there is also a sense of self-worth in that.

But there are many times I am very close to breaking down, worried over how I will make it. There isn't any faking it when they cut off the power. This month, I have enough for the phone/internet bill or the electric bill. Which to pay? Without the phone, all of the applications and manuscripts I've sent out are for naught. Without the internet there is no DU and dayum, that is cold But without power, the well won't run and it will be pretty nasty for a few months. I've done it before, living through January and February without power, but it's hard to do anything when you can't feel your fingers or toes Having to make a choice like that is ridiculous in a nation like this.

All I want is a decent job, a decent wage and bosses and co-workers who don't exploit, but that's a pipe dream anymore. So I have to figure out how to make a living myself, but worry makes that a chore sometimes.

I'm still grateful for what I have, but my problem with the "three keys to happiness" is that people really are suffering and placating us by saying "well, at least you're happier" isn't addressing the income disparity and prejudice against the poor that make life hell in this country.

One in two of us Americans are living in poverty. We may be grateful for what we have, but that doesn't mean we don't spend a significant amount of time absolutely terrified, and that doesn't mean we shouldn't reform our society's economy to end all the suffering. I don't know how we make the miserable Old Man (and woman) Potters of the world stop thinking money is something to hoard, I just know we must, whether the poor are "happier" or not.

Love your stories, and yes, I'd rather be me than your mom!!!! A to you for sharing such a personal story and for putting up with that sort of self-absorption.