The TEDTalk 2004 video below by positive psychologist Martin Seligman is, by far, the best explanation of happiness in everyday language, but backed by science, that I have ever seen. Using what I’ve learned, I was able to rationalize why I’m generally such a happy camper despite not having some of the elements people deem to contribute most to happiness in life, like love from a partner, kids, even pets, pleasures from alcohol, drugs, gambling, even coffee, etc. For my own reference, I’ll summarize the video below before writing out my deductions that led to conclusions just mentioned about my life, but also reflect on the happiness and lifestyles content mentioned in the video from other developments in positive psychology since the video I have learned. I would highly recommend watching the video, though. Start from 2m 45s if you just want the core of what I am talking about as it’s a bit slow to start before it gets really fascinating!
martin
A Character Strength Reference for the Science of Well-Being Course
This is my reference for the concept of character strengths, from the VIA Institute on Character website that has far more information. However, it doesn’t have everything I have here, and some content is not focused or organized as I have here that I prefer. The test to get your relative character strengths, that is how they stack up among each other rather than against anyone else’s results, is free to take on the VIA site.
George Zimmerman… Sort of Free
The verdict just came down that George Zimmerman was found NOT GUILTY of shooting teen Trayvon Martin. My opinion was that Florida law and burden of proof on the prosecution forced this conclusion, but that the jury made the right decision based on what it was compelled to by Florida law. I don’t agree it is the right and just conclusion, but that the jury didn’t have too much of a choice if it were to have followed the law… a law that’s going to need a review soon!
Should People Post Songs Stuck in Their Heads on Facebook?
Happy Boxing Day, everyone! Aren’t you glad we no longer live in the Dark Ages, when people used to put on boxing gloves and fight others who got gifts they wanted but didn’t get from Santa? Villagers used to gather to watch these extravaganzas where the winner took home gifts, Instagramming photos via Twitter, not having much else to do. And that’s where Boxing Day got its name.
JUST KIDDING! There was no Instagram in the Dark Ages, of course! 😉
Something not as funny is when people post songs stuck in their heads on Facebook. It’s a good thing it doesn’t play as their friends see the status update link, but they likely know the song. If it were to get stuck in their heads as well, just a reminder of the song would do it, never mind actually hearing it. But if they haven’t heard of the song and are curious of what it is, they could be in for a nasty surprise after what may be an initial laugh that the song is stuck in someone else’s head.
So what I want to know is whether you think people should post “earworm” songs stuck in their heads on Facebook? They could be spreading their temporary insanity on to others, you know!
Take the poll below. Leave a comment. Maybe even be annoying and post a song stuck in your head right now or recently. 😉
Great Love Songs #15 to #21 for February Facebook Meme
In late January, I proposed a Facebook meme to share a love song a day for February that contains Valentine’s Day.
Here are the first seven songs and the second seven songs I had shared.
Below is the third set of seven great love songs I shared, with some short commentary for each.
Digital Citizen 