HOW’S YOUR GNH? [ An interesting Index ]

“The quality of one’s emotional life changes over the years, doesn’t it? But the basic instincts and desires, greed, and hope, seem to remain constant. In the larger scope of things, there’s a sense of fulfillment to living a creative life. So, I guess that’s what keeps me going”,,, Tommy Lee Jones

Time to recalibrate your life.  Let us try and reset our lives amid a lot of stress and anxiety. First stop is to take inventory!

I continue to enjoy reading.  Recently, I am reading Michael J. Fox’s new book “ Michael J. Fox – No Time  Like The Future” – An Optimist Considers Mortality”  In the book he takes a journey for a documentary to the Kingdom of Bhutan in the Himalayas.  This area is  known as the “happiest place in Asia.” What I found interesting is that in  addition to the country measuring their GNP [Gross National Product] they measure their GNH [Gross National Happiness].  They index the level of happiness and life satisfaction within their country.  It was only until 1999 that they lifted their ban on TV and the Internet. They appointed a government position – Secretary of Gross National Happiness – to monitor and set in place principals to preserve the “happiness index” for their country.  It is not about money, possessions, and endless pursuit of riches.  As quoted in the book,  “ Once you cross a certain threshold, money doesn’t get you much happiness.”

Once again, it is noticeably clear that our pursuit of happiness and fulfillment goes wanting when we place extreme value on possessions,  accomplishment, and status.   We need a healthy perspective and balance in our lives. Why pressure ourselves and worry about almost everything?  A vicious circle that causes anxiety, depression, and lack of fulfillment.

What is your “Happiness Index”?  Heck, the stock market has it is VIX [CBOE Volatility Index] that many investors monitor.  How are you monitoring your “Index”?  As I have said before, take time out to recalibrate your life! Take the pressure off and live for a change.

What are you going to do?