WISE Bureaucracy bullocks

For WISE we were suppose to respond to a short essay about happiness. In the span of two weeks between the time I received the paper and the time (now) I actually thought to answer the given questions, the essay was long gone. Luckily I stole the questions off another student's blog, and have at least a faint memory of the essay's  main points. To summarize, the writer argued that happiness is achieved when one is in the flow, that is they are at a level just hard enough to test strengths and just low enough to avoid anxiety. All of which was presented in a quaint little graph.

I am told to answer the following questions

When do you feel most happy?

I am in jovial spirits when I have accomplished something meaningful. I am content when I rightfully have nothing to do. I am effervescent when in a sprightly situation. I feel cheerful when I know I have helped someone.
And when all four said situations arise simultaneously, I am elated.

React to the article


I am neither a fan of graphs, nor a admirer of papers that work to scientifically extract meaning out of things as complex as emotions (throw in some anecdotes to that paper and I'll be ok). With that being said I do believe it is true-- happiness comes from accomplishments. Whether it's accomplishing free time, or the solution to end all wars, accomplishing things feels good. Yet, I don't believe that is the only source of happiness.

Before posting I watched this video, and many more made by the same daughter son duo for literally an hour.

I haven't smiled that wide in the last week. I wasn't accomplishing anything, I was in the presence of happiness and so I was happy. I think one of the many other layers is simply being around others that are happy. Connectivity matters.

Where are you on the flow chart?
For my project? Mostly in the flow. Sometimes I'm stressed just because I haven't accomplished enough.

How has this changed throughout your project?
Starting out I was ecstatic simply because I got to sleep in an hour early, and got to learn about things I actually cared about. I think the more I push  myself the more my flow will move up (If we had the chart you would know what the devil I am talking about). I must concure that accomplishing things which are the hardest, and that you truly care about,  creates the most sustained form of happiness. Winning the Babe Ruth NY state championship 2 years back still makes me feel good.

How can you achieve flow?

Through hard work, dedication to a meaningful cause. and  most importantly chilaxing the whole time.
ohmmmmmmmmmmm