Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Really great thoughts on Happiness

My friend Cathy Beaureguard sent this too me. Give it a read!


1) Embrace New Experiences.
Most people suffer from merely existing versus really living. Don’t get caught in a rut; get out of it if you are. Explore. Play. Go beyond your comfort zone. Don’t lean on the excuse “I don’t have time to try new things.” It is as tragic and ridiculous as saying “I don’t have time to breathe.” New experiences are life. Live deeply.

2) Be Who You Are.
Recognize and clear through what others expect of you, including society’s expectations, your parents’ expectations, the opposite genders’ expectations, and anyone’s expectations. Recognize and clear through the guilt, anger, fear and other emotions that are sabotaging you. What are your dreams? Your goals? Your loves? Who are you? Be that person.

3) Let Go of the Past.
The past is good for two things: the happy memories, and the lessons it provides. Clinging to resentment and sadness for past events hurts one person the most: you. Don’t let the past suck the gift of the present out of you. Forgive. Let go. Be here now, and go forward.

4) Be Kind.
It is easy to act kindly to those who have been kind to you. Do so, but also remember that is not where kindness is needed most. Recall those many times where you made mistakes, where you reacted out of negative emotions instead of responding from who you really are. Recall how you felt, or how you would have felt, if others responded to your mistakes with kindness instead of harsh criticism or a cold shoulder. Negativity only breeds more negativity. Empathize, and choose to be kind. It spreads rapidly.

5) Be Responsible for Yourself.
Whatever happens, however promising or tragic, only one person is responsible for how you respond to it: you. There are no greater wastes of energy and potential than blame, envy, a desire for revenge, and wallowing in self-pity. You and only you are responsible for how you respond to anything and how you act. You wish others were a certain way? You wish the world were a certain way? Be the example.

6) Nurture Relationships.
Think of your most joyful moments. Think of all you have learned. Think of what has helped you grow. Chances are great these all involve other people, and other relations such as pets and nature too. There are over six billion people on this earth. There are infinite relationships to be had. Everyone has something to understand and to learn from. There is infinite love to be had, and to give. You can choose to be lonely, but you are never alone.

7) Recognize All You Have, and Be Grateful for It.
If you are alive, you are fortunate. If you can read this, you are fortunate. If you can walk, talk, see, smell, taste, or feel, or all of these, you are fortunate. You are what you focus on, so if you focus on what you lack, you become that lack. Focus on all that you do have, on the gifts inside and all around you. Be grateful to be great.

8 ) Do What Inspires You.
Painting, singing, writing, biking, swimming, gardening, reading, dancing, walking, woodcarving … what is your flame? What ignites you, inspires you, enlightens you, restores your life? Do it, and do it often. Do not believe your excuse of having too much work to do and too little time for what inspires you. Doing what inspires you is the very fuel that will give you the strength and motivation to do the other things you need to do, and do them well.

9) Remember that Happiness is a State, Not a Circumstance
Happiness is a state of being, not merely a moment of pleasure or joy. By committing to your happiness you acknowledge and accept that there will be times of challenge and suffering, but by staying true to who you are you will not just endure but thrive. Happiness is not just the bird floating serenely on the water, and happiness is not made unhappy by the rock that falls and temporarily disturbs the water. Happiness is the water itself, always being exactly what it is.

23 comments:

Steven M. said...

Fantastic read, and very true.

David DeGrand said...

wow, I really needed that, thanks for posting!

cwyatt said...

Boy did I need that today!

Anonymous said...

Interesting... personally I think anger, sadness, pettiness and jealousy are all great emotions that everybody should feel. These kind of things are great for people stuck in a rut but I love that I'm a human being capable of thousands of different emotions.

Dave Berns said...

Thanks for this.

Bob Camp said...

Thanks everybody. anthony, I'm just seeing if there is any interest out there for any new Ren and Stimpy. It seems that the fans want it but the network is fed up with it and a certain other person. Thanks for asking.

Jesse said...

Thanks Bob! I've Missed your blogging so much! If there is anything i can do to help get Ren & Stimpy back, Please let me know

Jesse :)

coryag said...

I love this.. but I feel like we learn a whole hell of a lot more letting go of the past completely than we do from learning from it

Anonymous said...

I know I'm a bit late on this, but thanks for posting these amazing thoughts, Bob. I hope you'll be able to have more time to blog, so we can all appreciate how brilliant your drawings are and how much they kick ass. From your biggest fan and fellow cartoonist.

daniel trejo said...

i think it has some good things we can take advantage of, but i am most interested on your thought about it and how its different being an adult,as i am just 20.

Anonymous said...

cool, but we want cartoon!!

Unknown said...

I know I'm extremely late but reading was just what I needed. I've been depressed lately with many regrets but now I feel a whole lot better now!

I'll remember to read this all the time whenever I feel down! This is really perfect!!

Thank you so much!!!!

K-T said...

Wow, great post Bob! Nice to see you're back! :)

gbj said...

Bob Camp! Are you the same Bob Camp I went to high school with? Eastern Hills High School in Ft. Worth? You might remember me as 'Tex' though I think by that time I was going by Gordon Bailey. Would love to hear from you... congrats on a fantastic career. My email is HelloTexas11@aol.com

Yeldarb86 said...

Hey Bob,

This is a great guideline that every professional artist should follow.

I would love to see Ren & Stimpy get another chance, but in the right hands.

James Sutton said...

I've been reading this blog a lot lately and I must say.. it's incredibly inspiring.

:D

Unknown said...

Good words.

And add another +1 for more Ren & Stimpy.

Justin said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
blog said...

Great Advice!

Doug Dutton said...

Hey,
Big Fan!!!
Great Words!!!

http://leglessmermaid.blogspot.com/

Gordeaux said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
James Sugrue said...

Sniff, beautiful words. Thank you for always being a positive inspiration.

Archie said...

Id love to see more Bob Camp Ren and Stimpy :)