Are You Happy?

If you saw Oprah on Wednesday, the show was titled, “Are You Happy?” My sister lives near Chicago-so she gets to see the day’s show in the morning and if it’s something intriguing, she calls me to give me a heads up. (Yes, we call each other about TV shows-this is what sister’s are for, right?) Anyhow, I got a call from her about this particular show. She said, “Amber, there’s a quiz on the show and I failed all the questions.” Failed a test about whether or not she’s happy? Hmm. Needless to say, it got my attention and I tuned in to the show. It was eye opening.

Does having kids make you happy? Yes or no? How much money do you need to make to be happy? The answers might surprise you. They surprised me.

Goldie Hawn was the guest on this show and her answer about having children was, in my opinion, right on. The answer was mixed. Hawn’s explanation as a mother was-in the beginning-it’s very difficult-even scary. But, it turns into something great and at her age, she said she can’t imaging not having her family with her. She went on to talk about grandchildren etc. The experts say parents are the happiest when children are 18.
What do you think of that?

The thing is, it is a lot of work when your kids are small-but it’s temporary. Eventually, they can start doing things for themselves and it gets easier. The other day, my 4 year old buckled himself in to his car seat. It was a milestone. Sounds silly, I know. But, I seriously had to pause for a second because he didn’t need me to do it for him. I know the days will come when he can dress himself, pick out his own outfit, shower without my assistance, pour his own milk, etc.
And, then his little brother will do the same. Will that make me happy? Having extra time on my hands because they don’t need me as much? I don’t think so.
I think I will look back and these will be some of the best days-sure, I’m tired. But, in the end, I won’t remember being tired. I’ll remember my kids being so little and so cute and none of the other stuff will matter.

Because, as the happiness test will show you-it’s not stuff that makes you happy-it’s memories. So, I’ll call my sister back and plan a trip with her family, because, looking at those pictures will always make both of us smile.

Here’s the test:

http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Poll-Are-You-Happy

Amber is a mom of two boys. Her blogs can be found here on Mondays.

TypePad Conversations » Answer this question!

Comments

[Mobile Moms]

Interesting everyone seems to be talking about happiness. Even Oprah! Thanks for talking about this. At Mobile Moms we are discussing it too.
http://www.mobilemoms.wordpress.com

[moncler vest jackets]

Liked you on Facebook, too. =)

[stain123]

Hello,
You can also explore an Algorfa property.http://www.yespanya.com