Pete Hanson’s Daily Blog: Happy Hours(s)
I have been spending the last few days with my parents in Minneapolis. When I was growing up, my dad used to corner me (and likely my brother & sister too) and force me to have meaningful discussions. Meaning of life kind of stuff. Of course all we wanted to do was escape, and sink back in to an episode of Tom & Jerry, or a game of football in the yard with friends.
I remember him asking what my purpose was. From that question I learned two things. First, he was not enlightened by my answer, “to have fun.” (Hey, that’s what you get when you ask an eight year old.) And second, if you want him to stop asking, come up with a better answer. (He’s still asking.)
As we sat out on their deck last night with a glass of scotch (or three), I was less inclined to go find Tom & Jerry on one of the 382 HD channels, and instead enjoyed the conversation. I still stand by my “purpose” answer. Although, I think what I meant instead of “have fun” was “be happy.” (And make no mistake, having fun is part of that!)
Happy people, at the most basic level, change the world for the better during every moment, every interaction, every breath. Being happy includes doing selfless things for others. Few things can make you feel better than doing something nice for someone else. Being happy also means being true to yourself. Do what makes you happy.
Miserable people have an effect on the world too. It’s not good.
I think I started to win ol’ dad over to my point of view last night. Could have been the empty scotch bottle though. I’ll test him a little at breakfast today.
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