Flirting With Red Balloons project

Yesterday I was talking about perfection and how it could be counter productive to the pursuit of happiness. And this morning I remembered an article I read a couple of weeks ago by James Mortier called "If it makes you happy: The Psychology of Happiness" where he gives 10 rules to follow for a happy life. And though I don't think that one article has all the answers to this very thorny question (not to mention that we are all different and we don't all have the same recipe for happiness), it might hold part of the equation.

Whether you're religious or not, whether you're young or old, whether you have a Ph.D. or you can't even read, no matter who you are and what you do, pursuing happiness is in a sense your life's quest. Sartre said that as human beings we are responsible for our own lives. And because, when we come into this world, the universe doesn't hand us any script or particular purpose, it is our job to find a purpose and a place in the world for ourselves. Pursuing happiness seems like as good a purpose as any to me. Plus, when you break it down, every life goal comes down to an honest shot at happiness. Whether you're trying to save the world or just doing a 9 to 5 job and then coming home to your cat. The only problem is that sometimes we get sidetracked and lost in the nitty gritty details and we forget to look at the big picture.

So here's the thing. Right now, I need a hobby other than watching stupid TV series (wretched habit... almost like letting someone else live your life for you). And since I'm constantly doing research about the stock market, might as well throw in some research on how to be happy. Therefore, I had this brilliant (or insane depending on how you look at it) idea. We have exactly 12 weeks left until the end of the year. So every week, I'll post a theory or philosophy about happiness. And to complete the loop on the scientific method, starting next year, I'll test each one of them during one month and then post my evaluation of it. I do realize that this methodology is inherently flawed from inception as some theories might take more than 30 days of experimentation in order for the full effect to be seen. However, I'll include that in my evaluation and adjust as I go. Also, some theories might include elements kind of hard to test out under present circumstances (such as fall in love and start a family). Well, I'll deal with it when I get there. This project might be a total failure. But at least I tried it out.

So here it is! 3000 years of philosophy and self help books condensed in speed dating style. And to be cheesy until the end, let's call this project Flirting With Red Balloons (not the best title I ever came up with but I have other things to do today than ponder upon this question... soooo shall we say subject to revision?)