HAPPINESS. IT is something that I’ve come to think of more often in recent days. Taking a psychology class on “Subjective Well-Being,” I am learning about many correlated aspects of happiness, and, at the same time, finding it amusing to correct common misconceptions about happiness through evidence gathered through various psychological experiments. So, I would like to share what I’m learning - the two key things to be kept in mind in order to live a happy life.
   First, one must be aware of the notion that having frequent positive emotions is more desirable than having a once-in-a-lifetime happy feeling for a person’s state of well-being. The saying will not sound new to many. Observing closely, however, a lot of college students are foregoing the joys of the present for a greater future joy, only to realize that they should have engaged in the bygone moments. For instance, I can easily spot friends who are living under tight schedules, getting prepared to acquire the qualifications for a desirable job, while not being much involved in activities that can be done only during their college years. Although getting ready for the future is crucial, I personally do not find it so valuable as to miss something in the present. I believe college years are the right time to be acquainted with “savoring current happiness.”
   Second, being overly concerned about other people’s evaluation can be a great obstacle to being happy. Experiments show that people are highly apt to make less satisfying decisions when they are conscious of other’s views. “Other people” may refer even to family members. Unfortunately, many Koreans are still busy living up to the “expectations” of those around them, while disregarding their inner voices. Even at present, we may be making choices regardless of our wishes because we are influenced by what others say is important.
   This is all I wanted to share. Though, simple, and even banal in a way, these are actually what numerous psychologists have proven as truths. The sayings above are nothing great, and happiness is nothing too great, either. Rather, the above are something we know in our heads, but find hard to put into action.
The semester is coming to a close, and many thoughts may be disturbing your mind. Still, one thing remains true. Whenever something frustrates you, consider nothing more complex than happiness. Make decisions that will make “you” happy. Hopefully, my current thoughts will remind you of your life pattern and encourage you to change, so that you can be happier.
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