Spreading happiness through thoughtful words and actions

 I am, by nature, a happy person. And I am glad that scientists have now confirmed I am on the upward trend and will not become a grumpy old man as predicted.

German and American scientists, analysing a long-term British survey of more than 21,000 men and women, have come to the conclusion that happiness starts to dip in the teenage years and continues on a downward spiral until the age of 40.

It then levels off until about 46, before rising to a peak more than 30 years later.

The age when one is most content is 74. According to the study, as reported in The Daily Mail, a combination of fewer responsibilities and financial worries, and having more time to yourself, produces a contentment unknown earlier in life.

I wonder if the majority of those above 46, who are salaried workers, will agree with the findings.
Those of us in this age group, including yours truly, are probably at middle or senior management levels at this point of our career.

In return for a higher remuneration, with a company car and other benefits thrown in perhaps, we find that our responsibilities are also on an upward trend.

We are confronted with new challenges that test our patience and this is compounded by the fact that the home front is just as challenging around this time.

At times, you wonder if it might be better if you had been bypassed for the promotion.

So, how do we stay happy? I believe if we treat happiness as a state of emotion, that would be impossible. But the joy that comes from within is something that we can all aspire to attain. The secret is not to be a rat in the rat race.

I have seen people in the workplace who are able to deal with the ever-changing circumstances simply by adopting the right attitude.

They are not necessarily those who believe they should not rock the boat at all, but are the ones wise enough to choose the right battles to fight.

Often, they understand that people matter more than things, and are thus able to be a catalyst for change that will be embraced by all.

Then there are the people who are stuck in a routine each day, but always ready to greet others with a smile each morning.

How often we take for granted the cleaners who keep our office and our toilets spick and span. Or the guards who keep us safe and escort us to the basement parking lots in the middle of the night. If you look closer, you will find that they are a happy and contented lot.

So, if you are starting your working week by reading Monday Starters, tell yourself that you can choose to be happy, simply by thoughtful words and actions, and let that happiness rub off on your colleagues. Not that tough, right?

By Soo Ewe Jin, Deputy executive editor believes in the serenity prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”