I have spent this last week re-reading all the posts and pages on this web site. I have attempted to objectively assess how (or if) these thoughts in writing have helped to guide me closer to Happiness. I can say with some certainty that it has been a cathartic process that has (from a big picture perspective) created a more thoughtful, introspective, motivated me; but ...

Have those around me seen a difference? I honestly don't think anyone would say they have. By nature I am a bit surly, and I have certainly not become little miss sunshine; but would I have been more difficult and harder to live with if I had not created this forum in which to hold these one-way conversations? Of late, I believe the answer to that question is Yes. I think I would have been inching ever closer to the impossible end of the 'living with' spectrum if it weren't for these efforts. I could claim health issues/concerns or 'mid-life crisis' symptoms (which I guess I just did), but I recognize these claims as merely excuses. I talk about high standards and accountability, yet when it comes to controlling negative emotions I sometimes have difficulty walking the talk. In last week's post I said that a certain amount of grumpiness is okay because it simply reflects the reality that I believe is so important in the search for Truth and Wisdom; and I believe this is true ... to a point; sometimes I cross that line and find myself in the middle of another excuse.

I believe that I would have been more difficult to be around if not for the therapeutic benefits assimilated as a result of my soulful wanderings. So what specifically has helped?

1. Are there specific posts or constructs that have been more helpful than others?
2. Or is it the discipline and action of thinking and writing each week that has helped?
3. And if this is true (discipline and action) could I have thoughtfully written on a different, random topic each week and attained similar benefits?
4. Could I have attained similar benefits if I would have chosen a single topic other than Happiness to explore as deeply as I have and intend to, here?
5. Or (in fairness I have to ask) is it all just Philosophical 'Hibbety-Jibbety' with little or no relevance to our daily existence?

Answers:

1. Yes; there are specific posts and constructs that have been more helpful. I find myself re-reading Recipe for Happiness and Happiness Despite Disappointment once every couple of weeks. I am enthralled with the concept of Time as presented in Time and Happiness, and I refer frequently to The Periodic Happiness Table of Elements page and its associated posts, as well as Other-Worldly Happiness, Importance and Happiness, Silent Happiness, Decisive Happiness, and Happiness-Based Reality. I get a kick out of Unhappiness and find it to be an accurate description based on observations of myself and others nearby. I also enjoy Happy Christmas as a light-hearted getaway. Additionally I have referred to a certain James Baldwin quote more than once, that I find has considerable relevance to the ideas presented throughout this site. Overall I am satisfied with the direction thus far, but know that I need to continue forward.
2. Yes; the discipline and action of writing each week has helped. But ... the synergy is multiplied by relevance; (see #3 below).
3. Maybe; it is possible I could have written on a different, random topic each week and attained similar benefits. I believe we search for answers on topics that are relevant and potentially helpful. If we are not in need of answers on BIG Life questions, then the discipline of consistent thinking / acting on or in random areas of interest (I believe) can result in similar benefits.
4. A single topic other than Happiness may have provided similar benefits, but only if the single topic had specific relevance to me. I chose Happiness because (though I tried) I simply could not reconcile the current 'positive psychology' movement with the reality of day-to-day living. It felt false and I desperately wanted to understand (and still do) the interdependent relationships between happiness (with a small 'h'), Happiness (with a big 'H'), Truth, Wisdom, Purpose, inner peace, and exoteric goodness.
5. No, it is not 'Hibbety-Jibbety'. I strongly believe that this type of questioning/searching/thought has considerable relevance. It has made a difference for me, and I would like to think that anyone with even the tiniest bit of spirituality would agree; but I still had to ask the question.

Final Answer: Yes, there have been tangible benefits, but ... I cannot lose sight of the overriding premise - Consistent Long-lasting Happiness (CLH) is hopeless; the best we can hope for is Relative Momentary Happiness (RMH), and by living a Life grounded in reality, with open eyes, the possibility of increasing the length and frequency of those moments of Happiness. I will say again, with considerable objective certainty, this web site has helped. Hopelessness encourages Hope.