INITIATIVE: HAPPY NEW YEAR!

HAPPY NEW YEAR…right?

Or more of the same stalemates?

All the labor of man is for his mouth, and yet the soul is not satisfied. (Ecc 6:7, NKJV)

Happiness enhances wellbeing, especially when positive outcomes dominate, as a Harvard University study indicated. “Happier” countries report lower levels of high blood pressure.So, I am delighted about the bipartisan compromise with 85 Republicans joining 172 Democrats on New Year’s day to end the fiscal cliff back-and-forth debate…finally!

Now I can exhale and get to work with a sense of certainty, at least about payroll tax cuts for my clients and extension of unemployment benefits for over 2 million others who have been challenged to secure a job in a difficult marketplace. The House of Representatives voted 257-167 to approve the Senate's fiscal cliff bill by extending the Bush-era tax cut, according to CNN, ABC News, NY Times, Washington Post.

But the House did not pass $60 billion for Hurricane Sandy Relief. 

Upper half of tree removed, stump reset into the ground and remains along with the demolished fence, as a result of Hurricane Sandy. (Photo taken by Darlene Womack)

Stay tuned…brace yourself for more public battles. Sure hope bipartisan compromise replaces the gridlock drama. But this is a new year, and we should be happy, right? Perhaps our pursuit of happiness lies in the status of our wellbeing.

Adapted from the book, Wellbeing: The Five Essential Elements, Gallup conducted  research on wellbeing with more than 98% of the world's population. Gallup scientists found that regardless of a person’s background, culture, ethnicity or religion two elements, good health and wealth, were the most common responses people said that created wellbeing.  

1.    Physical Wellbeing or having good health and energy to get things done;

2.    Financial Wellbeing or having the finances to do more of what you want;

3.    Career Wellbeing or how you occupy your time, liking what you do everyday;

4.    Social Wellbeing or having strong relationships and love in your life;

5.    Community Wellbeing or your engagement in your community.

The study revealed that if we struggle in any one of these five areas mentioned, it damages our wellbeing and wears on us. The goal is to incorporate all of these elements in our lives in order to get the most out of life--pursuit of happiness.

Inspiration comes in a variety of ways. Some use their faith or spirituality, while others get their inspiration from protecting the environment.

So, as we approach the next Congressional debate on public issues, we need to keep our wellbeing in mind. I hope Congress does likewise and acts on what we all desire: Keep our stress level down and our "happiness" meter up through bipartisan compromise. Besides, it’s a new year. Hopefully, it will be a happy one.

Happy New Year!

Jesus Christ: I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. (John 10:10 NKJV)