I just finished “Hector and the Search for Happiness” by Francois Lelord, a French psychiatrist who travels around the world and writes interesting philosophy in a self-help slant. But it’s not like reading Rick Warren or anyone else who sells their brand of philosophy/religion like the newest cleaning product on a Billy Mays infomercial. Lelord’s storytelling is like gelato—not so full of processed shenanigans, lite in form, but completely rich in flavor.
Anyway, in the book, Hector takes a much-needed holiday from France through China, Africa, and the States (referred to as the Land of More.) He observes people and asks them if they’re happy and why/not. His own experiences provide many of his lessons/observations, and he writes a list of learned lessons in his notebook.
So in the spirit of happiness, I’ve decided to make my own list of causes of happiness I’ve experienced from yesterday alone.
1. Happiness is getting a sweaty hug and kiss from the 2011 Tonga Triathalon Champion, who is one of my best friends. The smell went away eventually.
2. Happiness is having a pleasant flavor-surprise in your chicken Panini. (Like pineapples and a yummy tangy sauce, and mayonnaise not tainted with strange combinations of ketchup and other condiments.)
3. Unhappiness often happens when one feels uncomfortable; for example, when one prepares to go to a “Palangi” beach, which is closed, and then goes to a crowded Tongan beach and is unprepared with proper swim attire.
4. Happiness is a watermelon-eating contest, preceded by a seed-spitting contest, followed by a rind-chucking contest.
5. Happiness is an unexpected tuna sandwich with cheese.
6. Happiness can be experienced while making fun of an offensive rap song that makes you unhappy.
7. A refreshing breeze and a sun-kissed face cause happiness.
8. Soul Food Seasoning is the product of someone who knows how to make people happy.
9. If everyone made a “Soul Food” dinner once a week, we’d all be happy at least once a week.
10. “Soul Food” quiche makes a happy dinner with happy bellies.
11. Cornbread makes anything happy.
12. Salad is also soul food, which makes us happy in mind and body.
13. Sharing love of music is a fruitful way to make friends; music makes everyone happy.
14. Acquiring 5-weeks-worth of Christmas songs is a cause of happiness—especially in preparation for going home, where the weather will be COLD!!!!!!!
