Happiness Is

Too often, people focus on their differences. It's true, these things that separate us make us unique and lead to great possibilities. But with tough topics like religion and politics, conversations turn to debates and debates turn into, "Off with his head!"

That's why I like to focus on the similarities I share with people. An interest in Tupperware and fandome for Lost has already united many in our office. But when I got to thinking of the one thing everyone agrees on, I concluded, "That we all just want to be happy." With that in mind, I thought well, if you want a happy life, you've got to make it that way. So let's go people, let's pick the right path. It's our choice to make!
                        
Lucky for me, and as coincidental as it may be, the Huffington Post just published an article on a newly released documentary called, "Happiness Is." Documentary filmmaker, Andrew Shapter spent the last three years in an RV, traveling the United States and seeking the answer to the million dollar question, "What makes people happy?"

While he did enlist some celebrities like Willie Nelson and even the great and wise Dalai Lama, Shapter found that it was the everyday people that he encountered that showcased the answer to his question. In the end, he whole-heartedly concluded that the key to happiness was to give.

Shapter said, "I asked people, 'what is it that makes you happy, what is your pursuit of happiness and how do you achieve it?' I looked for people that were really satisfied with what they were doing in their lives."

He continued, "The more I went around and had these soul-searching conversations, I realized the people who were happiest were those who tried to make their community better. Those were the happiest people around."
                               
With the righteous question answered, he decided to make good use out of the results. What more fitting way to promote his movie, then by acting out the very message of it? That's why Shapter is traveling the U.S. with his film and donating all of the ticket sales to the non profit organizations that hosts that particular viewing. The first viewing, in Austin,Texas garnered $10,000 for CapCityKids.

When there are so many things that we want, it's easy to forget what we should give. That's why promotional products, as marketing directed as they are, also posses a natural feel-good charm. When the CEO of a company reaches out to his employees with corporate gifts, each recipient feels appreciated. That custom chocolate bar, imprinted with Motivators can actually make someone's day.

Likewise, why do you think trade shows are still around? Much of the business accumulated by trade shows has been transferred to the digital world, but there aren't any trade show giveaways through the internet. However, at an event, when a vendor shakes your hand and gives you a custom keychain, you are happy and a bond is made. Still, if you're that guy at the trade show that just runs around and takes the trade show giveaways off tables after giving a casual wave, you are not happy- you're just selfish.
If any of you are looking for a boost of happiness, consider going to the viewings in NYC from February 19^th-21^st, or you can order the video and throw yourself a "Happiness Is" shin dig. Of course, if you're looking for a more long term happiness, securing a friendship with me should be at the top of your list. Happy Weekend. :)