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In the month of February 2008 I had the opportunity to interview 34 amazing people on the subject of happiness. The possibility that I created for this project, is that everyone who participates, and reads these interviews will be left inspired, empowered, and happier than they were before.
What made this project so exciting is that it taps into something that all of us, as humans can related to. From the most selfish human, to the most selfless saint, the one thing that we share in is the desire to be happy. While we realized that happiness can mean different things to different people, there are many similarities that can be captured by just about anyone.
Reading through all of these interviews I realized that much of this is common sense, or I could have thought of that, but I didn’t. Reading them inspired me to just let go, be happy, and enjoy the beautiful moments in life. I know happiness is available and possible for every one of us.
What I would love to do is to be able to share this happiness with every one of you! There are several ways in which I envision this happening. You can go ahead and read through the 34 interviews which I was fortunate enough to capture for this site. Additionally, other people took it upon themselves to answer these questions on their own sites to share their own views and opinions with all of us. All of this can be found on the main Happiness Project page and I welcome you to read them.
To take things to the next level, I would absolutely love it if you would take the questions, think about them, and answer them for yourself. If you have a blog, then answer them there, if not, feel free to answer them in the comments section below this post.
My good friend Mark happens to be an excellent graphic designer and he was kind enough to make this banner for us to use for this project. Thank you Mark! You can use this banner to not only show off your participation in the project, but also to point people towards the rest of the interviews, and spread awareness to as many people as possible.
Instructions: Copy-paste the code below into your blog post’s ‘code’ section or into your sidebar. This code will link the banner right to the Happiness Project page.
Hey dude!
It’s done! I’m now officially part of the Happiness Project! =)
You reading this can go watch my video response to Alex’s Happiness Project questions and tell me what you think!
To CANI,
SaiF
The World’s First Teen
Personal Development Video Blogger
It’s a pleasure to participate in your Happiness Project Alex. I have written of it on my blog and linked to you as well. http://ideaseller.typepad.com/idea_sellers/2008/03/the-happiness-f.html
Daniel, thank you for your participation. I’ve added you!
I was tagged and I’m not sure whether it is too late to tag anyone else. I have published my post and here it is happiness project. I realize that I am a happy person. Thanks.
It is not too late. You are right on time. I am inviting you, and all your friends to participate! =)
Thank you for your contribution! =)
Alex,
Thanks for the opportunity to take time out of the day to think about my definition of happiness. I’ve enjoyed reading the other contributions and will be sharing this project with the bloggers of Akron, a small group of bloggers who will certainly wish to contribute their thoughts.
Have a happy day.
Deborah
Thank YOU for taking the time to write, and I definitely appreciate you spreading the word, that’s exactly how this project becomes successful!
Hi Alex - I was researching Happiness Projects and found yours! I am posting on it today to share the info with my readers. Hopefully, we’ll see you in Chicago at SOBCon 08.
Derrick and Michael
Awesome, let me know when you happiness project is complete so I can add it to the list. I’ll be at SOBCon, I already bought my ticket =)
It’s complete! See you soon. (and I tagged 3 other people).
Derrick
I’m done too! You can see it here: http://aquestionofperspective.com/the-happiness-project.
Thanks, Alex, for a great project.
Nice one, I added you!
Alex, I really love your project, I think it’s great and I had to contribute. Here’s my contribution:
The Happiness Project - What is Happiness To You?
I’m excited to see all of the different visions of happiness and look forward to being a part of it. Thanks!
Alex,
I joined the project, and posted my 5 questions in my blog. This is a neat project, and I am happy to particiapte.
Thanks!
1. Happiness is a state of mind when you fill fulfilled, warm, taken care of and having the certainty of love and financial security.
2. I would rate it at 8.
3. I see my girlfriend, I blog, I do programming, I work out of passion, I earn money.
4. Two-faced people and liers. I am an easy taker of these things and I just press the ‘Ignore’ button. It’s easier like this.
5. More work. Just work. It will bring me more money. Other than that, I have everything I want.
I have also contributed this to my blog, in my latest article, http://blog.butterflymedia.ro/the-happiness-project/
Addeed you!
Alex, it’s a pleasure to participate in your Happiness Project. I have written of it on my blog and linked to you as well. http://www.puntofape.com/haz-ejercicios-para-tener-un-mejor-blog-455/
Fabian, you have to actually answer the questions in that post to participate. =)
Right Alex! I did it!
Ok, I’m adding you to the list. Could you just fix the link in the post the reflect the link of this article? Thanks! =)
I’d fixed the link.
Hi Alex!
I have blog about the project and share my happiness.
Pls have a look
http://iamtoro.blogspot.com/2008/03/happiness-group-writing-project.html
It is great to share happy~!
Great, thank you. I added you to the list.
Hi ALex,
This really is a great project, I enjoyed participating. Please view my post with the loads of links back to your blog at- How Do You Measure Happiness?
I looke forward to reading more of your blog post. Have a Happy and Wonderful Day!
Here is the link http://www.debohobo.com/2008/03/14/how-do-you-measure-happiness/ for the post.
Alex,
I’m in!
Check out my reply here: http://www.guidanceforthemotivated.com/The_Happiness_Project.html
~Garrett
I joined!
I hope that i would not be too late.
Alex,
Thank you so much for ‘Stumbling’ my Happiness post. I recieved 109 visits fro that single post, unfortunately however not a single one left a comment.
Can you- when you have time- publish a post on how to garner more comments per posts.
Alex,
I’ve finished my post, so please visit!
It’s an honor to participate in this project.
Here is a link to my Happiness Project post:
createabalance.com/the-happiness-project
Alex,
I just posted my Happiness Project answers to my Better Organized blog. Thanks for this exercise in positive thinking. I’m hoping my readers will see how focusing on happiness leads to better outcomes!
http://betterorganized.blogspot.com/
Thanks Suellen. Added you to the list =)
I’ve just discovered your blog by reading Chip’s butterflymedia.ro. I love the idea of the project, I’ve stumbled it, and also subscribed to your feed. I’m very interested in what you write about, so I’ll make sure and check back often.
Tonight I will write my entry, answering the questions, linking back to the article and adding the banner.
I will send you the link when I do
Thanks!
Interesting and tough questions to answer! It took me a week of pondering. I’m sure I could continue to edit, which probably wouldn’t be a bad idea.
I also stumbled the project and subscribed. Keep up the good work
http://jungleswife.blogspot.com/2008/03/happiness-project.html
Awesome- that’s what I like to hear!
Love your blog and here’s my post about the Project:
http://megavegalicious.com/2008/03/19/the-happiness-project/
I have a category called “Blogger Love” , where I wrote about the Project, and I’m also trying to spread some appreciation and nice thoughts towards fellow bloggers.
Hello,
I have just published my post about this amazing project at my blog. It is a pleasure to take a part in such positive idea.
Have a great time.
Thanks for participating Kacper, I added you to the list.
Hi Alex…
Great idea! And a wonderful project I’m delighted to be part of!
I’ve posted the questions and my responses on my blog… which can be found at:
http://aspirationsplus.typepad.com/uydayg/2008/03/happiness-proje.html
Many thanks for this opportunity to be involved.
Jeanne
Great, thank you for participating, I’ve added you to the list.
Hi Alex,
I have posted your project on my website. I thought it was a great reminder for me and motivated me to keep working towards my goal. Keep your eye on the prize, as the saying goes.
Thanks for the opportunity.
Mark
I have added you to the list!
Alex,
I have completed my happiness project contribution. Please add me.
http://changeyourtree.com/blog/2008/03/24/my-contribution-to-alex-shalmans-group-writing-project-on-happiness/
Got you!
Hi Alex, nice project. I wrote a post about it in my blog. It’s written in spanish, i hope i can participate anyway.
My blog, here.
Hi Alex,
Thanks for the opportunity to participate in this fun project! I have posted my responses at:
http://www.back-exercise-and-pain-relief.com/Overcoming-Back-Pain-blog.html
and
http://hubpages.com/hub/Share-Your-Happiness
Thanks again.
Liz
I got you on hubpages but couldn’t figure out how to access single posts on your other blog.
Hello everyone,
helping others and living every day bringing something positive to this world that really means something to you (Alex, you must be a pretty happy guy:)) will keep you happy. One thing that makes me happy is raise funds, or help others raise funds for their causes. I’m working on adding a blog for my site as we speak; in the meantime, check out the fundraising how to section http://www.fundraisingip.com/articles/ if you’re planning on raising funds for anyone or a cause.
Cheers!
Hi Alex.
I have done a post on my blog about Project Happiness.
You can visit it at mikefolan.com
Mike
Thanks for the opportunity to do this. It was fun. Here is my post…. Right here
Hi Alex,
I love this project of yours and having followed it through February, have finally joined the project. It was both a fun and thoughtful time for me.
here is my post Happiness for Me is…..
http://www.abundancehighway.com/what-is-happiness/
Thanks for starting this.
Suzie
Very nice. Thank you for your contribution, I just added you!
I finally made my contribution to the Happiness Project. Here is my post: http://flimjo.com/?p=81.
-Robert
Got you, thanks!
Alex, I realized that I commented about my posting but didn’t include a link to my contribution - so here it is. http://websitespeopleread.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/03/how-do-you-defi.html
Thanks again for organizing such a wonderful project.
Deborah
Got it Deb!
Alex - thank you for this opportunity to share in putting happiness out into the world. I’ve answered your questions in my latest post Alex Shalman’s Happiness: Group Writing Project and linked back to your site.
Blogger didn’t like the html for the icon you provided so I added another link back to your site for directions on what to do to participate.
How do you define happiness?
I think happiness means living a life without evil things.we work together and trust each other and try our best to make tomorrow better ,instead of benefiting ourselves by sacrificing others’ .
I think happiness also needs a special someone in your life who you love most and who love you most ,besides your parents .
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your happiness now, versus when you were a child?
maybe 3 ,I feel I’v lost too much versus my childhood .I’m suffered now .
What do you do on a daily basis that brings you happiness? (and how consistent is the feeling of happiness throughout your day)
I felt happy when I concentrated on my work and had my homework done that had been planned in time and so do my physical exercise in the evening .In a word ,I felt happy ,as for now ,just when I got my planned things done for that day .Occassionally I also dreamt of an expected pretty girl entering my life .
What things take away from your happiness? What can be done to lessen their impact or remove them from your life?
Being unable to forget my painful and shameful past .I’m trying to be a good guy now ,but the reality does not allow me to .Filthy things and people still exist everywhere ,filling every corners.Sometimes I want to tell them they’re wrong and they should learn to be a good student ,but when I thought of my past ,I lost courage .Beacuse I’m not better enough ,I haven’t done enough good and useful things .I’m still penancing .Perhaps to lessen their psychological hurt on me ,I should try to tolerant their bad behavior ,and find their good sides .So it does with the society .Honestly ,I’m still ambivalent now .I don’t know how to handle this society ,it make me sick .
I wish you could give me some suggestions ,Alex ! Thank you !!
What do you plan on doing in the future that will bring you even more happiness ?
Working hard to be an advanced technologist ,making enough money to travel around the world with my love .
Hi Alex!
I am so happy for the chance to participate in this great idea of yours and to keep its momentum moving forward.
I have just finished my article, which posts tomorrow:
Happiness Project: What Lights You Up?
Thanks for your wonderfully inspiring ideas, you are a rare gift!
Blessings,
Vera Nadine
veranadine.com
Aww you’re so sweet Vera. =)
Can’t wait to take a look at your entry.