The January 26th, 2011 "Oprah" show provided us with a terrific review. We not only had lots of laughs but we learned a few new things. Oprah opened the show with an interview of comedic actress, film director, and producer Goldie Hawn. Goldie will be 66 years of age this year. She has partnered with Kurt Russell for the past 28 years. She is the mother of actress Kate Hudson and grandmother of 3. Goldie was raised in a Presbyterian/Jewish household and calls herself a Jewish-Buddhist. She is founder of the "Hawn Foundation" which teaches "Meditation Techniques" to 4th through 7th Graders.
As part of the show, we visited the "Happiest Town in America". It is not Franklin and it is not in Massachusetts! It is San Lois Obispo, California - A really cool place!
Here's the "Happiness Quiz" with responses following the questions:
1. Do you consider yourself "Happy"? Yes or No
2. Do you think "Happiness" is Genetic? Yes or No
3. Do you make time in your day for "Complete Silence"? Yes or No
4. How often do you have sex? Every Day or Once a Week or Once a Month or I can't remember the last time.
5. Does having children make people happier? Yes or No
6 How well do you know your neighbors? I know all my neighbors or I know some of my neighbors or I don't know any neighbors?
7. Which is the "Happiest Job" in America? Travel Agent or Clergy or Special Education Teacher or Firefighter
8. If you had more money, would you be happier? Yes or No or Makes no difference
Responses to the "Happiness Quiz":
1. Studio Audience Yes: 93% ; No: 7%
According to a recent Gallup Poll of Americans: 57% Happy; 40% Trying to be happy; 3% Are suffering
2. Studio Audience: Yes: 32%; No 68%
See Happiness Part II for a more complete answer including the "Happiness Set Point" but up to 50% of "Happiness" is Genetic.
3. Studio Audience: Yes: 29%; No 71%
A Harvard University study showed that sitting for as little as 10 minutes a day increases "Happiness".
4. Studio Audience: Every Day: 2%; Once a week: 50%; Once a month: 20%; Can't remember last time: 27%
This question and the responses produced a whole lot of giggling as well as some howls of laughter from both the studio audience and our discussion group. Everybody wanted the 2% people to identify themselves but they remained anonymous. The point of this question relates to the production of the hormone "Oxytocin". Our discussion group was first introduced to this hormone in our study of our relationships with "Dogs". Please see our "Dog" Post for a more complete discussion.
5. Studio Audience: Yes: 72%; No 28%
The response to this question is quite complex. It was briefly mentioned in our Part I film documentary and touched on in our Post. Generally, it is tough being a parent and expensive (average $250,000+ per child). In addition, many are unprepared and surprised by all that it takes to be a parent. On the other hand, there are lots of rewards and joys. Research studies have shown that parents are happiest when their children turn 18 years of age and it keeps improving from there. It's no surprise that grandparents are the happiest. Parenting, no surprise again, is hardest on women (equivalent to a second job) and especially difficult for working women. It was mentioned that having children to improve a troubled relationship usually results in an even more troubled relationship.
6. Studio Audience: All: 26%; Some: 65%; None: 9%
In general, the more neighbors you know the happier and safer you'll feel. Research studies have found that having a happy neighbor increases your "Happiness" by 34%.
7. Studio Audience: Travel Agent: 27%; Clergy 7%; Special Ed. Teacher: 54%; Firefighter: 12%
The answer is they ALL are the happiest jobs in America. Studies show that these jobs offer a great deal of "Social Interaction". It is believed this is the reason why they are among the happiest jobs. Related to this question is commuting time and where one lives. Research has found that commuting 1 hour or more each way subtracts significantly from "Happiness". Indeed, a 1 hour commute can only be offset by an approximate increase of $40,000 in annual salary. The single most important contributive factor for "Happiness" is where one lives.
8. Studio Audience: Yes: 68%; No:15%; Makes no difference: 17%
On average in the USA, "Happiness" max's out at about $75,000 for a family of four. Massachusetts, of course, has the third highest cost of living in the nation so our figure would be higher. Our discussion group felt $100,000 is a better number for our area. At this number and higher, experiences now become the determining "Happiness" factor and not more money. See the Part I "Happiness" Post for a more complete discussion of money and "Happiness". Another interesting point - Joining a club that makes you show up at least once a month has the same "Happiness" impact as doubling ones income. The reason: Social Connections.
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