In Eric Weiner's book, The Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World, he points out that our society has many more words to describe "unpleasant emotional states than pleasant ones." He coined the term "conjoyment" to describe Swiss happiness, which is "more than contentment but less than full on joy." Think of it as a solid state of happiness where there are no peaks, like the majestic Matterhorn, or valleys, like Centovalli.
The real question is, why are there more words to describe unhappy states of being than happy states of being? Is that because we need to talk about our problems to feel better? Is it because we like to hear about other people's problem because it makes us feel better? Or could it be we just have not spent enough time focusing on the growth of happiness?
Let's change, or as I like to say shuck, our vocabulary! Together we can create more words to describe the different states of love and happiness we experience to show how important peace and joy is in our lives. For example, to open up and look at the beauty within by releasing old patterns, stories, or judgments is called shucking. I also think Starbucks could hand out Happy Boosts on the side of the caffeine which would simply be a quote or photo to make one smile.
Here are some other ideas...
Unconditional love is the only phrase I know how to describe the love I feel for my niece and nephew. When I say the phrase though it does not quite capture the deep fire and warmth that emanates from my every fiber for my love for them. I propose we call this firlove.
I may not bring out Kleenex at a wedding to wipe away tears of joy. There is a fountain of tears when I watch someone doing something nice for someone else though. I propose we call this fountainous.
Do you remember when it actually became more enjoyable to give gifts than receive them? I feel such a sense of delight and satisfaction when I know I have created just the perfect gift for someone I love. The action you perform for someone else makes you happy. I propose we call this actioness.
The pure delight derived from observing others do something that makes them happy such as opening that special gift you felt actioness giving. I propose we call this obserlove.
What about that friend you have grown to love over 10, 20, or even 50 years of life events? A deep-rooted love that has grown while time has elapsed. I propose we call this elaption.
To make this work I need your help! Please share your ideas to grow our vocabulary to reflect how important happiness and love is in our lives!
Jessica Zemple
www.lifeshucker.com
twitter: @lifeshucker