Tiffany B. Brown

a mish-mosh of stuff

On killing happiness

There are three happiness killers — doing work you do not love and are not passionate about, surrounding yourself with people who you do not really like (someone who just fills time), and living somewhere that does not let you be you. Just stop it. Life is far too short. Also, materialism. We know that experiences matter so much more to happiness than material goods, stop the madness. That’s why your place, community or neighborhood is so important — it is not just where you live. It is the center-piece or should I say center-place of your experiences.

Emphasis mine. That’s Richard Florida, urban theorist and author in an interview with Gretchen Rubin of The Happiness Project. Florida is best known for his book The Rise of The Creative Class. His latest book is Who’s Your City?: How the Creative Economy Is Making Where to Live the Most Important Decision of Your Life.

I’ve traveled quite a bit in the last three years. Each time I return to Atlanta, I find myself pondering themes of place, work, and happiness.

The conclusion I’ve reached? I’m not happy here.

(Via jbrotherlove → skeskali2).

  • http://twitter.com/karsh Karsh

    I feel you wholeheartedly. I think I’ve known for a few years now, but I’ve been trying to make the best out of several bad situations. I realize now that I’m not getting any younger, and the life I want and the things I want to accomplish don’t include Atlanta. The time is definitely now. Or at least nine months from now when my lease is up.

  • Cecily Walker

    It’s ultimately why I left. I think I may return someday, but getting out of Atlanta was the best decision I made in the last decade.

  • http://swirlspice.com Erica M

    I’ve finally made my peace with where I live (though I’ll always have a travel bug). It’s the job thing that’s killing me.

    I like to see my friends happy, and I love to cheer for people with the courage to make big changes, all the while not so much making those changes myself. It’s hard!