How happy are you in life?
I’ve shared things I read in Southwest Air’s Spirit Magazine before and recently I saw “The I Exam”. First listed in Pyschology Today, it’s a questionnaire designed to help determine how happy we are in life. While I am not sure we can measure true happiness in an 8 question survey, I thought this was interesting and worth sharing to fuel thoughts and discussion.
Here is the I Exam:
Consider your life over the last four (4) weeks, rating each statement below on the following point scale of which statement most indicates how you felt.
1 – Very much unlike me
2 – Not like me
3 – Somewhat like me
4 – Like me
5 – Very much like me
Pleasure
I had more good days than bad days. __________
I enjoyed some part of life every day. ___________
Involvment and Engagement
I was so involved with what I did at work or school that time seemed to stand still. ___________
I took time to pursue hobbies and leisure activities. _________
Good Relationships
I felt loved. ____________
I mattered to other people. ____________
Meaning
I felt connected to something larger than myself. __________
What I did made a difference in the world. _________
Scoring:
If you scored at least 25, you are usually a happy person.
If you scored at least 30, you are usually a very happy person.
If you scored above 35, wow!
If you scored below 25, maybe the next four weeks will prove to be better for you.
Again, this is just for fun, it’s not scientific, and not a real indicator of whether or not you are happy in life. I do believe, however, that this addresses some of the issues which make a person sense they are happy.
I have learned over the years that happiness for me is attained when I surround myself with people I love, find meaningful things to do with my time, and choose an attitude of thankfulness for all God has given me, instead of considering all the things I don’t have or wish I had.
I’m curious, how did you score? How do you measure happiness? Do you think happiness is something we create for ourselves or something that depends on the way life is working or not working for us at the time?
As followers of God, we are commanded to be joyful always…do you think that’s the same as being happy?
Share your thoughts.
This test is good because it really tells you if your happy or sad in your life. I would really, extremely recomend this test to other people. This is the best test I have ever taken. I loved it. I congratulate the person that made this test.
I feel happy and joyful are the same.
We can all find something to be joyful about if we try.
Those who are unhappy simply don't wish to be happy.
It is simply a choice we make on a daily/momentary basis.
Live Life Happy!
Thanks for sharing Jacqueline. I do believe there are many choices we make with the emotions we experience.
Thanks Jacqueline. I do think there are many choices we make in the emotions we experience. I wonder though if we can be joyful always (as the Bible says) without being "happy" about a situation…such as grief. Make sense? Overall, however, I think we have many opportunities to choose to see life from the blessed perspective over the woe perspective.
Twitter: joe_sewell
says:
My score was 27.
Happiness is fleeting. It's dependent on circumstances and many other things outside of our control. God doesn't call us to be happy. He calls us to be joyful.
Yes, there's a difference. Joy is fulfilled in the hope of getting out of the mess that is this cursed world and into a place where we may very well be able to be happy for eternity.
Thanks Joe. Good explanation of joy.
I agree. I think there is a huge difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is an emotion, and as a result it has the "roller coaster effect." It comes and goes. Joy is more of a decision. It is a choice.
I don't believe happiness = joy. That's a good thing, as I scored a 14. Haven't full much joy lately, either, though. The only ones that are pretty constant in my life: I never feel loved, and I never feel like I matter. Well, maybe a 2 on the "I matter" part, rarely.
Thanks for sharing. I wonder if you are full of joy…in the person of Jesus Christ, but not able to realize the joy you have in Christ. Make sense?
I think it probably makes sense. All I can see are the things I do wrong. I certainly don't live in any kind of freedom. I'm glad to be saved, but I haven't figured out what I'm saved for.
Interesting. I especially thought the question about feeling "connected to something larger" than myself was telling. I scored 34. Not bad if you think being happy is the goal of life. If happiness is the measure of a good life, that is (which I obviously don't believe).
Good thoughts. I agree. I don't believe happiness is necessarily an indication of a good life….especially if defined opposite of joy, as other commenters indicate. There are many things that do not make me "happy", but I've got a good, blessed life.