I came upon GNH in show I saw a few weeks ago. It was titled "Michael J Fox, Adventures of an Incurable Optimist". Yes, the same Michael J Fox from the 1980 fame. For those who don't know, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Dz about 15 years ago. He has difficulty walking, his L foot at times having a mind of it's own. He also has the ticks/tremors that are associated with this "old persons" dz. When the show first started, I felt sad and sorry for him. To be dealt such a hand at such a young age. (He is only 1 year older than I.) As the show progressed, I was like wait a minute, this guy has it together. By the end of the show I understood why such a hand was dealt him. I also understood why he titled the show by such a name. While watching the show, I was writing down quotes he said, I am like wow this guy is amazing. One scene shows him playing golf with Bill Murray (Caddyshack) and they are walking along the course and talking. I don't recall what exactly they where talking about at the time, but Michael said "If I can do everything, than I have no reason for hope." Hope, hope for joy hope for happiness, hope for a cure, just plain hope. Hope for happiness.
Michael J. Fox actually traveled to the country of Bhutan, clips where shown during the TV show of his visit there. He stated and it was noticeably visible that while being there his symptoms of Parkinson's where diminished. He had less trouble walking and his tremors where also less noticeable. Could this really be? The faces of the Bhutanese looked like they had seen their fare share of hard work. But they also showed a sort of peace and happiness. As I researched Bhutan further, I came across a speech made by Bhutan's Minister of Home and Cultural Affairs in June 2005 at a University in Nova Scotia. This paragraph seems to explain it:
"Our King was clear that happiness is the ultimate end desired, but not necessarily pursued by every Bhutanese and indeed, every human being. All else for which we labour are but means to fulfilling this wish. Yet it is ironic that human society is pervasively susceptible to confusion between this simple end and the complexity of means. "
Happiness being the ultimate end desired. Is that not what we all strive for? For everyone, happiness is measured differently. Is it a new pair of shoes, is it an exotic vacation, is it simply just having enough food to eat and a shelter over your head?
The other day I was talking with my cousin, who is trying full fill her dream so she can attain her happiness. As the conversation progressed, she mentioned that I needed to stay optimistic about the whole situation. I said yes, but you also have to be realistic. Now I consider myself one of the most optimistic people around. I have had my fair share of downs in life, and looked at each situation as "it could have been worse." I think that is optimism to it's fullest. But when does being realistic turn into being pessimistic? Or does it. Being realistic just means having a plan B if A does not work out. I would actually consider that as double optisim. When things are not within your control reality has to be part of the whole picture. You can hope that everything goes according to plan, but when it is not under your control, all you really have is hope and perhaps a prayer. I hope with all my heart that her dreams do happen and that it will be her happiness.
Hopes and dreams, we all have them. Add a little optimism, and than you have the whole package.
