Gross Personal Happiness (life)

I have a bit of a problem with plans. All of my plans are penciled in; well, all personal plans. I have obligations to work and school which are non-negotiables. But, my own stuff is all flexible. I do not always do anything. I take life as it comes and feel like it will all work out. But, some of those things that are not fun to do (laundry, grocery shop, go the gym) are easily displaced by last minute plans with family and friends, or knitting, or a good article, or a walk.

In theory, I think I would be so happy if I had something regular in my life. How nice would it be if I knew that it was Sunday and that means I am going to go to the gym, pay my bills, and then make a big dinner. But, instead, I've decided to finish a hat, blog, and finally get to see my friend.

That second list looks much better than the first. I like the unexpected. But, I don't know if I'm always making the wise decision about how I spend my time. In fact, I may be cultivating chaos. I live in a place where doing the little things in life take highly orchestrated efforts. When I leave my apartment, I need to bring provisions for any number of scenarios which may arrive. Then, I need to have a strong mental list that is plotted out among subway lines/walkable resources. In the end, I feel frenzied and realized I forgot the most important thing and I will not be by the only place to buy good fruit again for a week and a half. I need an alternative.

In Buthan, the country takes an somewhat militant approach to happiness. They measure it, outlaw things that will diminish happiness (like plastic bags and international wrestling), and replace traffic lights with humans because it makes people feel better. I don't think I can take that level of approach. But, I feel as if I could learn something from the people of the Kingdom of Bhutan. I need to decide to make this simpler every once in a while.