What positive emotion do you feel most often?

The positive emotion I feel most is contentment. I have a loving wife, two brilliant children, a lovely son-in-law, and a gorgeous granddaughter. I’m lucky enough to live in a fantastic home, and drive a great car. I am very grateful to be in this position. They say you make your own luck in life, which I believe is true up to a point. I was born into a poor working class family, and I’ve endured considerable poverty in my life, but I worked my way out of it. Through careful investment, living within our means, and not having expensive tastes, my wife and I have been able to retire a few years early. People I know who have earned more than me are not faring as well. Thankfully, I’m now able to spend my time doing things I love such as my art, writing, and gardening. Again, I count my blessings, but my wife and I would rather have a simple retired lifestyle than work longer for something more extravagant later. While I’ve worked very long, hard hours over the years and overcome adversity, I think being in a stable relationship, getting a good education, and making the most of the chances that have come my way have led me to where I am today. I hope wherever you are in the world, that you find a similar contentment and happiness when you get older. I do think that living simply, working hard and loving well are key to a happy life.

Paul Carney Avatar

Published by

4 responses to “Happy with my lot”

  1. Family Adventure Blogging Avatar

    I hope I can be happy about having a ‘son-in-law’ one day. Right now I estimate things won’t go smoothly with future boys and my daughters.

    1. Paul Carney Avatar

      Oh no! I hope it all goes well for you

  2. patc44 Avatar

    Such great words, and so true. If you live an extravagant life – you can’t just stop in retirement..if you can even retire…

    1. Paul Carney Avatar

      Yeah agree Pat. Some of my family won’t retire because they want their expensive holidays! Each to their own, but that’s not me

It would be great to hear your thoughts about this