by Alison Harding I recently watched a group of young people aged between four and 14 years singing Christmas carols for the residents of Kiwanis Manor, Evergreen Extended Care Unit and Olive Devaud Residence. These young people were learning the art of kindness. They had spent four sessions practicing their choir pieces and making cards so that each resident would receive a card and a smile.
In a society that encourages the pursuit of wealth and power instead of (or in the guise of) happiness, we have lost sight of what makes people content.
The biggest reason for much unhappiness and worry in our society is debt. Financial institutions allow us to borrow money, sometimes at outrageous interest rates and to assume debt that we cannot pay back. Advertising encourages consumerism and the possession of material goods by equating success with the amount of money we can earn and spend.
Schools pride themselves on academic success using studies that show that the higher up the academic ladder we are, the greater wealth we have, not the greater happiness. Introducing trades and technical programmes to “at risk” students, undermines their value and the dedication and perseverance needed to be successful in these courses. Surely programmes that teach necessary academics and practices for jobs desperately needed in Canada should be highly valued and encouraged for all students.
Our society needs masters and mentors for apprentices to learn skills for satisfying jobs and careers. A satisfying job is the key to a happier person.
As adults in our society we need to model and encourage good manners, generosity, empathy and kindness to our young people. A society filled with music, dance, fine arts, team sports and friendships should produce more happiness than a society filled with people desperately pursuing wealth.
I am sure that most people would choose family, friends and laughter over being alone in a luxury penthouse counting investments. Yes, we can have both, but we can still be happy without wealth.
Be kind, model kindness, generosity and a love of learning to our young people and our society should be a happier place in which to live.
Alison Harding leads a busy life full of challenges and surprises. She has some debt (nobody’s perfect).
