Schlagwort: happiness

The Power of Small Things: Reflections on Wilhelm Busch’s Quote

The quote for this article comes from Wilhelm Busch:

“Happiness often arises from paying attention to small things; unhappiness often results from neglecting small things.”

This quote is particularly supportive for me, especially during times when I feel emotionally low. It reminds me of Baron Münchhausen, who famously pulled himself out of a swamp by his own hair. In moments of despair, focusing on the small things that we often overlook can help lift us from the depths of negative emotional spirals.

Regardless of the misfortunes we face, if we concentrate on these small details and recognize their beauty and fascination, our worries suddenly seem much smaller, allowing us to find happiness even amidst unhappiness. This does not mean that negative feelings should be „magically“ erased or suppressed. On the contrary, every feeling has its place, and categorizing emotions as merely negative or positive can be misleading. Emotions signal something important and should always be taken seriously, as they help us identify issues and initiate changes both externally and internally. In fact, “negative” feelings can be powerful motivators for action.

I refer specifically to negative thought spirals that can drag a person down, much like quicksand, until they feel as though they are drowning in these emotions. By shifting our focus to the small things that we usually overlook, those overwhelming thoughts begin to quiet. We can catch our breath and devise an „exit strategy,“ allowing us to reconsider the situation from a different perspective. In doing so, we can regain our inner peace and, consequently, our happiness. This shift in mindset also alters our energy, positively affecting those around us. Suddenly, doors that were once closed begin to open.

For me, a walk in nature is the best way to discover these small wonders. I notice the first green leaves unfurling despite adverse weather, a butterfly gracefully crossing my path, or a daisy pushing its way through hard asphalt. I am also touched by the carefree laughter of a small child or a kind word from a person.

In conclusion, paying attention to these small moments can transform our perspective, helping us navigate through life’s challenges while rediscovering happiness in the process

What we think matters

Last week’s quote was from Andrew Carnegie. He said: „Remember, happiness does not depend on what you are or what you have, it depends on what you think.“

Andrew Carnegie was one of the richest people of his time. He certainly had few money worries and was able to occupy himself with other matters than meeting his basic needs. He was certainly respected and socialised with the most influential people of his time. He himself emigrated to the USA with his family as a child, as his father, a weaver in Scotland, had less and less to do due to industrialisation.

Carnegie got to know all kinds of personalities in his life, from ordinary people to aristocrats and high-ranking personalities. This enabled him to compare the different cultures and milieus. That’s why I find this quote so fantastic. He learnt the intrinsic value, in my interpretation, of the people who surrounded him. This led him to the conclusion that thinking, i.e. the inner processes of being, are more important than external factors such as status, rank and hierarchies.

Carnegie recognised that the only thing that counts is the inner world of the individual. Because what we think is visible in our attitude and this in turn determines our actions.

Our thoughts lead us to attract people into our lives who think similarly, as they have a similar attitude and their actions are similar. Through our thoughts, we have the power to be who we want to be and thus attract those we want to surround ourselves with.