The Definition of Happiness – Andy Kirchner

The Definition of Happiness – Andy Kirchner

What if life knocks you down? Andy Kirchner knows like no one else. On the 19th of may 2012 his life changed drastically. Andy and his girlfriend had a scuba diving accident at Marie Pompoen, Curaçao. His girlfriend died not long after the accident because of a pulmonary embolism and Andy was stricken with the caisson disease and a spinal injury which paralyzed his lower body. According to the doctors, Andy would have to accept the fact that he would never walk again. "If i want to get out of this bed, I have…lees verder →
The Definition of Happiness – “Just do good”

The Definition of Happiness – “Just do good”

Sometimes you meet people who instantly make you feel happy and loved. Well... Titiana Rach is one of them. For 'The Definition of Happiness' we had the chance to talk to this warmhearted lady. Titiana works as a pedagogical worker in the St. Elisabeth Hospital (Sehos) in Curaçao. She also was a Cliniclown and is the treasurer of Mucha pa Mucha, a foundation that tries to make the children's ward at the Sehos hospital even more child friendly. To Titiana happiness is living a meaningful life. What makes her most happy is helping children.…lees verder →
The Definition of Happiness – Why are there so many ‘happiness coaches’?

The Definition of Happiness – Why are there so many ‘happiness coaches’?

The science of happiness Over the past decades more and more researchers have investigated happiness. Some say that there is something like a 'happiness set-point' that determines our overall well-being: we become happier when something positive happens and unhappier when something negative happens and that after these experiences our happiness returns to the 'set-point'. Research also shows that we can reset our 'set-point' to a certain extent, meaning that we can control our own happiness. Of course our genetics and upbringing also play a role, but still: we can control our own happiness…lees verder →
The Definition of Happiness – Riding the wave of happiness

The Definition of Happiness – Riding the wave of happiness

Sailing across the world In dutch we have the saying: huisje, boompje beestje, literally: house, tree and a pet. This saying basically means leading a nice and quiet conventional family life. For some of us, leading a nice and quiet conventional family life defines happiness, but this doesn't go for everybody. The other day we met up with Gi and Lien who live on a boat. With their 42 ft catamaran called Lazuli, they sail across the world. Gi and Lien are probably the happiest people we've met so far. One big change and no financial plan Around four…lees verder →

The Definition of Happiness – spread love with random acts of kindness

Make someone else feel good by doing something small for one another

In 2013 Yolanda Wiel, who works as an art therapist, initiated an activity for children during the summer holiday. She wanted to show children that they can make someone else feel good by doing something small for one another. Together with a group of kids Yolanda made notes with a happy and inspiring message which they handed out at the parking lot of a supermarket. The kids who participated really liked the activity and were very eager to 'spread the love', within a short period of time they ran out of notes.

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The definition of happiness – observations in Curaçao

The definition of happiness – observations in Curaçao

As a dutchy, I know rain... I know how to complain about the weather like no one else, and the weather is usually the first thing to talk about when starting a conversation. It is always too hot, too cold, too windy, too much rain.... Here at the island, the weather is always good. Except for a few very short showers, the temperature is around 30 degrees Celcius, with a nice breeze and a lot of sun. (meer…)
The Definition of Happiness – a few more days before moving to Curaçao

The Definition of Happiness – a few more days before moving to Curaçao

Next week I'll move to Curaçao for a couple of months to work on 'The Definition of Happiness'. I decided to leave the house where I live and store all my furniture and other stuff. Some family members and friends reacted a bit worried about my decision to give up my house and leave. They were asking me where I would live when I return. What this has to do with happiness? Happiness is letting go I answered that I want to live in, or closer to the city when I return. The…lees verder →