What really makes us happy? We are conditioned to believe that it is money. But Fromm says it is our ability to make use of our innate human powers. And, how self-compassion can help us get out of obsessive thought patterns.
I love this episode!! It resonates so much with me as a recently retired person. For 30 years I owned and operated a successful business that I loved and was good at. I was actively involved and every day was an opportunity to create something. I have no regrets about selling it to the right person at the right time. The challenge as a retired person is to find meaningful activities where I can use my abilities to create something because Fromm is right when he said (as you read it) “ real joy comes from activity that involves utilization and cultivation of human powers”. Retirees struggle with this and often end up on the couch either on social media or watching TV passively watching other people live life. After long careers of daily productivity, suddenly they find themselves no longer creating and actively living. Often they turn to shopping as a way to “do something” and often hurt themselves financially for a few moments of joy at the point of purchase. I’ve witnessed this first hand with a close friend recently. Soon she spiraled into depression. So what you are saying in this episode, Lacey, is very relevant at all stages of adulthood especially retirement. Thank you!
Thank you Bonnie! Love your comment and appreciate hearing that you liked it. Yes its true, being sincerely engaged in something we care about is the gauge of how connected in life we really feel. I love this theme from Fromm, too!
This was a fantastic episode. Finger on the pulse, as they say. Thank you, Lacey!
Thank you, Jeremiah! Really appreciate hearing your feedback! 🙏🏼
I love this episode!! It resonates so much with me as a recently retired person. For 30 years I owned and operated a successful business that I loved and was good at. I was actively involved and every day was an opportunity to create something. I have no regrets about selling it to the right person at the right time. The challenge as a retired person is to find meaningful activities where I can use my abilities to create something because Fromm is right when he said (as you read it) “ real joy comes from activity that involves utilization and cultivation of human powers”. Retirees struggle with this and often end up on the couch either on social media or watching TV passively watching other people live life. After long careers of daily productivity, suddenly they find themselves no longer creating and actively living. Often they turn to shopping as a way to “do something” and often hurt themselves financially for a few moments of joy at the point of purchase. I’ve witnessed this first hand with a close friend recently. Soon she spiraled into depression. So what you are saying in this episode, Lacey, is very relevant at all stages of adulthood especially retirement. Thank you!
Thank you Bonnie! Love your comment and appreciate hearing that you liked it. Yes its true, being sincerely engaged in something we care about is the gauge of how connected in life we really feel. I love this theme from Fromm, too!