Very Happy Phil

If we belief everything we see from Hollywood (And Pinewood) movies then we will all meet the partner of our dreams, win the ‘game show’ and be rescued successfully by a Secret Service agent. Life is not fair. Sometimes. Life is wonderful. Sometimes. Life is terrible. Sometimes. Every relationship, job and car chase will not have a happy ending. Whether we are reading fairy tales or love stories or watching romantic comedies or x rated videos we are influenced by what we view.

We are what we eat, watch, think, read, do and experience.

Do you think we aren’t influenced by films?
After the film ‘Top Gun’ applications for air forces shot up.
After the film ‘Babe’ sales of pig went down.
Fans of romantic comedies are more likely to believe in predestined love and believe that perfect relationships happen instantly, and don’t believe couples need to work at relationships! (Research by Dr Bjarne Holmes of Heriot Watt University)

Psychiatrist Dr Steve Peters points out that the childhood fairytales we read and learnt at an early age can have a detrimental effect. Unfortunately they can create fantasy beliefs and expectations.

Here are a few of my favourite quotes which inspire me;

"Unfortunately people tend to believe the Hollywood idea of a perfect relationship. That is just unrealistic. People feel if their relationship is not like a Hollywood film then it is not any good.”
Dr Bjarne Holmes, psychologist, Heriot Watt University

"The secret to happiness is low expectations."
-Psychologist Barry Schwartz

"Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is costly, care for it.
Life is wealth, keep it.
Life is love, enjoy it.
Life is mystery, know it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.”
- written by Mother Teresa

The higher our expectations, the higher our chance of unhappiness.

Stop comparing! Start appreciating!
Comparing ourselves to smarter, richer, sexier or happier people is one route to unhappiness!

Have a happy NO FAIRYTALES week!
Keep positive!
Phil McNally
Author & Happiness Expert

Remember,
“Films and fairytales can create fantasy beliefs and expectations in our heads and unhappiness in our lives. Beware! Don’t believe the fantasy"

– Phil McNally, Happiness Expert

PS I am excited to announce that exclusive a workshop for men and women is happening in September in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Glasgow!

Would you like to live with more passion, less fear, more love, more purpose and more self awareness?!

In a rare opportunity to experience a great personal development workshop and two gifted presenters and trainers Bennie Naude and Nicola Kurk (and me!). £45 for one day! Limited places available. Email me for more info.

PSS Read more on happiness in relationships and life, see this advice;

http://www.veryhappyphil.com/content/the-secret-happy-couples-5-hours-op...

http://www.veryhappyphil.com/content/the-secret-happiness-low-expectatio...

© Phil McNally 2009