Comments on: Finding Happiness at Fifty

By: Jeff Dustin

Jeff Dustin — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 14:33:04 +0000

Doug, feliz cumpleanos a ti

By: Senia

Senia — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 04:01:51 +0000

Doug!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

By: Christine Duvivier

Christine Duvivier — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 14:26:55 +0000

Dear Doug,

Welcome to the club– I turned 50 a few weeks ago and it feels great! I agree with your notes on George Vaillant’s wisdom. I also agree with your professor re: consulting (although I started a little younger than he suggested). It’s wonderful to be at a point in life where you feel you have as much ahead of you as behind you — and the focus on giving back is exciting.

Happy Birthday!
Christine

By: Doug Turner

Doug Turner — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 22:45:47 +0000

Rhea: Participating in the MAPP program gave me the opportunity to meet and talk to Dr. Vaillant several times - most recently last October at our MAPP reunion / reception in Washington, DC. “Aging Well” was the first book I read as part of the MAPP reading assignments - I was hooked. In addition to being a interesting person, he is a wise Positive Psychologist. All the best, Doug

By: Doug Turner

Doug Turner — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 22:41:28 +0000

Senia: Thanks for your kind comments and thanks for providing such a wonderful forum for all of us. You do a fantastic job making us all look good. All the best, Doug

By: Rhea

Rhea — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 22:19:45 +0000

When I was in my 30s and worked at Harvard, I interviewed Dr. Vaillant. I still remember some of his findings about resiliency in people and late-in-life happiness. I am now 48. Thank you for reminding me about his work.

By: Senia

Senia — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 20:26:34 +0000

Doug,

When I read your articles, they strike me as so real. So absolutely authentic.

It’s interesting that only now are leadership books coming out with the idea that the character of the leader is what sets the stage for the character of the company.

In particular, a few phrases from your past few articles that are just as real as bread and butter on a Sunday morning:

* “At this stage of my life, I think I have enough “stuff.” I think I have enough “titles.” I think I have enough certificates and plaques on my walls. What I really want to do is to give something back, to clear the path for those who may follow, and to create something meaningful.” From today’s article.

* “I noticed that by beginning each meeting with the positive the tone of the rest of the meeting changed completely. Instead of feeling like we were digging out of a hole, we felt like we were on top of a mountain surveying a beautiful landscape. Of course we still discussed the struggles and the challenges, but this discussion came from a much more optimistic and hopeful context and the ideas flowed freely.” From Flourishing with the Positive.

* “Here’s what I learned: responding well is a choice. When faced with the reality of what life throws your way, you have a choice to make. It seems to me that this initial choice is pivotal and sets the direction of all that follows.” From Responding Well.

* “Moving from pessimism to optimism begins by listening to what you say to yourself in good times and in bad. You are your own most trusted advisor. What is your most trusted advisor telling you?” From Learning Optimism.

Maybe that’s something I read in what you’re writing: you listen to yourself as the most trusted advisor. And you’re responsive to that inner person. I’m not at all surprised that you are enjoying thinking about Generativity.

HAPPY 50TH!
S.