Happiness Experts Give Germans Tips on How to Transform Negative Vibes into Positive Ones

Germans are often perceived by foreigners as pessimistic people. A lot of happiness experts believe that they need to be taught how to become happier because the trait does not seem to be second nature to them. In a forum entitled “What Matters to People – Wellbeing and Progress” that was held Wednesday these so-called experts in achieving happiness offered Angela Merkel, Germany’s leader, some tips on how she could transform negative Deutsch vibes into positive ones.

The forum catered to hundreds of participants from around the globe, and had speakers like the Bhutan’s Head of its Gross Happiness Commission, development experts from the UN, an entrepreneur from Kenya, a Saudi Arabian writer on women’s issues, and a former mayor of Bogota. Even though each speaker has his or her own version or take on the topic, the overall approach can all be summed up into one conclusion. They believe that true happiness cannot be measured by economic progress alone. There is something more important to make people happy and that is their wellbeing.

The path to happiness

Merkel said in her speech that people often forget the really important things in their lives. People are becoming more and more attached to their day to day routine which in turn makes them forget what they really need to prioritize.

Living in a fast-paced environment can deaden a person’s sensitivity to what actually matters. This is the same when compared to the necessities each nation requires in order to survive. What leaders mainly prioritize is the improvement of their GDP as well as ensuring the stability of their stocks in the market. According to the participants in the forum, nations focus more in achieving economic stability and growth. They neglect one important thing and that is the mental health and wellbeing of their constituents.

It always rains in Germany

One of the most common misconceptions about German people is their inability to have a good laugh. Merkel shared that she was somehow surprised when Germany hosted the 2006 World Cup realizing that a lot of foreigners thought Germans do not have a sense of humor. People also believed that Germans see everything as half empty rather than half full. In defense to this view of matters, Merkel responded to this by saying that seeing the glass half empty is another way of saying they are happy and content seeing their glass get full in the process.

Angela Merkel was also told that her Swiss, Danish and Dutch neighbors seem to have fewer worries when it comes to “being happy.” According to Richard Layard, a British economist and editor of the World Happiness Report, the main reason why majority of German people are “miserable” is due to certain mental disturbances. He also argued that only one third of those experiencing mental health problems are being treated or are able to get treatment in the country.

Holding against the flood

Europe has experienced the worst floods in the past decade. Germany is one of the nations affected by these devastating floods that took thousands of lives and damaged property, including the most recent one this month. Chancellor Merkel visited some of the worst disaster areas and promised to extend help. Merkel was very proud and happy to see the German people cooperate and exude solidarity in times of distress and crisis. This observation ought to disprove that they are a pessimistic lot as many foreigners think.

Photo Credit: Chancellor Angela Merkel