Survey Reveals Recession-Proof Sources of Joy

Vancouver, WA, March 16, 2009 --(PR.com)-- In a time when fear and depression seem to be in a more plentiful supply than they have in years, a survey of visitors to ISpyJoy.com reveals the recession-proof sources of joy. Topping the list for what brings people joy are family, friends and pets. The best ways to spread joy to others? Offering a smile, being kind and listening.

“These results remind us—and now is a good time to be reminded—that the greatest sources of joy come from being in the moment with our loved ones,” said Michele McKeag Larsen, creator of ISpyJoy.com and the survey, 3 Questions About Joy. “And it’s also timely to note that, while ideally we should enjoy what we do for a living, our core happiness is much less dependant on our jobs than it is on being in nature, a walk through your city or reading a good book.” This is good news in a time when unemployment rates are spiking. The survey, 3 Questions About Joy, asked respondents to 1) rank 23 items according to their ability to bring happiness; then 2) list five items that bring them joy and finally, 3) list three ways they could spread joy to others.

In an open question asking for five things that bring joy, answers ranged from rainbows to music to God. The overwhelming leader was family, with 65% of respondents including family in their answer. Following family, 40% of respondents listed friends; 37% listed their pets; and 24% listed laughter.

When asked for three things they could do that would bring joy to others, respondents suggested a similarly wide variety of answers ranging from saying I love you to giving flowers to hugging. Topping the list, with 52% of respondents including this in their answer, was offering a smile. After that, 34% listed being kind, 25% listed listening, and 18% listed giving a genuine compliment.

When provided with a list of 23 items and asked to rank them on their ability to bring a smile, respondents ranked the items in this order:

1. A hug from your child(ren)
2. Time with your spouse/significant other
3. Getting love from your pet
.....
21. Time in the gym
22. Your job
23. Time shopping

…for the full list, visit www.ispyjoy.com …

About ISpyJoy.com
In late August 2008 www.ispyjoy.com was established to create a collection of joyous images in hopes of spreading joy by making it a focus in our lives. In just under six months nearly 27,000 people have visited ISpyJoy.com and there images of joy from 8 countries, 6 US states and 39 cities. The goal is to offer people images of joy from every country (and eventually every city) in the world. Proving that joy really does live everywhere. All we have to do is look for it.

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