Low-hanging fruit (2026 version)

Why am I unhappy? Obscure forces? Deep trauma?

Or might the answer be simpler?

To be happy, I have to meet conditions.

Here are my 48 conditions. If I meet these, I am happy. If I do not, I am not.

PHYSICAL

  • Regulated and sufficient sleep
  • Regulated and healthy diet
  • Daily quiet time
  • No compulsive usage of devices
  • No nicotine
  • No abuse of sugar, caffeine
  • Daily vigorous exercise
  • Physical relaxation & mobility (yoga, stretching)
  • All physiological problems addressed

PRACTICAL

  • Maintain orderly living conditions
  • Have an orderly schedule
  • Address all practical problems
  • Record all spending: control finances
  • Be (working towards being) fully self-supporting
  • Work, study, volunteer, or care for one-third of my time
  • Have interesting pursuits
  • Spend time in nature
  • Do creative things

SOCIAL

  • Have confidants and advisors
  • Have peers
  • Be a confidant and advisor
  • Eat meals with others
  • Narrate my day to pals
  • Hang out with interesting people

SPIRITUAL

  • Identify as spirit in a body
  • Identify as servant of God
  • Serve God
  • Trust God has a plan
  • Permit no worry, ever
  • Accept God’s universe cheerfully
  • Eschew group identity: be a human
  • Pray and meditate
  • Clear all grievance (page 67)
  • Clear all secrets (pages 72–75)
  • Clear all unmade amends (pages 76–84)

MORAL

  • Detach from personal ambition
  • Detach from self-concern
  • Stop harmful action
  • Stop harmful words
  • Give to or work for a charity
  • Fulfil obligations in AA
  • Fulfil obligations outside AA

PHILOSOPHICAL

  • Have a philosophy of life that promotes peace and purpose

RELIGION

  • If an adherent: adhere

MENTAL

  • Monitor and control the contents of my thought
  • Eliminate junk-thinking
  • Permit no dwelling grievance, fear, etc.
  • Read and learn

Once those are sorted, see what’s left.

[Here is an earlier version.]