What is lasting happiness, anyway?
Stories have a way of opening our minds, softening our hearts, and bringing us together. This month I continue exploring the question of what happiness is, invite you to share your own “Pursuit of Happiness” story, remind you of the upcoming opportunities to support Tell Us Something and highlight celebrating local Indigenous Pow Wows.
In last month’s newsletter I inadvertently attributed participants at the Pow Wow in Arlee to be Blackfeet. An alert reader notified me of my misstatement. (Thank you!) The Pow Wow in Arlee, MT is by and for our Confederated Salish, Kootenai, and Pondereilles friends (and the general public!). I was in a rush and made a mistake. I regret the error.
Reading time: about 4 minutes
Here’s a song that can be the soundtrack to this month’s newsletter.
So, back to the question — What is Happiness, Exactly?
I haven’t made much progress since last month on the question of happiness. What is it, exactly? Do you know?
Psychology today claims that there are two types of happiness: Hedonic happiness (all the pleasures of the senses) and Eudaimonic happiness (the pleasure you get from helping others, meaning, and purpose.)
I guess I’m hung up on “what is happiness” because, if we don’t know what it is, hope can we pursue it? I’m talking about lasting happiness.
I’m hoping our storytellers next month are going to help us as a collective figure it out. We’ve already got some good story pitches for the September 23rd “Pursuit of Happiness” Tell Us Something live storytelling event. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
What’s your take?
Call for storytellers
You should really pitch your “Pursuit of Happiness” story. Don’t take my word for it, listen to a past Tell Us Something storyteller: “Every step in the storytelling process, from workshop to stage, was infused with care and respect. Expert advice helped me craft my story, and being part of the storytelling group was a blast. The process gave me confidence onstage that I didn’t think was possible, and the safe loving vibes extended to the whole audience. True stories grow a connection in a community. Our stories reveal the mutual journey that has us all arrive at this place and time.”
–Tell Us Something storyteller
What are you waiting for? Call the pitch line. Share your story.
How to Pitch
It’s simple! Give us a call at 406-203-4683 and leave a recorded version of your story. We need to hear the beginning, middle, and end. No cliffhangers. You have three minutes to pitch.
For our Deaf friends: You can pitch your story by emailing the beginning, middle, and end of your story to info@tellussomething.org.
PITCH DEADLINE: August 28, 2026
Learn more here: https://www.tellussomething.org/tell-a-story
Get Your Tickets to “Pursuit of Happiness”
Tell Us Something “…is such a gift to Missoula. Every story shared builds a bridge between us. We get a glimpse into lives, challenges, adventures, and perspectives we might never have encountered. Stories have a way of opening our minds and softening our hearts — because once you hear someone’s story, they are no longer a stranger.”
–Tell Us Something storyteller
Come get happy with us at The Dennison on September 23rd for “Pursuit of Happiness” stories. Tickets are on sale now! Get yours today! https://www.tellussomething.org/shop/pursuit-of-happiness
Let’s Go Paddleheads!
Last month I mentioned that I’m generally not one for organized sports. And there is a reason for it. I grew up in Cleveland, and I got tired of having my heart broken. It was The Drive that finally had me throw up my hands and walk away from organized sports. At least as a sports fan. I was 16.
And before that, I had played organized sports. I really enjoyed that. Especially baseball.
There’s something about the dull chatter of the crowd rising to a fevered pitch (pun intended) when “their” team knocks one out of the park. The crack of the bat, the call of the barkers (“Beer here! Ice cold beer here!”). I remember watching gamers at the old Cleveland Municipal Stadium, where I saw my first concert (Pink Floyd!), and where I learned to keep score on the scorecard from my very patient father.
Anyway, I digress. (Are you surprised?).
Let’s go have a stadium hot dog, crack a cold one and enjoy The Paddleheads as they take on the Great Falls Voyagers on September 1st.
The Paddleheads are donating 100% of all tickets sold through this special link to Tell Us Something.
Thank you Paddleheads! And we’ll see you at Ogren Park at Allegiance Field on September 1st!
We are grateful to the Montana 250th Commission for their support in helping make the September “Pursuit of Happiness” live storytelling event possible!
Volunteer! Get free tickets to the event!
We’d love for you to join us on some of the behind the scenes magic that it takes to produce a Tell Us Something event. There are many different ways for you to pitch in. Please consider helping out! In return, you get a free ticket to the event! Sign up to volunteer here.
Indigenous Spotlight
Did you enjoy Indigipalooza 2026? The two events I was able to attend I enjoyed immensely. From the joyous rock & roll of Chris LaTray’s band American Falcon (I think of them as KISS meets Black Sabbath. If you ever get a chance to see them, go check them out.), to the angry, joyous, community vibe of Dead Pioneers, I left Monks that Friday hot, sweaty and glad that the resistance is strong. Then, Saturday night at The Wilma, I left feeling inspired after listening to Robin Wall Kimmerer (Plant Baby Plant!).
There are a couple of opportunities to learn and witness this month coming to us in the form of Pow Wows.
The first is the Heart Butte Celebration this weekend, August 08, 2025 – August 10, 2025 | Heart Butte, Montana. Heart Butte is near the Continental Divide and Glacier National Park. It is also on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation 26 miles south of Browning. Learn more here.
The second is the 15th Annual Little Shell Elders and Veterans Pow Wow August 22-23. Full info on the poster below.
Be safe out there. And stay hydrated!
