Work on Being Happy

“Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner of traveling.” ~~ Margaret Lee Runbeck


Now that things have slowed down a bit, I have re-discovered an old hobby – people watching. Everywhere I go, whether running errands, shopping, or dining, I find myself watching people. I am dazed and amazed at how many people project an unhappy persona. Age, creed, or national origin does not appear to matter; many people just do not appear to be happy. There are times when it is understandable. Health, personal, financial, business, or family problems can cause people to be down on themselves, life, or everyone around them. At the same time, there are individuals in worse conditions than most of us. Maybe, just maybe we can help. The wonderful thing is that you may be able to help and it may not cost you a cent. As a matter of fact you will profit. It may be as simple as a kind word, a smile, holding a door for someone. You never know.

The next time you are interacting with strangers, concentrate on presenting a positive mood. Smile, let someone go first. Once a month pay for the person behind you at the toll booth on Georgia 400 (OK, so it costs you 50 cents). Practice random acts of kindness and you will be surprised on how it makes you feel. It may be a combination of happy and just the good feeling of being alive. It may also be the first time anyone has been nice to that person in days, weeks, or longer. Happiness can be contagious.

“Happiness is inward and not outward and so it does not depend on what we have, but on what we are.” ~~ Henry Van Dyke

This is a powerful quote. You are whatever you think you are. If you think that you are happy and act as though you are happy, you will be happy. Try this experiment. The next time you are talking on the phone with someone (unless it's a serious discussion or an emergency) smile while you are talking. You will immediately notice that your tone of voice will convey a happy, positive disposition. It is very difficult to display a negative tone while smiling. Usually I can tell that it has a positive impact on the person on the other end. Think about Christopher Robin's friend Eeyore. He is always matter of fact, monotone, and depressed in his speech pattern. Even when Eeyore is in a good mood he sounds depressed, dejected and like he really wants to be left alone. “Happiness will never come to those who fail to appreciate what they already have.” ~~ Author unknown.

“The supreme happiness in life is the conviction that we are loved, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.” ~~ Victor Hugo

Sometimes you have to make a concerted effort to be happy and positive. It may not come naturally, but I can say that a positive, happy approach to life is without a doubt more enjoyable and sweeter than any of the alternatives.

“Everything can be taken from a man but the last of human freedoms, the right to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances--the right to choose one's own way.” ~~ Dr. Viktor E Frankl

There is a phenomenal video making the rounds about overcoming problems. It is on golf, but it is worth the time to watch it. http://www.thegolfchannel.com/golf-videos/meet-butch-lumpkin-9477/?ref=26000.

~~ Colin, Shareholder 


One more quote (and one of my favorites):

"Love me when I least deserve it, because that’s when I really need it." ~~ Swedish Proverb