Choose Happiness

Is it just me, or have you noticed that the number of people -- adults and children -- looking, sounding, and acting happy these days appears to be on the decline?

Have you seen fewer of those toothy, genuine, bright smiles -- the kind where the eyes sparkle, the face shines and joy exudes radiantly?

Have you heard less laughter, real laughter -- the generous, uninhibited, explosive, contagious kind?

Have you seen a decline in playfulness -- exuberant, energetic, fun play -- in those around you?

Have you watched while accomplishments -- wonderful, amazing, miraculous accomplishments -- are greeted with a matter-of-fact, ho-hum, no-big-deal reaction from those who produced the miracle?

Have you seen less enthusiasm, less ambition, less optimism in those close to you?

Have you noticed how some have actually assumed an 'I-can-accept-being-unhappy-because-it's-too-hard-to-do-otherwise' posture?

I have. And I'm bummed because of it.

I know, I know. I hear you. What's to be happy about?, you ask.

The economy is difficult -- horribly difficult for many -- pressures at work abound (for those fortunate enough to be working), the winter has been oppressive, we've had way too many earthquakes and floods, much too much bad behavior from our elected officials, and seemingly no end to two wars. Everyone knows someone in pain. People are stressed. It's a hard time, a very hard time. And you talk of happiness?

Well, yes. I do.

Because here's the thing: Happiness is what life is about. Happiness doesn't just happen, but is definitely worth the fight. And, most importantly, happiness is a choice.

I say choose happiness. And find it as quickly as you can.

As a public service, here is a set of ideas that might help you begin your road back (assuming, of course, that you need to get back and have opted to do so):

• Take a walk everyday. Start slow and build to a 30-45 minute walk. Walk your neighborhood, then other neighborhoods. Parks are good, as are golf courses. Beaches are fabulous. This is a no-cost activity and no special clothing is required. You'll feel better after the first outing. Watch out, though, because it's habit-forming, but in a very good way. One rule: Say 'hello' to everyone you pass -- even if they're wearing headphones and make no eye-contact. (Someone's got to teach these people some manners and I ask you to help.)
  

• Play something, anything, daily. A musical instrument, a sport, an outdoor game, a board game. No need to play it well. Just play.

• Contact a long-lost friend. Someone you'd love to talk to, see again. The cool thing about this option is that it will brighten the day of two people.

• Find and read a good book. Enjoy trashy novels? Thrillers? Fine literature? Biographies? Short stories? Humor? Cool. It matters not. Just get ye to a library or your local independent bookseller today.

• Sing. One song a day is all we ask. Depending on your talent (you know who you are!), consider doing this alone, while you walk. But sing. Loudly. And with attitude.

• Make someone smile or, better yet, laugh. I'll leave this to your creativity and resourcefulness. But, please, do this every single day. Do not sleep until you've brought a smile or a laugh -- the louder the better -- to someone close to you.
  

These suggestions, of course, do not deal with the causes of unhappiness. (We'll solve our economic woes at another time. Watch out, Wall St.) Instead, the above ideas are tried and true, scientifically-validated methods for increasing joy and, dare we say it?, happiness. Try them. They're sure to make you -- and others around you -- feel better fast.

Because happiness is a choice and we urge you to choose it.