Happiness is the secret!

Happiness is the secret to so many things in life.  We need to be happy in our daily lives, not just while celebrating special occasions or events in our lives.  Christians, especially, need to realize how much we are blessed daily.  We need only look around us to discover beauty in others or in nature.  Not having the money to repair my car, I once had to walk 3 1/2 miles down a lonely dark road to work and back.  When I felt particularly miserable, I would ask God to tell me what to do to make it through.  The answer was simple...turn around and look at the mountains or the gorgeous sunset.  I would sometimes hold my breath, in awe of such a magnificent view and be immediately reenergized and grateful for my fortune.

Manohar Aich (see Mr. Universe Turns 100) credits his healthy lifestyle to his longevity and continued good health.  He does not drink or smoke and eats milk, fruits, vegetables, rice, lentils, and fish.  He told the Associated Press that "...he minimizes stress and focuses on happiness".  Happy 100th birthday, Mr. Aich, and thanks for the wonderful advice.  I had a 100-year-old female client who drank sun tea, read her bible, and always found something to enjoy.  She used to tell me, "I've never been this old!" and then chuckle.

Think about how you feel when you really let loose and laugh with childlike abandonment.  Take your cue from a young child and don't care about what anyone else thinks.  A little one can find joy and wonder in everything.  They don't worry about what anyone else thinks.  A child will giggle hilariously at his/her own jokes even when the person he/she told it to doesn't think it's funny.  Their laughter is contagious and soon everyone around them is smiling.  Abandon your inhibitions and find something to make you laugh out loud!  I guarantee you'll feel better, no matter what is bothering you.