Turn that Frown Upside-Down

Life is too damned short to go through it unhappy. Why is it that so many people prefer to be unhappy? Sure, there are more people today than in a long time just because of things going on with the economy, world peace, etc. But, this has been going on for a LONG time!


Have people forgotten all that they have? Personally, I am always very thankful for a job, a roof over my head, a car that gets me where I need to go, food on the table, friends and family who love me and so much more. What's to be unhappy about?


People choose to be bitter. People choose to be unhappy. People choose to be resentful. It's common knowledge that we all feel those things from time to time. But ALL the time? People choose to feel sorry for themselves. People choose to be sympathy seekers. People choose to be so many things - a good AND bad part of having free will.


Thing of all the things you have to be thankful for. Really, THINK about it. Heck, make a list if you want. I'll bet there is a LOT! I'll bet that list is WAY longer than the list of things that have you down. Am I right?


Some life rules that I will share with you that may help you be a happier person. If you are one who prefers to think you got the short end of the stick, there is always someone who has it worse. Find reasons to laugh. Try to find a positive side to a negative. For example, just this morning I learned that long-time Cubs' third-baseman and radio announcer Ron Santo passed away. Yes, I definitely cried. But, you know, he no longer has to deal with his diabetes and can dance around all day long on his old legs! Oh, AND he can sit and down the ice cold Budweisers with Harry Caray! That sure makes ME smile. What else... think about all the people who love you. This can be family, friends or heck, even coworkers. A lot of people might lean on you or look to you to set the example. Maybe there is someone who rides your same train to work every day. You may not even recognize this person; but, he/she sees your smile every day and that helps them make it through the day. Smile OFTEN! Yes, smiling IS contagious.... just like laughter! Smile at some unknown person each day. Pass on a "have a good day" from time to time. You never know who you will affect.


There are so many other things I could say to help make you happy. Ooooh, learn how to make a kick ass chocolate chip cookie. I know that makes ME happy! It makes me even happier if I show enough self control to be able to share some of them the next day!


Finally... and this is important.... you know, it's important enough that I am going to yell it.... STOP TAKING THINGS SO EFFING SERIOUSLY and LIGHTEN THE EFF UP! Things are never THAT bad and you will get much more out of life being happy than you will being the opposite. And by all means..... SMILE!


Have a great day!