YOU ARE GIFTED!

December 5, 2007
BE HAPPY ZONE
By Lionel Ketchian

The universe has given you a gift. It's the gift of Happiness. It is a gift because it doesn't cost you anything. You have already been given this gift. If you don't know you have this gift then you will not be able to use it. The first thing to do with the gift of happiness is try it on and wear it from the inside out. Start by putting on a smile and you will never want to leave home without it.

The interesting thing about this gift is that it is not worth anything to you until you use it. You have to know something is of value in order to benefit from it. Most people don't even know the value of happiness because they don't know what happiness is. Happiness is one of the most valuable things in the world.

Happiness is mental health, peace of mind, a great attitude, a positive vision, a contributor to good physical health and a friendship magnet. Happiness is the foundation for love and compassion. My definition: Happiness is an inner state of well-being that enables you to profit from your highest thoughts, intelligence, wisdom, awareness, common sense, emotions, health, and spiritual values. Happiness has different meanings for different people, but it always possesses the same basic component, which is having gratitude for what you already have.

Happiness is meeting the "problems" of life head on with the tool bag of choices available to the happy individual. Happiness is not a thing; it is a state of mind. It is a decision that is made in one clear moment, which will positively impact the rest of your life. A good decision does more to create the best future for you than anything else can.

Happiness is not getting up in the morning and hoping you have a nice day. It's getting up and knowing you are going to make it a great day! It's not about waiting to hear someone pay you a compliment so you can feel happy. Happiness is not taking it personally, so you don't let yourself become negatively affected by what other people say.

I made the "Happiness Decision" on December 24, 1990. I have practiced "being happy" since that time, and it has never let me down. Still the choice remains for all of us, what will you, choose? Will you choose happiness or unhappiness? You're always making that choice, don't let your emotions make the choice for you. It's time to let your thinking determine the best decision you can make.

Decide to use your gift of being happy! Choose happiness in every moment, over every obstacle and to resolve any problem you encounter. It states in Philippians 4:11 "For I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." You will become a powerful person, because you will develop the strength you need to gain control over yourself. That is the authentic power of being happy.

The greatest reason for using the gift of happiness is that happiness is the opposite of fear. Believe me, you don't need fear to run your life. Fear is our biggest problem. Happiness is powerful, try smiling at someone and you will see for yourself.

Happiness is your present! This gift is your present! Use your gift and appreciate your present right now. Be grateful for your present, for it contains something wonderful. Do you see what I see? I see happiness! If you don't, than you are not grateful for your present. Smile, you have been given more than you know, but if you don't use it, you may lose it. Start using your gift of happiness now and people will think you are gifted!

Want to learn to use this gift of happiness? Come to our next Happiness Club Meeting. It is a Holiday Gathering and will include a presentation by international documentary photographer Daryl Hawk who will present a slide show entitled, "Visions of Happiness," a showcase of 250 of Daryl's favorite photographs taken from some of the most remote and beautiful places in the world, including "The Last Shangri-La". We will have a holiday gathering with refreshments afterwards. Please bring a dish or beverage to share for the holiday season, or feel free to come without a snack!

The meeting is on Thursday, December 6, from 7:00-9:00 P.M. at the Fairfield Public Library, at 1080 Old Post Road, Fairfield. Admission is free and everyone is welcome.

Lionel Ketchian is the founder of the Happiness Club and can be reached at PrintLRK@aol.com. The website is www.HappinessClub.com.