Be grateful for the rainfall
For it helps the flowers grow

Be grateful for the snowstorm
For it's pretty when it blows

The phone is ringing off the hook?
Be grateful you have friends
And if you've had some harsh words
It's time to make amends

The line at the grocery store is way too long for you
All of that wasted time _what's a person to do?
Stand there and daydream
Smile at folks as they go by
It's free and it's playful
Why not give it a try?

The traffic is impossible
The drivers, some are rude
And if you let them get to you
You'll be in a bad mood

What if you just let it go?
And you enjoyed the ride
You let all of those speed demons
Pass you right on by

Listen to some music
Be on a natural high
Pretend that you are floating
In the clouds up in the sky

Light up
Life _s too short for all this stress and worry
When so many people are in such a constant hurry

Be grateful _why not?
What have you got to lose?
And more likely then not, those in your life will be grateful for you.

© Copyright 2002, Lynette Turner, all rights reserved.

Happ-E-Quote:) "If one is without kindness, how can one be called a human being?"- Sarada Devi

Happ-E-Mail:) Hello Lionel: Just wanted to tell you that I enjoyed the meeting last week. I wanted to say goodbye to you but I realized others did too. Just a thought... if you were running for President..... you would have my vote! Scott

Happ-E-Quote:) "The true measure of an individual is how he treats a person who can do him absolutely no good." - Ann Landers

Happ-E-Mail:) It was a great meeting last night. It was a very moving evening. I was glad that I was able to experience it. Your efforts mean a lot to all of us. Thanks so much for sharing and caring. Thank you for the clock. What time is it? It is time to be happy (now and always). What a great symbolic reminder. You are a wonderful friend. I look forward to seeing you soon! Love, Barbara C.

Happ-E-Quote:) "The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." - Carl Rogers

Happ-E-Web Site:) Our Happinessclub.com is a site to see, take a look:) Click here: www.happinessclub.com. If you like this newsletter, then spread the word, and share it with your friends and colleagues.

Happ-E-Quote:) "In a moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing to do. The worst thing you can do is nothing." - Theodore Roosevelt

Happ-E-Meeting:) Our meeting on "HAPPY BOOKS" will take place on Thursday, October 24, 2002, at the Borders Book Store at 1499 Post Road, Fairfield. There will be a presentation by Lionel Ketchian. Please join us for coffee and discussion, and win a basket of books.

Topic:) "How to Be Happy!"
Date:) Thursday, October 24, 2002
Time:) 7:00 - 9:00 P.M.
Place:) Borders Book Store
Address:) 1499 Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06430

Open to the Public and Admission is Free, refreshments will be served.
Call Lionel Ketchian (203) 258-7777 or E-mail: PrintLRK@aol.com
http://www.happinessclub.com

Directions to the Borders Book Store
>From New York - I- 95, Exit 21, Mill Plain Road. Right at bottom of ramp. Under railroad overpass make a left at light (Post Rd.), 1/2 mile on right.
>From New Haven - I- 95, Exit 22, North Benson Road. Left at bottom of ramp. Under railroad overpass make a right at light (Post Rd.), 1/2 mile on left.

BE HAPPY ZONE
Fairfield Citizen-News
September 25, 2002

Four Happy Winners!
By Lionel Ketchian

These are four equally great letters I received from our SMILE MAIL contest. They will not only show you the way to happiness but will show you that happiness is the way!

*****
I look forward to reading the Be Happy Zone because I think we were put on this planet to be happy. Somehow between infancy and adolescence the message got scrambled. So I have spent a good part of my life trying to unscramble the crazy messages the world puts out there. My quest has been rewarding. I look for the beauty in everyday life. I listen to the older and wiser people who have learned the gift of living in the moment. I try to think more like my dogs. They are happy about 98% of the time and downright ecstatic about 20% of the time. When all else fails I lower my expectations. Zero expectations, zero disappointments. I share the message with everyone I meet.

Thank you for sharing with me the idea that being happy will rub off on loved ones. I have been waiting for my husband to get happy and holding him responsible for my happiness. I can take the wheel and steer our life toward the road to happiness. What a concept!
Sue Saxton, Danbury.

*****
I've been a faithful reader of your column in the Fairfield Citizen for about a year and a half. . . 'Choosing to be Happy' is a wonderful message for all of us. It is simple but not always easy to do. . . I discovered your column at about the same time I became a student of Science of Mind which has a very similar message and your column helped reinforce those principles. The first thing I realized is that I had to forgive (myself and others) in order to make room for all the love and goodness life has to offer if we choose to accept it.

I continue to think only positive thoughts, really knowing what I want in
life, and letting go of fear . . . having been a fearful person all of my
life it takes a lot of practice and determination not to become discouraged when negative thoughts crop up . . . the most important lesson is not to 'jump ship' when things get 'challenging' . . . always believe that something good will come out of every experience . . . my life has changed in many wonderful ways: better relationships, a general feeling of well being and waking up every day with gratitude and anticipation of the wonderful things that will happen.

It's so refreshing to read your lovely column about 'happiness' and the good things of life especially now with the anniversary of Sept. 11 and with all its tragedy and sadness. The words of the late John Lennon say it best -- "All you need is love"
Sincerely, J. Martino, Fairfield.

*****
Nice article on gratitude. As a new resident of Fairfield, I can only be happy! I live with dad who loves Fairfield. As a Dentist, he likes to see people look great and smile. "Don't worry," he says. "Here, let me help you." Or, "look, let me show you." In his heart, helping people has made him happy. He has since bought a small boat because he can share that with people.

I have tried to learn from my family the benefits of being happy. That's the echo of our family. We like to be happy. Come to think of it, my mom invited me to a play at the Westport Country Playhouse recently, and like a great Mom, she said, "I want you to be happy tonight." Wow! I am sure of one thing: I know where my smile comes from.
Sincerely, Licia Karazulas, Fairfield.

*****
I love contests and sweepstakes, and this is such a delightful idea. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to be a part of your "Happiness Club." As I live in Hobe Sound, Florida it's disappointing not to be able to attend your meetings. However, that hasn't created too big a problem, as my cousin, Jane Bassani is a member. She has been kind enough to send me "Be Happy Zone" articles and keeps me posted.

Lionel, your "Happiness Club" is a very special "gift" that should be shared with everyone! So, it pleases me that I'm now able to share my story and to let you know how grateful I am. I lost my sister to Cancer and my dear husband just months apart. After 10 years of being caregiver, my body gave out to all the stress and trauma and suffered a heart attack myself.

There was a terrible void in my life and for almost 2-1/2 years, I was ill, feeling alone, and unhappy. I had a heart problem, diabetes, osteoporosis, thyroid problems, and then one day I could not walk. The diagnosis was Spinal Stenosis. I was placed in a wheelchair and facing surgery on my spine. A devoted, and caring therapist trained and pushed me out of the wheel chair onto a walker. Today, with the help of Tai Chi, I can also walk without it ... on my "strong days."

Although, I had always been a devout person and my faith kept me alive, I wanted my life back! It took the grace of God leading me to your "Happiness Club." Lionel, not only did you bring back "my life," you continued to give me "hope" and the "happiness" I previously experienced. I was drowning, and with your articles, you brought "joy and meaning" into my life!

I can't ever forget that and I'm still "learning." After a few months, I began to develop a new and "happy attitude" and a new life emerged! Your positive words and help gave me the strength to secure a wonderful position as Secretary to the Golf Course Superintendent at an elite Country Club. I'm enjoying my work and enjoying life! It's a beautiful feeling... I have also moved into a new residence and have the most caring and loving neighbors that are good to me and make me feel happy.

A Hallmark card reminds me that "We find God's love in the beauty of our world and in warm caring wishes of our families and friends." This is posted in my kitchen, along with your works and words, Lionel, which I read and reread. I cherish the love and friendship you have given me. God bless you for the "Happiness" works and wisdom and sharing with us. Thank you Lionel for showing us "THE WAY!!!!!"
As always, in friendship and love... Annette Annette C. Mistura, Florida.

Don't miss the four week course I teach called, "Be Happy No Matter What!" at Sacred Heart University's Fairfield Campus. It is held every Tuesday beginning 10/15-11/5 from 7:00-9:00 P.M. Call Gloria at SHU 365-7587 for registration.

Lionel Ketchian is the founder of the Happiness Club, a Happiness Coach, and can be reached at PrintLRK@aol.com. The Web site is www.HappinessClub.com.

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