Reminding you to make the "Happiness Decision." Letting you know about our meeting dates, giving you happiness information, and your latest copy of the Be Happy Zone Article's that are published every other Wednesday in the Fairfield Citizen-News. At the end of this newsletter you can read the latest article called: What's New?

"If you don't run your own life, someone else will." - John Atkinson
Think Smart, Look Smart, Be Smart...Be Happy! - Lionel

Happ-E-Mail:) I loved Dan Baker's book on What happy people know. Is there a similar well thought out book on how to raise happy children. Help Please put me on your newsletter. thanks, Vincent

Dear Vincent, Thank You! I can't agree with you more about loving Dan Baker's book on What happy people know. It is a wonderful book. I do not know of a good book for rasing happy children. I think the reason for that is that as adults we are the ones to set the example. Maybe this will help you as well. I get a newsletter from the following website: www.happyplace.net

A little thought for parents.

Hominids first appeared on this planet about 4 million years ago. They looked very much like we do now except that their brain was about 1/2 the size. They had no language. Children learned exclusively by example. Learning to do what adults did was a matter of survival. Children could see and copy adult behavior in fine detail. There was no way to fool children, their life depended on it.

By the time modern man (homo sapiens, sapiens) appeared 50,000 years ago, the process of learning by example had been deeply programmed into the human gene. Everybody inherits it. Nobody can avoid it. It is an integral part of our will to survive.

So, if you want your children to be happy, make yourself a happy person. They will copy you. You can count on it. Unfortunately, if you're a sad sack, they will copy that too.

Do your kids a favor, be happy. I love you all !!! Mike - www.happyplace.net

Happ-E-Quote:) "A positive attitude is perhaps more important at home than anywhere else. As spouses and parents, one of our most vital roles is to help those we love feel good about themselves." -- Keith Harrell

Spiritual Cruise:) If you would like to join us on a 7 day cruise called Seminar at Sea: April 25 - May 2, 2004 than this is of interest to you. There is a link on our website Click here: www.happinessclub.com for the cruise. Sailing Towards Nourishment, Creation and Empowerment. Enjoy a fun-filled vacation while feeding your body, mind and spirit through participating in Workshops and Seminars.

Setting sail for 7 days on April 25, 2004 aboard the brand new Norwegian Dawn from New York. Visiting four exciting and beautiful ports of call, Orlando, FL. Miami, FL. Nassau, Bahamas and Great Stirrup Cay (A Norwegian owned Bahamian island).
Rates starting at $999* inside stateroom, $1199* outside stateroom, $1399* balcony stateroom. Port charges and taxes included. A Portion of the Proceeds benefiting non-profit organizations. Suites and Villas available upon request. $250 deposit, per person due upon booking. *per person double occupancy. Gratuities additional $70 per person. Airfare additional. Ground transfers are additional. Final Payment due 90 days prior to sailing, Jan. 25, 2004. For more information visit our website at: www.charityeventsatsea.com or call 1-800-277-5218 ext. 39 or email us at bluejay6118@aol.com. Thank You all for your support and Have a Fantastic Day. Love and Light to you all, Angie, Laurie and Brenda

Happ-E-Quote:) "It's easy to make a buck, but hard to make a difference." - Tom Brokaw

Happ-E-Mail:) THANKS. IT IS GREAT TO RECEIVE YOUR NEWSLETTER. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE GROUPS OR MEETINGS IN NEW YORK CITY. THANKS FOR THE INFO. SINCERELY. D.P.

Happ-E-Quote:) "Don't spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door." - Dr. Laura Schlessinger

Happ-E-Mail:) I just returned from LA where my friend got married and I saw my son. It was great. I try to smile at everyone. When I walk I don't wear headphones, I smile and say good morning. I try to establish eye contact with people in elevators and I say hello and smile. I introduce myself to people around me on airplanes. A little ray of sunshine and happiness goes such a long way. I agree with you it is so simple and we are spreading the good cheer. Be well and enjoy the rest of the summer.
Barbara

Happ-E-Quote:) "He can who thinks he can, and he can't who thinks he can't. This is an inexorable, indisputable law." - Henry Ford

Happ-E-Mail:) I have to admit to you that being in the receipt of your happiness letters, that I recoiled at the thought that happiness would ever be a possibility for me
again. I am glad that I was of mind to archive them, and have been visiting them in the process of recovery. Yes, happiness is a choice - happiness is a well-spring from which to drink if we choose to go to the source. I know I, for one, had a solid man hole cover on the access that self will was not able to budge. What I didn't stop to think of was that well-spring could no more be contained in a system that the air that we breath. It was just recognizing that it is already tapped within each and every one us - just a matter of turning on the spigot. Thanks for keeping me on the list. I return, in full measure the warmth of affection expressed - along with a big hug, kiss and my Love - M.

Happ-E-Quote:) "Once we discover how to appreciate the timeless values in our daily experiences, we can enjoy the best things in life." - Harry Hepner

Happ-E-Mail:) I truly appreciate your happiness newsletter. This month I need it more than ever. I feel I have finally made a valuable decision. The decision is to come back to building my happiness. Trying hard to forget and forgive, Kerri

Happ-E-Quote:) "And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." - Anais Nin

Happ-E-Mail:) I just returned from LA where my friend got married and I saw my son. It was great. I try to smile at everyone. When I walk I don't wear headphones, I smile and say good morning. I try to establish eye contact with people in elevators and I say hello and smile. I introduce myself to people around me on airplanes. A little ray of sunshine and happiness goes such a long way. I agree with you it is so simple and we are spreading the good cheer. Be well and enjoy the rest of the summer. Barbara

Happ-E-Quote:) "There are two ways of meeting difficulties. You alter the difficulties or you alter yourself to meet them." - Phyllis Bottome

Happ-E-Mail:) I enjoyed your article in the Fairfield Citizen last week. Thought you'd enjoy some verses on Happiness. - Sid

You could have everything to be happy and find reason not to be.
Happiness doesn't depend on external things, but how you choose to see
Your role in life to help humanity.
If you want to be happy, finding ways to help others is the key.
HAPPINESS POEM by Sid Madwed www.madwed.com

Happ-E-Quote:) "You can't solve a problem on the same level that it was created. You have to rise above it to the next level." - Albert Einstein

Happ-E-Mail:) Just to let you know if you are aware of any seniors (over fifty) who may be interested, my course, "Secrets of Happiness and Wit and Wisdom from Quotes" starts at Lifetime Learners Institute, Norwalk Community College on Sept. 24th. It is from 1 to 3 pm. They have to join LLI for $15 and the course of all 5 weekly sessions is only $15 also. Hope that you are having a great summer. Your friend in happiness, Dr. Richard Ellis

Happ-E-Quote:) "People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success." - Norman Vincent Peale

Happ-E-Mail:) Psychotherapist Alice Katz will be leading a new continuing education course, called "Living Well," at Tomlinson Middle School on six Tuesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. beginning Sept. 23. This course if for anyone who wants to have and maintain a lifestyle that enhances physical, emotional and interpersonal wellness. Alice Katz is the author of It's Not Personal! A Guide to Anger Management and Eating Without Guilt. To find out about fees or registration, check the catalog at the end of August or call 255-8376. To speak to the instructor, call 259-8026.

Happ-E-Quote:) "Never bend your head. Hold it high. Look the world in the eye." -Helen Keller

Happ-E-Mail:) Exciting news! Melissa Zollo of Present Memory (www.presentmemory.com) will be coming to Earthplace, Westport, CT on Saturday, Sept 20, from 12:00 - 4:00 PM to give a 4 hour seminar on How to Release the Power Within and Attract Money. Learn to create a new blueprint for financial success and why a grateful, joyful heart attracts riches. If you sign up for preregistration ($75.00) and buy the new 4 hr money CD at the same time you will receive 50% off the new CD program! You pay $65.00 instead of $129.00 (website price) and walk away from the seminar with the product in hand! Total for Seminar and Money CD: $140.00. For Reservations or Questions please call me at 1-203-258-0198. Tickets are on sale now. Don't miss this opportunity to hear Melissa and learn for yourself why your feelings are worth a fortune! - Betsey Beaven

Happ-E-Mail:) I came across this quote today and thought it was a great one. "A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." - Sir Winston Churchill.
I thought I'd pass it along. Have a spectacular, fun, joyous, enjoyable, fantastic day.
xoxo Lynette

NEXT HAPPINESS CLUB MEETING:)
Topic:) "TIME FOR HAPPINESS"
Date:) September 18, 2003
Time:) 7:00 - 8:45 P.M.
Place:) Fairfield Public Library
In the:) Rotary Room
Address:) 1080 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT

BE HAPPY ZONE
Fairfield Citizen-News
August 13, 2003

What's New?
By Lionel Ketchian

What's new with you? I would love to hear how things are going with you. Meanwhile I'll just let you know what's new with me. Yesterday was my birthday. I was 58 years young. Steve Gaynes, who also writes a column called IN THE SUBURBS for the Fairfield Citizen-News, also celebrated a birthday. It seems that Leo's like to write and communicate.

This is a time to think about the years in my life. I can start by letting you know that this is the beginning of my fourth year writing for the Fairfield Citizen-News. It is quite amazing to think how fast the years have gone by. I love writing these articles. This article is my eightieth. The feed back and positive comments I have received from you have been inspiring me to write these articles every two weeks.

I think getting older is great. Now that I am getting older I am reminded of that old joke. If I knew I would be this old I would have taken better care of myself. Things like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes become factors. My cardiologist, Dr. Hankin took a look at my blood work three months ago and said, "I can poison you or you can take control for yourself. He said you could get away with some of that stuff when you were younger. It catches up with you as you get older. Say no more; I went straight to work. My wife and I have been walking a mile or more a day.

No one told me that getting older meant you had to work harder. Once you get into the routine it does become easier. I have been on a diet for about three months and have lost twenty-five pounds. It actually has been easy because I had the motivation and found the right diet. My blood work has improved; my blood pressure has become normal. I plan on continuing to eat right and exercise because the benefits far outweigh the sacrifice and I am still being happy.

It feels good to take control of my life. I am doing my best physically as I have described. I must say that mentally and psychologically I keep fit by writing this column and the happiness newsletters on our web site, coaching people and running meetings for the Happiness Club.

Part of the balance comes from having the best family in the world. We all get along extremely well and really enjoy each other's company. Family is a great source of strength and closeness. I am blessed with such wonderful people that are my family. I also consider many other people I get to know as my extended family. I have many dear friends that mean the world to me. I think that who I am is a part of who I have come to know and love by being friends with so many different people.

One of the greatest benefits I have derived from being happy is in spreading happiness to others. It has come back to me in so many ways. Every single day I get messages from people I know, and from people that have read my words. It is truly amazing how wonderful it is to be in touch with so many lives. It is one of my most valuable blessings to have so many friends like you.

When good things happen, I think it is normal to ask yourself if you deserve it. The answer should be yes! I deserve it. You can earn it by doing things for other people. The older I get the more I realize that happiness is something you give yourself, share with others and then see and feel it coming back to you. It is an interesting quality. If you don't give it to yourself, you can't have it. If you don't have it you can't give it to others. If you don't give it away to others than you don't get more. The more of it you give away the more you've got.

As I share my life with you, my problems and my joys. I must tell you that one of the smartest things I've done in life was to decide to be happy about 14 years ago. If I did not decide to be happy then, I would not be happy now. I don't know how old you are, but what really matters is being happy by deciding to be. I think it is one of the most spiritual things you can do. It is one of the most important life decisions you can make.

I'm reading a book called The Power of Now, by Eckhart Tolle. In this book he talks about spiritual things. We will be talking more about his book and his work at our November meeting. Let me share with you a quote from Eckhart Tolle, "When your deeper sense of self is derived from Being, when you are free of "becoming" as a psychological need, neither your happiness nor your sense of self depends on the outcome, and so there is freedom from fear. You don't demand that situations, conditions, places, or people should make you happy, and then suffer when they don't live up to your expectations.

You are the reason we have Happiness Club meetings. Come on down to our next meeting on September 18, from 7:00-8:45 p.m. The topic is "Time for Happiness," and will be held in the Rotary Room, at the Fairfield Public Library, located at 1080 Old Post Road. There is no charge for the meeting or the happiness power you will get. Isn't it time for you to be happy?

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

Share a smile and forward this motivating Happ-E-Newsletter to your friends and family members you care about. Brighten their day by giving them a FREE Newsletter. Or, it's FREE, and easy to subscribe, just send your blank e-mail to happinessclub@aol.com, or subscribe online at: www.happinessclub.com.

"Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny." - Frank Outlaw

Please feel free to forward this to anyone you desire. Please include the copyrights and credits due the authors.

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Life is full of opportunities. Go For It! Carpe diem!

© Copyright 2003, Lionel R. Ketchian, all rights reserved.