Happ-E-Newsletter for June 1, 2004

Welcome My Dear Friend,

"It's the constant and determined effort that breaks down all resistance and sweeps away all obstacles." - Claude M. Bristol

PBS in Connecticut will be showing an interview with Dr. Bernie S. Siegel, acclaimed author and surgeon and Lionel Ketchian, Founder of The Happiness Club called Conversations with Bernie, Health & Happiness. It will be airing on CPTV Friday, June 11, at 8:00 PM. Dr. Siegel and Mr. Ketchian will appear on the PBS program live to promote this new, soon to be released, DVD. The video was a taped interview in Dr. Siegel's home in Connecticut, and was produced by Van Gorder Studios.

Lionel Ketchian first interviewed Dr. Siegel in 1986 on Successful Living, a radio show he co-hosted. Dr. Siegel had just written his first best-selling book, Love, Medicine & Miracles at the time. He is the author of several other books on healing, including Love, and Healing; and Prescriptions for Living.

Dr. Siegel talks about his personal thoughts and life experiences in this video interview. Through the sharing of his inspirational words and personal stories Dr. Siegel and Mr. Ketchian encourage people, not only to survive, but also to thrive and learn to live. They discuss attitudes, pain, suffering, health, healing, and happiness. The interview may give you an opportunity to think about the attitudes you now have. The thoughts shared in this presentation may make you more aware of the choices that you are presented with in life.

Dr. Siegel and Mr. Ketchian explore how individual choices in life can contribute to happiness and well-being. "Happiness is a conscious decision, which puts you on the road toward health and emotional competence," Mr. Ketchian said. Dr. Siegel said: "If you can't change your external circumstances, you can change your attitude toward your life. You can say, "I choose to be happy. I choose to view what I do everyday as a way of contributing love." When you go about life with this attitude, you'll find that your circumstances do begin to change."

Dr. Bernie Siegel's book called 365 Prescriptions for the Soul, Daily Messages of Inspiration, Hope, and Love, was published in January 2004. It is an inspirational, uplifting and empowering book of thoughts. In this book Dr. Siegel shares his life experiences and lessons. He provides a daily solution to life's challenges and calls them Soul-utions! Every page of the book gives you a prescription for living each day with a quote that directs you to an understanding of life.

Dr. Bernie Siegel has been a leading advocate of alternative healing and patients' rights for over twenty-five years. Dr. Siegel is retired from medical practice. Currently, he enjoys giving lectures and spending time with his family. As a doctor who has worked with cancer patients for most of his career, Dr. Siegel continues to offer his unique perspective on life and the many challenges that people ultimately face.

PBS in Connecticut will be broadcasting this special from 8:00 to 9:30 PM, on Friday, June 11, with Dr. Siegel and Mr. Ketchian. The special will be on Public TV in Connecticut. It will be shown on CPTV, check your local listings in Connecticut. WEDH, TV 24, in Hartford, CT, WEDW, TV 49, in Fairfield County, CT, WEDN, TV 53, in Norwich, CT, WEDY, TV 65, in New Haven, CT. W12BH, TV 12, in Waterbury, CT.

As Frederick Langbridge once said,

"Two men look out through the same bars; One sees the mud, and one the stars."
Happiness Empowerment to You! LIVE RICHLY...PRACTICE HAPPINESS!

Happiness is an inner state of well being. A state of well being that enables you to profit from your highest: thoughts, wisdom, intelligence, common sense, emotions, health, and spiritual values in your life.

Happiness is one of the most important things in your life. Happiness does wonders for your soul. I want you to practice "Premeditated Happiness." Happiness is an issue of power. We give our happiness to others for many reasons, and we think that they will make us happy. The truth is that we have given others the power over ourselves. We must take our power back in order to be happy again. Now is the time to learn to use happiness in dealing with challenges and difficult people in your life so you can develop the strength to prevail. Reading this newsletter will not just make your life better; it will make the world a better place...because you have decided to be happy!

"Quiet minds cannot be perplexed or frightened, but go on in fortune or misfortune at their own private pace, like a clock during a thunderstorm." - Robert Louis Stevenson

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 Articles 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 Happiness Means.

Judith M. Knowlton said,

"I discovered I always have choices and sometimes it's only a choice of attitude."

Think Smart, Look Smart, Be Smart...Be Happy! - Lionel Ketchian

Happ-E-Quote:) "When every physical and mental resource is focused, one's power to solve a problem multiplies tremendously." - Norman Vincent Peale

Happ-E-Quote:) "The best advice I ever came across on the subject of concentration is: Wherever you are, be there. When you work, work. When you play, play. Don't mix the two." - Jim Rohn

Happ-E-Mail:) I just came across your website and it has put a smile on my face. I think I have heard of your organization and meetings before. I live in Bridgeport and wish I had known a week ago about the meeting on May 20th. I would have gone and look forward to the next meeting. Thank you for such a wonderful idea. Best regards, Tom A.

Happ-E-Quote:) "The more I help others to succeed, the more I succeed." - Ray Kroc

Happ-E-Mail:) I've actually gotten round to looking at your book list on the web site. Wow what a lot of books! Quite a few that I saw mentioned I've read over the past 30 years or so but a lot of them I've never heard of. It really is great that we have so much choice these days of positive & uplifting reading. I'm thinking of re-reading some of Catherine Ponder's books as I remember her stuff as being such a pleasure to read its worth re-visiting. Have a fantastic weekend. Very best wishes as always, Paula

Happ-E-Quote:) "It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult undertaking which, more than anything else, will determine its successful outcome." - William James

Happ-E-Mail:) I have been working diligently on maintaining the Happiness Decision, even just recently printing up some new reminder notes to post everywhere. It is helping immensely, I simply can't tell you. Even have them posted in my car! By the way, there is a cool trick one can do to print out whatever uplifting reminder one wishes reversed in mirror image, using the color white for the printing, and a dark color background, then when you stick the note on your dash, the white lettering of the message will be reflected back to you in the windshield as you drive, yet not interfere with your vision in any way.

It is so nice to be pulled back to happy thoughts and higher harmonious vibrations when one might have unknowingly been distracted into negativity, which happens of course far too often behind the wheel for some reason. Not to mention how readily the mind seems to wander, and especially toward the more negative aspects of our existence, when driving. I guess being behind the wheel kind of puts us into some sort of mental trance, and of course unfortunately our minds are far too often drawn to the more aggressive and worrying sides of our natures in such a state. Needless to say, such a receptive mental affliction also can serve us equally positively given the means, direction, and opportunity. -- like Rebecca's "POSITIVE REFLECTIONS(tm)" shining back at you from your windshield!

So! I have my newest "Happiness First!", and "Think!!! -- Happy!!!" notes (among others!) shining back at me right before my eyes on every road I travel, and of course spread all about the house, still finding the reminders needed far more often than I might perhaps hope, yet so very grateful for each and every one! Really helps ramp up the 'gratitude attitude' too! Soon it shall be an everlasting habit of the very best kind, You betcha!

I cannot begin to tell you Lionel how very grateful I am to have you in my life and how happy it makes me to know you. You help me keep my vibrations up and on the positive and I cannot thank you enough. As mentioned once or twice before, you have done far more than you might ever realize in this life of mine, and it is my hope to one day soon be able to convey to you the true depths of your doings. With great Love for you, I offer you my Happiness! Keep Smilin'! - Barry

Happ-E-Quote:) "You will find, as you look back upon your life, that the moments that stand out are the moments when you have done things for others." - Henry Drummond

The Happiness Show on TV:) Watch "The Happiness Show," We have a new time which is every Monday night, at 9:30 - 10:00 PM. Tune in and catch some happiness. Your CO-hosts are Lionel Ketchian & George Ortega. The TV show will be broadcast in six towns on Cablevision of Connecticut channel 77. It airs in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Milford, Orange, Stratford and Woodbridge. It can be seen on Cablevision in White Plains, New York on channel 76 every Thursday night, from 9:00 - 9:30 PM.

Happ-E-Quote:) "If you haven't any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble." - Bob Hope

HAPPINESS CLUB MEETING:) Our next Happiness Club meeting will have a presentation

by international documentary photographer Daryl Hawk who will present a slide show entitled "It's the Journey That Counts" to the Happiness Club on Thursday, June 10^th at 7 P.M. at the Fairfield Town Hall in Fairfield, CT. This slide presentation will be a retrospective of various expeditions and trips Mr. Hawk has taken starting in the Canadian Arctic, through all of North, Central and South America, Patagonia and ending in Antarctica. Mr. Hawk will discuss his style, philosophy and some of the most important lessons he has learned about life on the most remote back roads of the world. He will also share some of his most recent poetry.

For the past twenty-five years, Daryl Hawk has traveled alone to some of the most remote and isolated places in the world telling stories with his camera. Hawk spends weeks at a time from dawn to dusk documenting and immersing himself in the different cultures and isolated landscapes. He is a writer, photographer, adventurer and a member of the Explorers Club and a fellow of The Royal Geographical Society whose articles and photographs appear in numerous national magazines as well as on NBC’s Today Show.

"Opening my eyes to unique visions and seizing each and every day is my way of life. I believe real creativity is the ability to see the ordinary as extraordinary. Always seeking adventures and new experiences is the ultimate goal. Slowing down and looking at life up close enables me to keep focusing my direction. It's the journey that counts the most to me – not racing from one destination to the next."

Hawk is the author of "The Art of the Road Trip," which encourages people to use back roads to seek out beautiful landscapes, interesting people, and photo opportunities. "The Art of the Road Trip" celebrates the spirit of the road and promotes travel that enriches, teaches and challenges us to go beyond spectating to getting out there and participating and experiencing.

Hawk is also the host and producer of the popular Cablevision television show The Unconventional Traveler which features some of the world's leading explorers, travel photographers and filmmakers sharing their work from various expeditions and documentaries. The Unconventional Traveler can be seen every Tuesday night at 9 P.M. on channel 77.

Come on down to the meeting. What's better than meeting some happy people? The meeting will be held on Thursday, June 10, 2004, from 7:00 - 9:00 PM at Sullivan Independence Hall. Meet some great people. Admission is free. I look forward to seeing you at our meeting.

Meet:) "It's the Journey That Counts"

Date:) Thursday, June 10, 2004

Time:) 7:00 - 9:00 P.M.

Directions to Fairfield Sullivan Independence Town Hall

725 Old Post Road (corner of Beach Road)

I 95 Southbound Exit 22: Left onto North Benson Road, then cross Post Road/Route 1 and
continue one block to stop sign. Take a right onto Old Post Road and continue one block to stop sign. Town Hall is across the street on the left and Independence Hall is down the driveway from Town Hall.

I 95 Northbound Exit 22: Right onto Round Hill Road, then cross Post Road/Route 1 and
continue one block to stop sign. Town Hall is across the street on the right and Independence Hall is down the driveway from Town Hall.

Happ-E-Quote:) "In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us." - Flora Edwards

Connecticut Meeting:) Getting The Most Our Of Life is discontinued for the present time. Ray Rogers, the facilitator of the discussions will be going back to school to take some courses and will devote his time and energy to support this new task. We thank Ray for his wonderful contribution and wish him success and happiness.

Happ-E-Quote:) "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." - Anne Frank

BE HAPPY ZONE
By Lionel Ketchian

May 26, 2004

Happiness means that you can become a wholly functioning human being. Happiness means that you are able to experience your aliveness. Happiness means you will experience the very best that life has to offer. It may not be money, or power or fame, but it is the very best that life holds for you. It means that first and foremost you are happy no matter what happens. Happiness is the most important thing you can do. Nothing is more important than happiness. Happiness is the ultimate reason you do things because you want them to bring you happiness. Happiness simply means that you start with happiness in order to experience happiness.

Happiness is the essential quality of being responsible and taking charge. Happiness means taking full responsibility for your life. Happiness is taking control of the one thing in the world that you can control, and that is yourself. It means realizing that you cannot be happy unless you are in control of yourself. Happiness means not trying to control other people. You recognize that many times you have no control of the situations, events, and experiences in life. Happiness means taking charge of your life. It means taking back the very personal job of deciding what is good for you, and running your own show.

Happiness gives you the ability to successfully cope with meeting challenges. Happiness means that you can show yourself that you can do things you never thought you could. Happiness infuses you with the energy to have the power to take command of any situation. It gives you a decisive attitude even when you think you can't. Happiness means that you understand the value that happiness brings into your life. It means that you have values as a human being. It means that you have respect for yourself and for others. Happiness means that you consider virtue to be a sacred and important thing.

Happiness means that you are practicing emotional competence. This means that you have the ability to make good choices from a healthy and happy state of mind. Happiness is a method of reassuring yourself that you have the wisdom to think clearly about whatever happens. Happiness means that you can trust yourself to make the best choices that will get you where you want to go. This allows you to live the life you choose to live. It means that you do not have to allow yourself to be forced into acting the way your family, friends, and loved ones think you should. Happiness gives you the ability to take action, and you become comfortable with who you are. Happiness means that you can realize the best of health as a result of maintaining a positive attitude. Happiness means finding out that you are really OK. It means that you trust yourself because you know how to live.

Happiness means doing what you can, when you can, rather than waiting for something to change on it's own. Happiness means finding the solutions to a problem, than making the best choice for now. Happiness means never volunteering to make yourself a victim. Happiness means that you become proactive using wisdom and common sense to make the change you want to see in the next moment, rather than react to the moment from your past conditioning.

Happiness makes you feel like you can change the world because you are taking control of yourselves from the inside out. Happiness means that you can deal with what you cannot change. It means that you realize things are only temporary and if you really want change it will happen. Happiness means that you can be patience in order to get what you want because you will be getting soon. It means that you can experience being stronger smarter, freer and more fully yourself in the process.

Happiness means that you can access new habits to empower yourself. It means that you can tap into the power to…just do it! Happiness means that you can deal with difficult people. It means that you have the capacity to deal with anger when it arises. Happiness means that you can cope with fear and anxiety because you can see your way through it. It means that you can stop feeling guilty and let go of the past. Happiness means that you may forgive people and stop labeling them. It means that you are free of self-doubt and despair.

Happiness means that you can change for the better without feeling helpless. It means that you can learn new skills because nothing is holding you back any longer. Happiness means that you can come to the decision that unhappiness is not an option. It means that you can experience who you really are. Happiness means that you may learn more about your life, and your relationships.

Happiness is the most powerful decision you can make. Happiness gets you what you want in life. Happiness means that you value peace. It means that you have found peace within. Happiness means that you will spread it to others in a peaceful way.

Being happy is the only way to find happiness. Being happy means that you get to keep the experience of happiness. Happiness cannot be uncovered in the past or found in the future. Happiness is only in this moment. Happiness cannot be found at all. You must…become it. When you become happy you will find that…it becomes you. Happiness means that you are becoming a Healthy Happy Human.

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"Don't let go of the vine." - John Weissmuller, from the film, Tarzan.

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

© Copyright 2004, Lionel R. Ketchian, all rights reserved.