Happ-E-Newsletter for July 1, 2004

Welcome My Dear Friend,

Wishing a happy and safe Fourth of July.

Bill Kelly drove up from Richmond, Virginia to attend our Happiness Club meeting here in Fairfield, CT in June. He has started the Happiness Club of Richmond, Virginia. We welcome our new friend who is making a positive difference in his community. Read more about it in our newsletter below.

As William James once said, "How to gain, how to keep, how to recover happiness is in fact, for most people, at all times, the secret motive for all they do."

The DVD Video: Conversations with Bernie, Health & Happiness, is ready for those who would like to see us. Dr. Bernie Siegel and I share in a delightful conversation together for over one hour. The interview took place in Dr. Siegel home, and it was aired on Public TV. Three cameras were used to beautifully capture the mood and the moment professionally done by Van Gorder Studios. You will feel like you are there with us, as we journey together. So join us and share the moment now!

This DVD Video aired on Public TV. It is presented in two parts.

1. Introduction, 2. Kids as Teachers, 3. No False Hope, 4. Fifteen Minutes, 5. Love as a Weapon, 6. A Bitter Potion, 7. Worse Than Nothing, 8. A Past Life, 9. Credits.

1. Introduction, 2. Wings, 3. Beyond Surgery, 4. The Journey, 5. Heal Your Life, 6. A Subway Doctor, 7. Wounded Healers, 8. A Modern Parable, 9. Credits.

You can order a copy by sending a check (payable in US funds) for $19.95 plus $2.00 shipping in the US, for as many DVD's as you want. Send check to LRK Communications, Inc. 63 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, CT 06824.

The DVD Video: Conversations with Bernie, Health & Happiness is available at one store: The Wisdom of the Ages, located at 1408 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070. Phone #. 860-651-1172.

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!

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: INTERCONNECTEDNESS.

Margaret Bonnano said, "We can only live happily ever after on a day to day basis."
Think Smart, Look Smart, Be Smart...Be Happy! - Lionel Ketchian

Happ-E-Quote:) "Love doesn't divide, love multiplies!" - From Gary, my mailman.

Happ-E-Thanks:) A great big thank you to Renee Filloramo, master for our

Happ-E-Mail:) This is Katie, Aymee's roommate with the California Chapter of the Happiness Club in San Francisco. I just wanted to let you know that the meeting on June 13th went great. Aymee is away right now, but everything still seemed to flow just fine. The topic was on happiness and personality type. We did an exercise that helped us understand the difference between and extrovert's and introvert's meaning of happiness. I found it to be valuable information to know when communicating with those different from myself. Also, I wanted to let you know I made the happiness decision back in April and I think it's the best decision I ever made. That's all for now. Best, Katie Chamberlin

Happ-E-Quote:) "You will become as small as your controlling desire, or as great as your dominant aspiration." - James Allen

Happ-E-Mail:) Please put me on the news letter list. Thank YOU! You don't get old and stop playing, you stop playing and get old...

Happ-E-Quote:) "My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it." - Clarence Budington Kelland

Happ-E-Mail:) Still working my program through AA. I will be clean and sober for a year on July 6th! All done one day at a time. Trying not to cancel all my "right now" moments, with old stinkin' thinkin' loops of "what ifs." Thanks to you for your continued love and friendship. Also, thanks for your continued sharing of the Happiness Newsletter. I admit to months of Bah-Humbug when it showed up in the mailbox. I really didn't believe I would know happiness again. But as my mind has cleared, and I continue to do the work, I'm figuratively still in the basement clearing out all the old boxes. I'm finding the room isn't defined by walls. It is good work that you do. I'm proud to call you my friend. Love, - Anonymous

Happ-E-Quote:) "The little reed, bending to the force of the wind, soon stood upright again when the storm had passed over." - Aesop

Happ-E-Mail:) I thought you would appreciate this!! Remember the five simple rules to be happy: 1. Free your heart from hatred. 2. Free your mind from worries. 3. Live simply. 4. Give more. 5. Expect less. Love, Joanne Petitti

Happ-E-Quote:) "Sometimes the poorest man leaves his children the richest inheritance." - Ruth E. Renkel

Happ-E-Mail:) My name is Bernadette. I am trying to learn about happiness. I came upon your website and started reading it. It's interesting to me. I have always been one of those people who thought of happiness as a destination and then recently fell on hard times with my health and the only thing that got me thru was trying to spread positive feelings and happiness to other people. I found that giving makes me feel happy so I do. I still get upset and angry but I try to turn it around and not stay there. Can you give me any advice? I live in New Jersey and it would be difficult for me to come to your meetings. I was thinking of starting my own club. Please respond. Thanks.

Happ-E-Quote:) "I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve." - Albert Switzer

Happ-E-Mail:) I would like to receive your newsletter, I found the articles refreshing and would like to read more on happiness

Happ-E-Quote:) "Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life." - Rachel Carson

Happ-E-Mail:) I would like to subscribe to your free e-mail newsletter regarding happiness. I am a clinical social worker, work as a therapist, and I am doing a good deal of study about happiness. Thanks for getting me connected. - Khris Coolidge, LISW-CP, CAC I

Happ-E-Quote:) There is a wonderful mythical law of nature that the three things we crave most in life -- happiness, freedom, and peace of mind -- are always attained by giving them to someone else. - Peyton Conway March

Happ-E-Mail:) I'm off to take a Russian River Cruise in 3 weeks. LIFE IS A JOY. I LOVE IT! Thanks for your messages. Happiness to you, Millicent Z

Happ-E-Quote:) "We must have the courage to allow a little disorder in our lives." - Ben Weininger

Happ-E-Mail:) A slight glitch in the plans is that library room is not available in the summer evenings, and there is nothing else that is affordable, so we probably will not meet over the summer months. I think it is less confusing than temporarily moving locations. I have had to double the space because we are overflowing! Cheers! Jane Bradley, Canada Happiness Club

Happ-E-Quote:) "We must remain as close to the flowers, the grass, and the butterflies as the child is who is not yet so much taller than they are." - Friedrich Nietzsche

Happ-E-Mail:) All I can say is WOW, WOW, WOW. I'd say the happiness fever is catching and due largely to your leadership. I'm glad all went well when the gang was on PBS and to read the comments of those who attended both the last Happiness Club meeting and went to PBS. As the song goes "Ain't no stopping us now." Have a great week. xoxo - Lynette

Happ-E-Quote:) "You are so fortunate, but what are you giving back to make this world a better place for others?" - Catherine Pulsifer

Happ-E-Mail:) Please add me to receive your newsletter. Just discovered your group and would like to learn more about it. Thanks

Happ-E-Quote:) "Put love first. Entertain thoughts that give life. And when a thought or resentment, or hurt, or fear comes your way, have another thought that is more powerful - a thought that is love." - Mary Manin Morrissey

Happ-E-Mail:) I am a published author of an anxiety book. This information could be of interest to those people who struggle with fear and anxiety. Thank you. Stan Popovich

FINDING THE ANSWERS IN MANAGING YOUR FEARS AND ANXIETIES

Looking for all of the answers in how to manage your most persistent fears and anxieties? I deal with fear on a personal level and I found it difficult to find all of the answers in managing my anxieties. I read some anxiety books and talked to various professionals, however I still had trouble dealing with certain fears and anxieties. Eventually, I wrote a book that presents many ways to help manage those difficult fears and anxieties.

Let me explain the process of how I found those answers. I first went to my local bookstore to find those books that dealt with fear and anxiety. I looked for those books that reviewed the techniques in how to manage certain fears and anxieties. As I read these books, I wrote down some notes on those techniques that I found most useful in managing my fears. I noticed that each book said something different and there wasn't always a complete review of all the techniques to manage fear and anxiety. As a result, I started a notebook and every time I found a technique that was useful in managing my fears, I would write it down.

Secondly, I talked to various professionals in the psychology and religious fields and they provided me with additional information. Again, I would write down the information that the professionals gave me that I felt was most useful in managing these fears. I continued this research for about 14 years. The professionals were very helpful, however there were times they were not able to answer all of my questions. Although I had a lot of good information, I still had trouble dealing with certain fears and anxieties.

I realized that it would have to be up to me to find the solutions to some of my problems. The first thing I did was to review my notebook of all the techniques that I learned from my research. I then started to practice these techniques. I made it a point that every time I would experience a fearful or anxiety related situation, I would use the information in my notebook to help me. After the anxiety would go away I would write down in my notebook which techniques worked and which ones didn't work. In every anxiety related situation I experienced, I began to learn what worked, what didn't work, and what I needed to improve on in managing my fears and anxieties.

Eventually, I realized that my notes contained a lot of information and experiences that could help many other people deal with their fears. The main point of this article is that no matter how difficult it is to manage your fear and anxiety, the answers are out there if you look hard enough. It might take some hard work and persistence, but it is possible to find those techniques that work for you.

Happ-E-Quote:) "Gratitude tries to return more than has been received." - ST. Thomas Aquainas

The Happiness Show on TV:) Watch "The Happiness Show," every Monday night, at 9:30 - 10:00 PM. Your CO-hosts are Lionel Ketchian & George Ortega. The TV show is 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:) "Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still." - Chinese Proverb

HAPPINESS CLUB MEETING:) Our next Happiness Club meeting will have a presentation by our own Happiness Club Doctor, Richard Ellis, M.D. who will present a slide show and discussion about his experiences with living in Alaska to the Happiness Club on Thursday, July 15, from 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. at Sullivan Independence Hall, Fairfield, CT 06824. Come on down to the meeting. What's better than meeting some happy people? Admission is free. I look forward to seeing you at our meeting.

Meet:) "The Happiness Doctor"

Date:) Thursday, July 15, 2004

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

Place:) Sullivan Independence Hall

2004 UPCOMING HAPPINESS CLUB MEETINGS DATES:)

Thursday, August 19, 2004

Thursday, September 16, 2004

Thursday, October 14, 2004

Thursday, November 18, 2004

Thursday, December 16, 2004

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:) "Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it doesn't get you anywhere. " Author Unknown

The next meeting of the Canada Happiness Club is scheduled for Thursday, September 9, 2004, from 700 - 8:30 PM in the Banker's Room of the St. Catharines Public Library, 54, Church Street. Admission as always is free. Cheers! Jane

Richmond, Virginia Happiness Club Meeting:) The organizational meeting of the Richmond, Virginia Happiness Club was held on Tuesday, June 29th, 7-9 PM. Everyone we talk to thinks our community can use some happiness, so the WholeNews is bringing a truck load of happiness to Richmond by sponsoring the Richmond Happiness Club! The club will be chartered and organized under the auspices of the Happiness Club, founded by Lionel Ketchian in Fairfield, Connecticut.

The Happiness Club will meet once per month to discuss the many benefits of happiness. We will have educational programs and workshops to study happiness and its practical and spiritual application in our daily lives. We will learn techniques to grow happiness in ourselves, our family and our community. With our mission to spread happiness in our community, we will sponsor weekly activities and various events to teach happiness techniques to others and generally brighten the lives of those who need it.

Happ-E-Quote:) "Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained." - Marie Curie

BE HAPPY ZONE
By Lionel Ketchian

June 23, 2004

What does being happy have to do with being connected? It's been said, "When you smile, the whole world smiles with you." I can tell you that the connection really starts by being connected to yourself. We have so much stress in our lives these days. Stress is actually being disconnected to ourselves. How can we feel any kind of connection to others when we do not feel a sense of connection within ourselves? The answer is that we cannot feel connected when we allow ourselves to be in a disconnected state.

What do we want to feel most of all? We crave a feeling of being connected to other people. We want to experience a sense of connection to the people we love, to our family and friends, to society, and the entire world. This is what peace is really all about. Peace is a feeling of being connected to life.

In order to feel peace we must feel connected to ourselves, and this is what we seem to avoid at all costs. We do not want to face ourselves. Yet unless we are comfortable within ourselves, we will not be comfortable with others. In fact, unhappiness can well be defined as being disconnected. It is being disconnected from the world, our family, and of course ourselves. If we are constantly looking for a connection to others, and feel that we want to belong to fit in, then we need to find our connection to ourselves first.

Is this the reason for the large percentage of divorce and unhappiness these days? As Lillian Eichler Watson has said, "...true happiness stems from a quality within ourselves, from a way of thinking of life. Of all the millions of words written on happiness, this is the oldest and most enduring truth. If the principles of contentment are not within us, no material success, no pleasures or possessions, can make us happy."

Nature has been described as the web of life to express the interconnectedness of all life. We call it the balance of nature. Once nature is out of balance than all life is negatively affected. This is also true of the most important aspect of reality, which is the nature of the interconnectedness of all things. It all starts with the atoms and sub atomic particles that make up our physical reality.

What am I talking about…anyway? The fact is that being happy allows me to feel the interconnectedness of humanity. As I feel happier and more peaceful, I am centered in this moment. I have been experiencing a greater connection to other people. I don't think this is a coincidence. I think that people feel more connected to me because I feel more connected to life. People have been cooperative and helpful with me and it is not happening accidentally. As I have worked on suspending my demands and desires, people have been unbelievably supportive of my work. I have never witnessed such support, understanding, helpfulness, approval, and encouragement.

Interconnectedness needs to be experienced. We cannot understand it by tying to think about how it is possible. Happiness in the moment seems to be the connection. We all need to experience the connection to ourselves, so we can begin to experience our connection to each other. Our Happiness Club is really about being interconnected. People call me to tell me they have cancer, they have lost their loved one, they have stopped smoking or so many other personal experiences. They connect with me to share their life. They know happiness is a safe and loving state to be in and they want to connect with me in that state.

One of my greatest honors is the trust that has been given to me to grant happiness the power to work for all of us, and thus strengthen our interconnectedness. Interconnectedness is community. Happiness is beginning to bring many people together. Happiness is the connection we all need to experience well being in our lives. Happiness is our connection to each other, and we need to have that link in order to make the connection to other people. As Aristotle said, "To live happily is an inward power of the soul."

Our next Happiness Club meeting will have a presentation by Richard Ellis, M.D. Doctor Ellis will present a slide show on the three years he spent living in Alaska, to the Happiness Club on Thursday, July 15, from 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. at the Fairfield Sullivan Independence Hall in Fairfield. He will also share some of his happiness quotes that he does on a regular basis. Come on down, meet some great people, get connected and be happy. Admission is free. I look forward to connecting with you.

Are you the one I have been trying to reach and all I get is a busy signal? It's time for you to get connected to happiness...NOW!

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.

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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.