Charles Dickens said: "Cheerfulness and contentment are great beautifiers and are famous preservers of youthful looks." This is one of the reasons I am using happiness as I turn 60 years old on August 12th this year!

I would like to send you this beautiful Irish Blessing! "May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go."

"The mind is its own place, and in itself, can make heaven of Hell, and a hell of Heaven." -
John Milton

Nothing is more important than the decisions you make. Nothing has more power in affecting your future moments than the decisions you make in this moment. You have heard that happiness is a choice, but first it must be a decision. There is a big difference between a choice and a decision.

When you are faced with making a choice, it is usually an either/or conclusion. That's the way our minds work. For example, if you wonder if you should buy the red candy or the blue candy? You could choose to buy both the red and the blue candy. This way your choice is not limited to one or the other. You can make a choice to include both.

When you may be trying to choose between doing your homework, housework or other work or going out for a walk, you might actually be able to choose both. Instead of choosing just one thing and excluding the other, you can choose to do both by choosing the order and how much time you will devote to each. This way you can choose to do one thing now and the other later. You have made a choice and you have included or chosen both options.

A decision is something entirely different. You cannot make more than one decision at a time regarding a certain event or problem. You need to decide what is ultimately important or what is most important. That is the way we make a decision. You are required to look at all the options that are available to you and pick the best option for now.

A choice requires you to look at two options. A decision requires you to simplify it to just one. A choice requires you to look over two options carefully to see which one you will pick. A decision requires you to look at everything in that category and see what is most important. An example of this is that a judge does not make a choice in a trial. A judge makes a decision. He collects all the evidence and weighs it out in his mind. Than he makes a decision, he doesn't choose. When a judge is determining whether someone is innocent or guilty, he doesn't choose between them, he makes a decision as to whether or not someone is guilty or innocent. There was no choice made by the judge, a decision was made.

Let's say you are trying to make a choice between eating a chocolate chip cookie and an oatmeal cookie. If your choice is not made on the decision on how healthfully you will eat, than the choices will be random and not always in your best interest. If your decision was to eat in a more healthful way than you might choose the oatmeal cookie. You might choose not to eat either one as a result of your decision to eat in a more healthful way. You actually cannot make the best choice until you have made the best decision. Once you have made the right decision or the best decision for yourself, choices become more appropriate for you.

You really can't choose happiness until you make the decision to be happy. Your decision to be happy supercedes all else and directs your ability to choose happiness. If you have not decided on happiness as a decision than your emotions will decide for you. They will choose how you will react in a given situation. You will not have the power to make choices, but your emotions will. Life is always forcing you to make choices, and that is where your problems are created. Life doesn't force you to make decisions. It is only when you make your own decisions in life that you're meaning and purpose can emerge. Many people do not know what their meaning and purpose in life is. This is because they have not made a decision on what is most important in their life. Once you realize that happiness is more important than anything else, than your authentic meaning and purpose can be realized.

Once you make a decision -- choices are much easier to make. You could say that choices become less perplexing as a result of having made a decision. For example, ordering a meal from a menu can be easier and simpler once you understand what your decision is regarding what you should consume.

How you think -- will determine what you decide. When it comes to living your life, make the decision to be happy. Life will bombard you with choices that you cannot make as consciously as you could if you made a decision to be happy. This is because the decision to be happy carries you forward to an understanding of what is good for you and also what is best for others. Your decision to be happy enables you to do what is best for others as well. If is not good for us than it is probably not good for anyone else either. Making a decision is by far the most powerful thing you can do. We all value being decisive. We feel that when people can make a decision they are able to think for themselves and show leadership for others by being in charge of their own thinking.

Until you make a decision you really won't know if it is a good one or a bad one. This is because once you have made a decision and you follow it for awhile, and test drive it. This is the way you find out if it is a good one, or one that can be improved, or one that you need to drop.

Decisions affect your life, your health, and they affect ever aspect of your being. They are the most powerful things you can cause to set into motion for your well being. You will always have to make choices; you cannot chose once and for all. Make the right decision once and for all and it will positively affect you for the rest of your life. Happiness is a decision so make it now!

Published in the Fairfield Citizen-News July 20, 2005

BE HAPPY ZONE
By Lionel Ketchian

Life is complicated, happiness is simple!

Happiness Empowerment to You! LIVE RICHLY...PRACTICE HAPPINESS!

Sharing Love, Peace and Happiness with you,
Lionel Ketchian

Reminding you to make the "Happiness Decision." Giving you our Happiness Club Meeting dates, The Happiness Show, on television and on the Internet, the newest 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 beginning of this newsletter you can read the latest article called: Happiness Is A Decision!

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on." - Franklin D. Roosevelt

Think Smart, Look Smart, Be Smart...Be Happy!

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between 2 "wolves" inside us all.

One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy,sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather:

"Which wolf wins?" The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Dorothy George from Texas

"No one lives forever; therefore, death is in not the issue. Life is. Death is not a failure. Not choosing to take on the challenge of life is." - Dr. Bernie S. Siegel

Just wanted to send a quick thank-you for sharing your happiness at the last Happiness Club Meeting. I would have sent this sooner but I was so "in the moments" of being happy that this is my first opportunity.

After I left the group that night, I was so energized with the Power of Happiness. So many positive, happy-making moments have taken place in less than 24 hours and I am totally confident that as long as I continue with my DECISION to be happy, lots more will occur.

The drive home gave me a chance to see one of the most beautiful moons ever, draped with clouds and lighting up the sound with moonlight. Today I awoke and took your suggestion to recommit to my decision and I'm sure you can guess what kind of day I had.

Thanks so much to adding to my joy. I look forward to next month's meeting. Until then, I plan to act on a quote I made up based on your talk last night..."Decide to be happy & then choose accordingly."

Happily... Michelle McGuire

I am continuing with my daily decision to be happy. As you have no doubt experienced yourself, wonderful things continue to happen and I am relishing them in the moment.

Last Friday, I went to the library and checked out five books focused on happiness. I couldn't find Your Best Life Now! I learned the reason later when I succeeded in my search. Having not heard the name before Thursday's meeting, I was looking under the wrong spelling of the name (i.e. Ohlstein and other versions.) I went to Barnes and Noble and voila I learned the spelling is Osteen. What a terrific book!

On Sunday, I surfed television programming and got to see Joel Osteen speak. Talk about "That which we focus on expands" (Not sure who quoted this. I think it was Plato or Nietzsche.) Thanks again for adding new dimension to a journey I've been on since I was a child. That being the pursuit of happiness and in its abundant forms.

As far as printing my e-mail, I'd be honored. One of my greatest joys comes from any opportunity to brighten someone's day and if you think my message could have such an effect, I couldn't be happier than to share.

Still decidedly happy... Michelle

You can never get enough of what you don't need to make you happy. - Eric Hoffer

Psychologist Robert Emmons of the University of California at Davis conducted studies demonstrating that making a list each day of the people and events for which you are grateful increases your happiness.

It was a wonderful day filming The Happiness Show with you and George Ortega. The TV shows were great! Tell George how much I enjoyed meeting both of you. I am glad that you came into my life! Stay in touch. We should think about doing a tele-class together

First of all, a big thank-you for all you do in running the club. Increasing my happiness has been an issue for many years and I try hard not to miss a meeting.

I am nearing the end of reading the Richard Carlson book, Shortcut to Therapy, that you recommended. I'm sensing that staying in the present moment is the cornerstone to Carlson's idea of how to stay happy. Avoiding rehashing the past or worrying about the future. Also tapping into ones wisdom, what wisdom is and the distinction between wisdom and intelligence seems to be an important issue. In the month's that I have been involved with the club, we have touched on staying in the present moment numerous times. It just occurred to me that if you view these two items as huge factors in being happy, they might each warrant being the basis for a monthly meeting and be explored in detail. As a relative newcomer, maybe you have already done this.

I see you have a couple great programs lined up. Just some thoughts for something in the fall. Again, many thanks for your generous efforts, Ralph

Dear Ralph,

Thanks so very much for your insightful e-mail message. Over the years I have done a few presentations about happiness and the present moment. I think you are so right about concentrating on the present moment for future meetings.

Thank you so much Ralph for letting me know.

I will make it a point to include this for an upcoming meeting.

Sharing Love, Peace and Happiness with you,
Lionel Ketchian
Happ-E-Quote :)

"Material success may result in the accumulation of possessions: but only spiritual success will enable you to enjoy them." -- Nido Qubein

I recently had a story I read on Empowering Messages. Earlier this week A gentleman called me from Jerusalem to thank me for the story. I live in New Jersey, USA. It was Rabbi Zelig Pliskin calling. It floored me. He seems like a remarkable man. Tell me more about the Happiness Club.

You can hear me read the window waving story.

Read the Window Waving story that caused Rabbi Pliskin to call.

Michael Smith, Fort Lee, NJ

"I am more and more convinced that our happiness or our unhappiness depends far more on the way we meet the events of life than on the nature of those events themselves." - Karl Wilhelm Von Humboldt

Happ-E-Quote :)

Acceptance Lessens Sadness

"Sadness is a negative trait because at the root of sadness is selfishness. Feelings of sadness come from thinking too much about oneself. A sad person thinks: "I should have more than I do. I am missing a lot."

A person who thinks this way should realize that there is no reason why things should be any different than they are (although he would like them to be). That will make it much easier to accept reality.

If something can be changed, try to change it for the better. If it cannot be changed, demanding that things be different makes you needlessly unhappy."

From Rabbi Zelig Pliskin's Gateway to Happiness, page 172.

As always it's a wonderful gift to be able to speak to you. It's very exciting to listen to you refine your ideas about happiness. When you finally deliver the simple version of "Lionel's Universal Theory of Happiness" it really needs to be a book for the masses. Be well my friend, Julian Kalmar

I am very impressed with the work Julian Kalmar is doing to bring happiness to everyone. He has some wonderful information in his happiness newsletters.

Dear Aymee,

Just checking in to tell you that I have been happy every day since our last conversation! I am sleeping well, staying calm, not trembling, and even have a neat desk at work. I am finding something wonderful to look at, smell, listen to, taste... every day. Staying focused on doing one thing at a time. leaving work on time... not stressing over trying to get everything done every day. Still reading my "Happy 4 Life" book by Dr. Bob Nozik, a little at a time. Gee, Aymee, this is fun! I can't tell you how grateful I am to you for being the catalyst for this turnaround. it's amazing. I am still planning to come in the weekend of the happiness club meeting.

love to you both,

Gail the Goddess, :-)

"If your happiness depends on what somebody else does, I guess you do have a problem." -
Richard Bach

thanks, Zev Saftla

Watch "The Happiness Show," every Monday night, at 9:30 - 10:00 PM. Your co-hosts are Lionel Ketchian and 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. Watch "The Happiness Show," every Thursday night from 9:00 - 9:30 PM on Cablevision in White Plains, New York on channel 76.

We are proud to present, at no charge, over one hundred 28 minute episodes we've taped so far in streaming audio (for 28.8 Kbps+), streaming video (for 56 Kbps+), and Select episodes in broadband streaming video (for DSL, cable, wireless and satellite) Internet connections.

Our next Happiness Club meeting will be a presentation called:

Join us for our next Happiness Club meeting.

The presentation is "GATEWAY TO HAPPINESS," by Rabbi Zelig Pliskin.

Rabbi Zelig Pliskin is the author of 20 books. He is the author of the book, GATEWAY TO HAPPINESS, which is the best and most comprehensive book about happiness I have read.

Don't miss this valuable meeting. Meet some wonderful people using happiness in their lives.
Date :) Thursday, August 25, 2005

Time :) 7:00 - 8:45 P.M.
Place :) Fairfield Public Library, in the new Rotary Room

Address :) 1080 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824

Thursday, October 20, 2005 - will be at the Fairfield Library

Directions to Fairfield Sullivan Independence Town Hall
1080 Old Post Road, (across from the movie theatre) Fairfield, CT 06824

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 at the corner.

I-95 Southbound Exit 22:

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 at the corner.

Happ-E-Quote :)

Good people are good because they've come to wisdom through failure. We get very little wisdom from success, you know. - William Saroyan

Jane Bradley is President and conducts the meetings.

No meetings for July & August.
Meetings are held at: The Normandy Resource Centre (The Legion),

111, Church Street,

St. Catharines, Ontario.

The time: 700 - 8:30 PM.

This facility is fully accessible. ADMISSION: A smile and always free.

Cheers! Jane

Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling.- Margaret Lee Runbeck

Hello Happiness Club and those who are interested!

I am happy to announce our next meeting is focused on "Happiness in Action!" We will be gathering in Dolores Park (corner of Dolores and 20th near the circle of palm trees) on Sunday, August 28th from 3:00 - 5:00 P.M. Our topic of this month’s happiness club is Random Acts of Kindness. Since we are action focused this month please come on time so you can fully participate in the festivities and wear comfortable shoes.

If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to email me.

Please RSVP because it helps Aymee & Bob prepare.

Meetings are free, hope to see you! Thank you!

Happily, Aymee

p.s. Did you know there is a Random Acts of Kindness Foundation?

Our mailing list and your name is never sold, traded, or given to anyone outside of our organization. You can smile about that!

To be removed from this Happ-E-Newsletter reply with "Remove" in the subject line.

"Don't let go of the vine." - John Weissmuller, from the film, Tarzan.
Life is full of opportunities. Go For It! Carpe diem!

© Copyright 2005, Lionel R. Ketchian, all rights reserved.