Happ-E-Newsletter for October 15, 2005

Because unhappiness costs too much!

Philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras who lived from 580 B.C. to 500 B.C had said: "Learn to be silent. Let your quiet mind listen and absorb."

Dr. Deepak Chopra who is not as old as Pythagoras said,

"In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you."

UNHAPPINESS IS A CHOICE!

It is hard to think that our being unhappy is a choice, isn't it?

There are several reasons for this.

1) We believe that if we are not being unhappy, than that means we are happy, or people will think we are happy about what has happened.

I am not making a judgement about whether it is either good or bad to be happy or unhappy. Just understand that it is just a choice you make. The more you understand why you make these choices the more freedom you can experience in your life. We all have a right to be happy. Exercising that right seems to be the problem that most people have.

We choose our emotions by the beliefs we possess. Or should I say by the beliefs we allow to possess us. You alone decide your emotional state. Most people believe that if something bad happens to them, or someone they love, to remain happy would be mean they don't care about what happened. In fact we feel that if we don't become unhappy someone will be able to prove we don't care.

We feel that if something bad happens to us, and we do not become unhappy then we must be crazy or something. The truth is that it is crazy to become unhappy. Becoming unhappy because things happen that are out of our control is as crazy as being unhappy that the weather is not what we want. Most of the time things are not going to go the way we want them to go. If we become unhappy because things are not happening the way we want them to go then we will be unhappy most of the time. We will not only dislike the things that we have no control over but we will allow those things to have complete control of us.

2) We believe it is okay to be unhappy.

Most people are unhappy so the majority has the vote, right? So if most people are unhappy than it is okay for you to be unhappy. In fact if you're not like most people than you stand the chance of sticking out like a happy thumb. That would attract a lot of attention, and it just may not be worth being happy over. Most people think you need a reason to be happy, yet they have hordes of reasons why they are not happy. They never run out of reasons for their unhappiness. They justify it all day long to any and everybody they can. After all, it is only natural to be unhappy, right? Everyone else is, so get with the program to be unhappy. Believing that something can make you unhappy; will make you unhappy! This is because you believed it would in the first place. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy!

3) We believe that we should be unhappy.

Take a good look at your beliefs because they will control you. If you believe in being unhappy than it is only natural to become unhappy every chance you get. Believing in it makes it true for you, but not ultimately true. In fact we believe that we are better human beings, more compassionate, understanding and sympathetic by being unhappy. Actually we are more like everyone else when we are unhappy. If makes about as much sense to be unhappy when something does not go well as it does for us to make ourselves sick because things are not going the way we want.

Being happy does not mean we like what is happening to us. Being happy does not mean we like what is happening to us or to someone else for that matter. It means that we realize we are better off being happy. After all; happiness is what we all want. It is the most important thing in our life. It is time to start changing the way we think and the things we believe to be true. We do not have to become unhappy about anything in order to prove we do not agree with it.

Being unhappy is not worth the choice. This includes the death of a loved one, a divorce, a disaster or a mild setback. Whatever the problem is being unhappy only makes it worse. It is not only worse for you but for everyone around you as well. It is time to stop the helplessness we feel from being unhappy. It is time for society to awaken to the power of being happy. It is time for you to decide what is good for you, what is right for you and what is best for you. It is time to make the decision to be happy now! Unhappiness is not a choice for you any longer. Congratulations!!! Well done!!!

Our next Happiness Club meeting will be a presentation called: "HAPPY 4 LIFE!" by Bob Nozik, M.D. Dr. Nozik is an amazing individual and is in charge of the California Happiness Club along with Aymee Coget, M.A.. Bob has studied happiness, and has been happy for the last 19 years and just authored and recently published his book entitled, Happy 4 Life: Here’s How to Do It.

The meeting is Thursday, October 20, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the newly renovated Fairfield Public Library, in the Rotary Room at 1080 Old Post Road, Fairfield. Meet some wonderful people using happiness in their lives. Admission is free; everyone is welcome.

BE HAPPY ZONE
By Lionel Ketchian

Published in the Fairfield Citizen-News October 12, 2005

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 Included, No Assembly Required!

"Lives based on having are less free than lives based either on doing or on being." - William James

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

Happy Gram E-Mail :)

If you would like to receive an e-mail notice as a reminder to you for the Fairfield Happiness Club Meetings, just send me your e-mail and tell me you want a Happy Gram E-Mail.

Happ-E-Mail :)

Words are never good enough to express the smiles on our faces, the happiness in our hearts and the love we feel for you and your efforts for world happiness.

Your October 1st, Happ-E-Newsletter is so beautiful and a perfect tribute to the more than 50 years Robert has worked for a Better World with Happiness being the goal for our humanity and Earth. He said to me after reading it this morning," This should be sent to all the 191 permanent missions at the United Nations." And since we have all their e-mail address we just may do that..

We send you our biggest thanks, a million kisses and during my next smile meditation I will give gratitude for our friend Lionel Ketchian and his work for happiness.

Stay happy, Barbara Muller

Happ-E-Quote :)

"Anything in life that we don't accept will simply make trouble for us until we make peace with it." - Shakti Gawain

Happ-E-Mail :)

Dr. Robert Muller was one of my teachers as I learned the power of understanding, forgiveness and love in the process of healing. Today I know I give myself a gift when I forgive and I thank him for being such a caring teacher.
Bernie Siegel, M.D., author of Love, Medicine & Miricles

Happ-E-Quote :)

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine; but a broken spirit drieth the bones." - Proverbs 17:2

Happ-E-Mail :)

Thank you for the Happ-E-Newsletter dedicated to that giant advocate for human happiness and peace, Dr. Robert Muller. His passions, his body of work, his consistent advocacy for world peace and happiness is unmatched. He was before his time but finally the world is just now catching up with him. I am not surprised to learn of his great faith in forgiveness.

Forgiveness is one thing that happiness scientists and happiness practitioners both agree is a key component of deep, lasting happiness. His words show his deep understanding that forgiveness is primarily for allowing the forgiver to move on and up. It's not bad for the forgiven either, but the forgiver reaps the most. So, once again, doing a kindness impacts both the giver and the receiver.

I am eagerly looking forward to seeing you and speaking to the members of the original Happiness Club in Fairfield on October 20th. In the spirit of peace, forgiveness, love and happiness, Dr. Bob Nozik

Happ-E-Quote :)

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." - Leo Buscaglia

Happ-E-Mail :)

The Jewish New Year has started and I am writing to wish you a great year of happiness. Happiness for yourself and continued success in spreading happiness all over our planet.

Wishing you everything terrific and fantastic.

Love, Rabbi Zelig Pliskin

Happ-E-Quote :)

Courage Is Inner Control.

There are many instances when we will lack the ability to control a situation. Some people feel strong when they feel in control. But they feel overwhelmed when they can't control events.

You always have the ability to control your mental attitude toward what occurs. Courage enables you to maintain an inner sense of empowerment even when you lack the power to control external events.

From Rabbi Pliskin's book, "Courage"

Happ-E-Mail :)

I am so moved by the energy of pure love and wisdom of Dr. Muller. How blessed you are to be working with him and he you. He is the real deal and I do not often see this depth in our world. Of course we are all working towards that, but his purity is unbelievable. Thank you so much for sharing his work and words. May God bless him and you...lots of love, looking forward to running into you soon. lots of love and joy to you, Lisa B.

Happ-E-News:)

Hi! Finally we have finished our documentary

"HOW HAPPY CAN YOU BE?"

I'd like to thank everyone who has helped us!

Thank You!

"How Happy Can You Be?" will be screened by Arte in France and Germany on the 27th of October at 10:14 p.m. Hope you'll enjoy! Unfortunately, I haven't got the dates for the other countries yet.

Sincerely, Line Hatland, Oslo, Norway

Happ-E-Quote :)

"He who fears being conquered is sure of defeat." - Napoleon Bonaparte

Happ-E-Mail :)

Phil and I loved Daryl Hawk's presentation and thank you for having him. His enthusiasm, his interest in the world around him, his sensitivity, his warmth, and his artistic talent were wonderful to experience. His photography transported us to where he traveled. We felt the same way about Rabbi Pliskin. Your meetings get better and better!

Love, Alice

Happ-E-Quote :)

"The greatest griefs are those we cause ourselves." - Sophocles (496-406 B.C.)

Happ-E-Mail :)

I just wanted to share this with you.

Happ-E-Quote :)

"As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live. - Goethe

Happ-E-Mail :)

I woke up this morning and read the article about your club, it is so positive! A wonderful way to live! So here I am, joining this group of positive thinkers and doers. I want to make my life and all the people who's lives I might touch, better! Thank You for your zest of life, and sharing your love of human kind! - Carol

Happ-E-Quote :)

"The only way on earth to multiply happiness is to divide it." - Paul Scherer

Happ-E-Mail :)

Thank you from my heart to yours. I would be delighted to be named Ambassador of Happiness for the Aging. I have been 'doing the job' already for so long.... How beautiful! For me, it is very hard to spend quality time with elders and not to be happy. They are so much
fun and they say the most unexpected things.

A year ago I wrote a letter to Barbara and Robert Muller. In the letter I was suggesting for the UN to create a position "World Goodwill Ambassador For The Elders." I think that an important organization, so meaningful to the world like the United Nations, needs to acknowledge elders and their dreams, lives, contributions, inclusion and participation in our communities, mentorship, etc... Unfortunately the UN does not seem to have or share my vision, yet. But very soon they will... It is called 'EVOLUTION' and it can not be stopped. Like PEACE.

My vision for a World Goodwill Ambassador for Elders is to set new examples and better ways to enjoy the aging process. I see aging as EVOLUTION of the individual. My writings, talks and work is toward WELLNESS AND A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE FOR ELDERS. A happy heart, body, spirit and mind. Inclusion and creativity as a tonic for longevity.

Beyond the human senses and logic, there have always been THE HAPPY HEART and kind ways, the real essences of humanity that have made great progress keeping us together overcoming challenges and difficulties, individually and as a community. As humanity
evolves, we seem to better understand 'aging' the psychology, biology, sociology and spirituality of our elders and its valuable relation with the community. Our perspectives today help us debunk myths and associations of elders and 'disabilities' or elders and retirement,
elders and life satisfaction and happiness, elders and new job opportunities, etc...

When we go back and remember, we usually remember moments not days or weeks. Just moments. I focused on the next best 60 seconds of my life. It helps me to live 'the present' mindfully. It makes me happy.

Thank you for this moment of happiness.
Peace be with you!

Kathy Ward

Happ-E-Quote :)

"Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate." - Albert Schweitzer

Happ-E-Mail :)

or please contact me,

Happ-E-Quote :)

"Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves." - James M. Barrie

The Happiness Show on TV:)

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.

HAPPINESS CLUB MEETING :)

Our next Happiness Club meeting will be a presentation called:

"HAPPY 4 LIFE!" by Bob Nozik, M.D.

Dr. Nozik is an amazing individual and is in charge of the California Happiness Club along with Aymee Coget, M.A.. Bob has studied happiness, and has been happy for the last 19 years and just authored and recently published his book entitled, Happy 4 Life: Here’s How to Do It.

Date :) Thursday, October 20, 2005

Time :) 7:00 - 9:00 P.M.
Place :) Fairfield Public Library, in the new Rotary Room

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

Admission is free; everyone is welcome.

Meet some wonderful people using happiness in their lives.

UPCOMING HAPPINESS CLUB MEETINGS DATES :)
All Meetings will be held at the Fairfield Library

Thursday, November 10, 2005
Thursday, December 8, 2005
Thursday, January 16, 2006

Directions to Fairfield Public Library
1080 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824

(diagonally across the street from the movie theatre)

I-95 Northbound Exit 21:

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 :)

"As soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832)

California Happiness Club Meeting :)

Next Meeting

Date: October 30, 2005
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: 333 First Street 3rd floor in the Activity Room (between Folsom and Harrison)

You can use the Montgomery BART exit.

Hello Happiness Club members and those who are interested!
Guess what?! I have happy news for you!

We are honored to have Dale S. Ironson to lead our meeting on October 30th. Dale is a leadership and management consultant and a member of the Happiness Club. He writes, speaks and teaches about creativity in business, spirit at work, and new dimensions of success in organizations.

He will be speaking about understanding and dealing with your emotions so that you could be happier more often. He will guide us through a discussion and experiential activities that will show us how we can view our emotions as a natural guidance system. This will allow us to learn how to work with those emotions so that they can serve us better. Yet another happiness skill!

Please let Bob or I know you will be attending the meeting, because it helps us prepare.

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

Happily, Aymee

Canadian Ambassador of Happiness :)

Jane Bradley is our Canadian Ambassador of Happiness.

She conducts workshops and deals with the caregiver professions.

Cheers! Jane

Happ-E-Quote :)

"Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

Happiness is one of the most important things in your life. 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 does wonders for your soul. Practice "Premeditated Happiness." Happiness is an issue of power. We give our power to others for many reasons, and we think that they will make us happy. The truth is that we have given others power over ourselves. We can 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!

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

REMOVAL INSTRUCTIONS:

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

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

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

THAT'S ALL FOLKS...NOW BE HAPPY!