Happ-E-Newsletter for November 15, 2005

Welcome My Dearest Friend!

I just received this interesting e-mail:

Dear Lionel, As an Orthodox Jew living in Jerusalem and the daughter of the joy-loving writer Norman Cousins, I was surprised and delighted to come upon Rabbi Zelig Pliskin's "Gateway to Happiness" on your website. I, too, count it as one of my favorite all-time books, one that has most helped me at difficult moments. Wishing you all the best,

Sarah Shapiro

I wrote to Sarah and quoted from her Dad's book The Human Adventure, when Norman Cousins said "All things are possible once enough human beings realize that the whole of the human future is at stake."

Is it any wonder that I love your Dad. Anyone who can conceive of such truth is forever loved by men of peace. I invited Sarah to come and speak to our group. This is Sarah's reply:

I would LOVE to speak about my father to your group. Wow, I bet he'd make a special trip to be there with us. As it stands now, however, there's a technical problem. I'm not due back on the east coast from California until 8 PM the night of DEC. 8th, so that wouldn't give me time to get to Connecticut. I am so sorry not to be able to speak about my father to you and your group. I was already enjoying the prospect tremendously -- it would be like being in his presence again.

My father was the "THAT"S GREEEEEEEEEEEEAAT!" persuasion, as you apparently know. For instance, shortly after one of his heart attacks, I expressed something that conveyed the worry I was feeling, and he said joyfully, and with complete certainty, "I have a GREEEEEEEEAAT heart!"

Please give my best wishes to your group and tell them I'm so looking forward to joining them sometime. My father would have loved the work you're doing.

Sarah Shapiro is the daughter of Norman Cousins who wrote the book, Anatomy of an Illness.

HAPPINESS IS A VOTE FOR FREEDOM!

Did you vote for your freedom today! Yes, I know that this is the day after Election Day, but did you vote for your own freedom today? Every day, every hour and every moment you can cast a vote for yourself. A vote for your own happiness is a vote for your own freedom. When you're happy you make your vote count. In fact by being happy your vote counts for others as well. By being happy they can count on you to make it a better day in every way.

It is amazing how we are ready to vote for others so they can represent us. But when it comes to standing up for ourselves are we letting ourselves down? If you are not for your self than you may be too dependent on others for your happiness. If you are only for yourself than you're not much good for anyone else are you? So we need to take the middle way here and look out for ourselves as well as others. Only a happy person can do that. Being good to others can cause a good person to burn out. If you are a good person and you're not being happy within yourself first and foremost, you will be unable to continue being good or you will find it a real hardship.

Your vote counts…use it, exercise it for your own benefit. Your vote is like making a choice. You can choose something good for yourself or you can choose something that is not as good for yourself. Why not choose the best thing for yourself. If you are not choosing happiness then you are throwing away your votes, your rights and your freedom. By being happy we free ourselves, for the most part, from the circumstances of life. We allow ourselves to deal with life and the problems we each face by being big enough to understand that unhappiness will never solve any of our problems. We begin to understand that by being unhappy, we in fact, make our problems ten times worse.

Thomas Jefferson said, "Happiness is not being pained in body or troubled in mind." By making your Declaration of Happiness you will be stating your independence. If you are unhappy, at the present time, then you are dependent on other people and situations to make you happy. Break free of those chains; proclaim your independence from dependence. Don't be dependent on anything to make you happy. As Robert Louis Stevenson said, "The habit of being happy enables one to be freed, or largely freed, from the domination of outward conditions."

We have voted ourselves more money, bigger houses, newer, faster and better cars but they have not delivered their promise to us. The politics of money convinced us to work long and hard and to give up many important things to get more of it so we can obtain the campaign promise it sold us. The politics of money does not live up to its campaign promise because what we really want from life…is happiness. The only way to get it is to vote for it right now. By choosing to be happy you cast your vote and you make it count.

We have had enough promises and false leadership by others willing to show us the way to happiness. There is no way to happiness; we must make happiness the way! If we are not voting for happiness every chance we get then we are wasting our votes on things that do not count. Happiness is the real reason we do everything we do. Everything we do in life is a means to an end, except being happy which is an end in itself. So why take the long way; let's take the short cut. Life is too short for the long way, and it just keeps getting busier all the time.

The time is now, you're the leader that is needed and you must vote for yourself. Your vote counts…use it always! When it comes to happiness vote early and as often as possible. It is a free country but you must vote for what you want. So don't waste your vote on unhappiness because you already know it can't deliver for you. Only happiness can lead the way and brighten your life as well as others.

What is happiness? Happiness is an inner state of well being. It is a state of well being that enables you to profit from your highest thoughts; wisdom, intelligence, common sense, emotions, health, and spiritual values. Happiness is a positive state of mind, and in many ways happiness cannot be defined because it is an individual reality. Happiness is a state of mental health. Happiness is a state of wealth. Happiness grants you the capacity to satisfy your desires.

Your vote for happiness will never let you down. Your vote for happiness is a vote for your freedom and the freedom of others. It is your right to be happy and do what is best for yourself. Stand up for your freedom! You can count on happiness to deliver the campaign promise of a better life for you and your loved ones. Election or selection, happiness is yours either way but your vote counts!

BE HAPPY ZONE
By Lionel Ketchian

Published in the Fairfield Citizen-News November 9, 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:

"I shall allow no man to belittle my soul by making me hate him." - Booker T. Washington

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

Happ-E-Mail :)

I found the original copy I have of Dr. Robert Muller's book Most Of All They Taught Me Happiness, with his autograph and note to me the other day. It was from 1981...wow! - Dr. Bernie S. Siegel

The human being is such a wonderful, God given instrument!
We can play on it the most moving and beautiful symphonies
or the saddest and most heartbreaking tragedies.

We must train ourselves to play on it joyfully, gratefully,

and justly in order to co - contribute to the overall beauty

and happiness of our planet.

- Dr. Robert Muller

Feeling Follows Action

Those who have internalized a "kindness consciousness" are fortunate. They act and feel in ways that enhance their life and the lives of others. But what about those who don't yet feel "kind?" They should repeatedly do kind acts. Every kind act strengthens one's sense of being a kind person.
(From Rabbi Pliskin's book Kindness)

Happ-E-Mail :)

Today we read in the November 2005 National Geographic that in all countries all those
interviewed for the article The Secrets of Living Longer and many were over 100 were also the
happiest and not one grumpy person was found..so happiness has the pay off of a long life too. I'd like QUALITY versus QUANTITY anytime Lionel....imagine living till you're 100 and
being unhappy the whole time?

I value happiness enough to trade in 30 of those 100 years so I can live 70 happy years rather than 100 unhappy years! Maybe everyone can have a think of their lives...just what would you trade in for more happiness? Maybe less income? A house which is clean 90% of the time rather than 100% of the time? ;-) From anony-mouse ;-)

Happ-E-Mail :)

Love the new web site and the blog. Just read your blog "Unconditional Happiness" and I noticed we are both using the same term, only for different experiences. My definition of Unconditional Happiness is the description for the vibrant, pulsating, energy flowing constantly through me whose emotional component is Happiness, Joy, Bliss, and Ecstasy. This energy is there 24/7 and regardless of what ever "conditions" are happening externally the energy continues blasting happiness and joy. In my world "Unconditional Happiness" is something that is experienced rather than something that is learned. :)

Once again, just a note to tell you I love you and all of the Happiness Club people. You, yours, and your work is precious. My work is on awareness. The more awareness/focus I place on this "unconditional happiness" energy the more it blossoms, filling my mind and body. It changes my consciousness, my every perception. Working with this energy I'm not conditioning my mind to think new ways, instead I'm just dumping what isn't real.

I would like more people to become aware of this energy inside of themselves. It will fill them up like an effervescent fountain, a constant flowing love rush. I would love it if you could let people know about tuning into their own connection to this vibrant energy. There is a new paradigm, a new way of being and I think many of the people like myself will be looking to you for answers. For those people as for myself, bliss is our natural state of being. You can find them by asking the question: "When you let your mind go blank, do you bliss out?"

Thanks! Love you! Sandra Leet

Happ-E-Quote :)

Success is not counted by how high you have climbed but by how many you brought with you. - Wil Rose

Happ-E-Mail :)

This comment from our Happiness Club Blog:

I am happy to discover the meaning of "unconditional happiness." I am unhappy because I have not yet been able to implement it into my mind set. But I guess I am better off than those who are still unaware of it.

"We know nothing of tomorrow, our business is to be good and happy today." -Sydney Smith

Happ-E-Mail :)

"The deadliest business sin is to feed your problems...while starving your opportunities." Cheers! This quote from Kevin Semeniuk

"I have a 'Play The Melody' philosophy. It means don't over-arrange, don't make life difficult. Just play the melody—and do it the simplest way possible." - Jackie Gleason

Happ-E-Mail :)

Just a note to let you know that I am working on a nice project with the elders for November 20th. "Be An Angel Day" and it is also the beginning of the "Sparks Of Happiness Campaign" similar to the Happy Zone campaign. We are going to have so much fun for sure.

A few days ago I was having a conversation with Julian Kalmar and he mentioned the 'certificate of happiness' that you have created on the happinessclub.com website. I was wondering if I could purchase some of the certificates from you for the nursing homes and retirement centers that I am visiting. My idea is to present the certificates after the talk about Happiness, etc.

Many blessings to you and Lionel the new website is just wonderful. It makes a big difference when after having a 'so and so' day we read your website... Sparks of happiness all over.... Thank you for being you and for all the happiness you are spreading and inspiring other to share and live by. Peace be with you! Kathy Ward

Kathy Ward is the Happiness Club's Ambassador of Happiness for Elders

Happ-E-Quote :)

"The days are too short even for love; how can there be enough time for quarreling?" - Margaret Gatty

Happ-E-Mail :)

Thanks to you and your messages, I am doing a lot better. I print out your messages, and give them to those who are interested. It is unfortunate in my life, but 'money' played a large role. 40 years ago (I'm 80 now) a friend gave me a 'bumper sticker' which read" If you don't think money can buy happiness, you don't know where to shop." I bought into the system, and to be able to pay my debts is my happy day. It's tragic, but it's the 'system' fueled by a few. However, after courses in meditation, and other mind controls, I am doing all I can to get a handle on it. My 'hope' springs eternal. I believe only in the mystic called 'God' and the mystery of eternal energy. Your message of happiness rings true, and why not. Thanks, LOve Audrey

Happ-E-Quote :)

"A harvest of peace is produced from a seed of contentment." - American Proverb

Happ-E-Mail :)

Hi. We always look forward to your newsletters. We love your new website- looks great and navigates easier. I will always remember your visit to the Unitarian Society in Orange County, NY. I mentioned the other day that I believed your talk was the best one I ever heard- and that's in 18 years. You are an inspiration to Judy and me.

Your friend in joy and happiness, Howard

Happ-E-Quote :)

"I am happy and content because I think I am." - Alain-Rene Lesage

Laughter

Children on the playground
grass and chuckles abound
playing and laughing free
Adults in the theatre
popcorn and nachos consumed
moments of pleasure
Laughter makes us smile
an adult or a child
big laughs hot or mild
So laugh out loud
happiness abounds
unleash your inner child.

Happy Times/Happy Herald Newspaper
Tel: (561) 394-7466 - Fax: (561) 395-1313
PO Box 7253, Boca Raton, FL 33431
Over 250,000 Readers in 4 Editions

Happ-E-Mail :)

……It’s here. The Thanksgiving Basket Brigade

The time has come again and we have set a date of:

Saturday, November 19th for the Big Basket delivery day.

Please meet us at IMS Inc.

70 Robinson Blvd.

Orange, CT 06477

(203) 795-9047

or please contact me,

Happ-E-Quote :)

"In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich." - Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Happ-E-Mail :)

Randy and I are certainly in your camp when it comes to the importance of Happiness. Lessons from A Course in Miracles say: "God's Will for Me is Perfect Happiness."

"I share God's Will for Happiness for Me." "God, being Love, is also Happiness."

"My Happiness and My Function are One."

Another of our teachers -- Abraham, as channeled by Esther Hicks -- teaches that the most important thing we can do is be aware of how we feel, and strive to feel happy.

Thanks again ...........and stay happy!!! Ron Nelson

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:

"Happiness For You!" by Lionel Ketchian

The 38 minute film "Conversations in Happiness," will be shown.

It is a movie with Dr. Robert & Barbara Muller and Lionel about happiness wisdom.

Conversation and holiday festivities follow!

Please bring some cookies, cake or something to share with others.

Date :) Thursday, December 8, 2005

Time :) 7:00 - 9:00 P.M.
Place :) In the newly renovated Fairfield Public Library, in the Memorial 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, December 8th, 2005
Thursday, January 19th, 2006

Thursday, February 16th, 2006

Directions to Fairfield Public Library
1080 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824
(diagonally across the street from the Community Movie Theatre)

Directions from the west (New York) on Connecticut Turnpike (I-95)

Take Exit 22 (Round Hill Road) Take a right at the bottom of the ramp.
Go straight, under the railroad tracks, take a right at the light onto Post Road (Rt. 1).
Take a left at the first through street, library is on your left at the corner of Post Road and Old Post Road.

Directions from the east (New Haven) on Connecticut Turnpike (I-95)

Take Exit 22 (North Benson Road) Take a left at the bottom of the ramp.
Go straight under thruway and railroad tracks, take a right at the light onto the Post Road.
Take a left at the second through street, library is on your left at the corner of the Post Road and the Old Post Road.

PARKING AT THE LIBRARY
If you are unable to park in the lot behind the Library, there are 56 parking spaces on the Old Post Road. There are 70 more on-street parking spaces within a block of the Library. There are another 62 parking spaces in the municipal lot behind Sherman Green.

Happ-E-Quote :)

"Obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it." - Michael Jordan

California Happiness Club Meeting :)

Next Meeting

Happiness Club Notice for Sunday, November 20th, 2005

Title: Sensual Happiness

Description: Through direct experience we all know that our five senses can give us pleasure: listening to sonorous music; the pungent odor of garlic and onions sizzling in hot butter; watching an eye-popping sunset; the taste of a delectable souffle melting on our tongue; and, of course, the delight of a lover's soft touch. But can we go beyond temporary pleasure and use our senses for promoting and deepening enduring happiness? Aymee Coget and Bob Nozik will lead this month's meeting for how, and even if we can use our senses for fostering true happiness.

Location: One Taste Urban Retreat Center www.onetastesf.com
Date & Time: Sunday, November 20th, 2005 from 1-4pm
Registration: On site or pre-register with One Taste 415 .503.1100 or info@onetastesf.com
Cost: Donation based ( we paid a total of $61 for the location)

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!

Make the Happiness Decision Now!

This can be the best day for the rest of the "Best Of Your Life!"

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

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