Happ-E-Newsletter for February 1, 2006

Welcome My Dearest Friend!

We have a great ongoing discussion on our blog: "Are You Happy?"

Dr. Bob Nozik and I are having a back and forth dialogue about the question. You can join us! Dr. Nozik runs the California Happiness Club and is the author of the book Happy 4 Life. It really is a lot of fun and a good way for people to become more knowledgeable about happiness.

A New Happiness Club called the Smiling Single Seniors!

Great news for you if you are a senior, have no family in the area and want to be happy!

The first meeting of the Smiling Single Seniors Group will be held on: Monday, February 27 at 7:00 - 8:30 pm at the Westport Public Library at: Arnold Bernhard Plaza, 20 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880. The Westport Public Library is located along the Saugatuck River in Westport, Connecticut.

Oprah Winfrey has said: " The thing you fear most has no power. Your fear of it is what has the power. Facing the truth really will set you free."

We have another new Happiness Club!

The Happiness Club Of North Carolina in Wilmington, will be meeting on the last Tuesday of each the month at 7:00 PM.

Richard D. Banton, LCSW is calling it the Happiness Institute.

"Rejoicing generates good will. The next time you go out in the world, you might try this practice: directing your attention to people—in their cars, on the sidewalk, talking on their cell phones—just wish for them all to be happy and well. Without knowing anything about them, they can become very real, by regarding each of them personally and rejoicing in the comforts and pleasures that come their way. Each of us has this soft spot: a capacity for love and tenderness. But if we don't encourage it, we can get pretty stubborn about remaining sour.

I have a friend who, when he begins getting depressed and withdrawn, goes to a nearby park and does this practice for everyone who walks by. He finds this pulls him out of the slump before it’s too late. The tricky part is getting out of the house, instead of giving in to the seduction of gloom."

From the book: "No Time to Lose" by Pema Chodron

A NEW HAPPINESS CLUB

I would like to announce the creation of a new Happiness Club, which will be called the Smiling Senior Singles. This group will be holding meetings that are in addition to our regular monthly Happiness Club meetings.

Smiling Senior Singles will be a group for seniors who have found themselves alone. They may be seniors who have no family in the area to visit and spend time with. Many people who have lived in the area or have moved here, have found themselves with no family. This can be difficult during holidays when most people have relatives they can spend time visiting.

The Smiling Senior Singles will hold monthly meetings in the area. The purpose of this group is to create the opportunity for seniors, that are alone, to find other friendly and interesting people to connect with. The club is basically a discussion group. Participating in discussions is a great way to get to know other people. Speakers on various subjects like happiness, plus other topics of interest will also be presented to seniors present.

The group will have socials and other events that members consider to be of interest to them. Joint socials with the Happiness Club, like the yearly Happiness Holiday Party social will take place. This will be a great way to feel connected and make friends with other people, rather than just staying home and watching television. What a wonderful opportunity to share with others. This will be a great chance to grow with a supportive connection to others who really understand how you feel.

The meetings location is still being arranged, and will be in the Fairfield County area. It will be held in a familiar, comfortable location in Fairfield, Westport or Norwalk. The meetings will be held every month during the hours of 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

The great news is that Stacey Enyeart will be the facilitator of the Smiling Senior Singles group. She has a background in publishing, advertising, TV producing and is President of the AARP of Westport/Weston Chapter and is presently writing a book on the WWII home front.

Stacey and I have had a few exciting meetings and her enthusiasm is contagious. If the Smiling Senior Singles sounds like a good group for you, maybe you should check into it and see what it can do for you and with you! Why not meet some wonderful people using happiness in their lives?

As Samuel Johnson stated: "That kind of life is most happy which affords us most opportunities of gaining our own self-esteem."

BE HAPPY ZONE
By Lionel Ketchian

Published in the Fairfield Citizen-News January 25, 2006

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: A NEW HAPPINESS CLUB

"In the long run men hit only what they aim at." - Henry David Thoreau

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

"We either make ourselves happy or miserable. The amount of work is the same." - Carlos Castaneda

I usually explain that Happiness is an experience. We all (or almost all) know what it's like from having happy and joyful experiences. In Gateway to Happiness the only footnote I have is that you can define concepts. But experiences must be experienced subjectively.

The team that wins the Superbowl this Sunday will be happy. The fans of that team will be happy also, especially if they live in the city that won. The team that loses will not be happy, unless they have totally mastered happiness.

That would be a great Seminar: "How to be happy even if the team you wanted to win the Superbowl lost!" As the great Johnny U. used to say after a lose: "It's only a game." A Superbowl thought: My thoughts on mastering joy with every sports victory: Root for the human beings who won the game. So after each game of any sport you will always feel joy. Fellow human beings on planet earth won the game. Be happy for their happiness.

May you be joyful regardless which team wins the game. All the best always, Zelig

(from Rabbi Zelig Pliskin)

How are you? My name is Sophia. I happen to do a school assignment by searching on website on "how to find a way towards happiness and enhancing your personal life." I came across your website. I like it a lot, especially your happiness formula. I wonder if you have any happiness club down here in NC? I will like to be a member of this Happiness Club. If you can direct me a way, I will love to go join this club in NC. Thanks for your time! Sophia

Do not feel any less self-esteem or become upset if other people speak or act condescendingly to you. The Sages have said that the honored person is the one who honors others. The converse applies: Who is a lowly person? One who tries to lower others.

Being an honored person is dependent on your behavior towards others and not on other people's behavior toward you. Why feel any lack of self-worth just because someone acts disrespectfully to you? Keep focused on your behavior toward others. When someone does not treat you with respect, it is his problem - not yours.

From Rabbi Pliskin's book: Gateway to Happiness, p.128)

Happ-E-Mail :)

you might like this link.....

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=email_us&refer=columnist_lynn&sid=anJY91p9Jh4Q#

happy reading :-)

Thanks for the link to the article about: Money Doesn't Buy Happiness -- But Nothing Does, by Matthew Lynn

To take one quote from the article: "Economists have been paying more attention to happiness for a good reason. They have noticed that the world keeps getting richer. Yet, it doesn't appear to be getting much happier." This is an interesting thought and one that I have felt is true. I am glad other people are starting to see it as well.

"If you want to be successful, find someone who has achieved the results you want and copy what they do and you'll achieve the same results." - Anthony Robbins

Happ-E-Mail :)

I have always read you articles in the Citizen. The Option Method article last week caught my attention. I am the supervisor of our Hostage Negotiation team and am always looking for information and concepts to help with negotiations. After all, in our business we often times meet people who are on the opposite side of the spectrum from where happiness is. We obviously employ methods in dealing with people in crisis and when I read the option method, I thought how that could be employed in our work. I do travel quite a bit speaking on topics such as hostage negotiation and I am interested in how our two interests can cross.

I was planning on attending the meeting last night at the library however I was detained at another meeting. Anyway I look forward to discussing things with you further.

Lt Gary MacNamara
Administration Division
Fairfield Police Department

"As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being." - Carl G. Jung (1875-1961) Psychiatrist

In a recent paper, Andrew Clark, professor at the PSE Ecole Normale Superieure in Paris, argued that unhappiness is a much more widespread condition than was previously thought. It isn't just the pursuit of material wealth that isn't making us happy. Just about everything seems to make us miserable.

Yet maybe that isn't as downbeat a conclusion as it may appear. What the economists have discovered, in a roundabout way, is that the journey satisfies us, not the destination. Economists have been paying more attention to happiness for a good reason. They have noticed that the world keeps getting richer. Yet, it doesn't appear to be getting much happier.

"People who live well are experts at giving. They give their money; they give their time. They share their wisdom and their skills. They quickly say yes when asked to help. For them...to give is to love and to love is to live. It's a formula for a successful life." - Steve Goodier

Happ-E-Book:)

I Don't Want to be Your Guru, But I Have Something to Say.

Here are some quotes from the book:

"When someone has something they perceive as negative happen, a great deal of thought or focus is placed on it–in some cases, for the rest of the person’s life. Someone we think of as negative, focuses only on the things they perceive as ‘wrong’ in their life. Very little focus or attention, or playback time, goes toward the good things.

Yup. With all that focus on the negative, they wonder why most of their life is the same–and why they’re not happy." "If all of us understood that what we focus on not only keeps us in that spot or that energy field, but also pulls more of the same to us...Bill, if we really understood that, I wonder what we would choose?"

One of the things I've included in my material is that underneath struggle is a belief...usually, that something should not be the way it is. Our perceptions, assumptions, and limiting beliefs lead us into all sorts of conflict--inner and outer. We can choose, at any moment, to make a different choice. One that will create the outcomes we want, even if just to change our attitude about something. All the best, Joyce

Dear Joyce,

If people realized that their beliefs and judgements are leading them into unhappiness, wouldn't that lead them to realizing happiness? It has for me and many others. You are doing exactly what people need to do. Look within themselves for how they respond to things.

I think the work you are dong is really good. Thanks Joyce!

Love, Lionel

Happ-E-Book:)

"It is a proven fact: when we help others, we help ourselves. One of the best workouts for your soul, and a surefire way to add greater meaning in your life, is to become involved in a good cause or a charitable organization. The first step is to get up and get yourself moving. When you move, it literally changes your body chemistry. Studies have shown that antidepressant-type chemicals are created in your body when you walk and exercise. In addition, volunteers live longer, healthier lives."

From the new book: 101 Exercises for the Soul : Divine Workout Plan for Body, Mind, and Spirit by Dr. Bernie S. Siegel "

"The greater part of human pain is unnecessary. It is self-created as long as the unobserved mind runs your life." - Eckhart Tolle

Happ-E-Mail :)

You Meant the World to Me.

Your presence gave me joy
When I saw you, I felt renewed
When I knew you better, I knew myself better
I felt the oneness with you.

From, David

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others." - Marcus Cicero

Happ-E-Mail :)

I enjoy your newsletters very much. Your comments stop and make you think, which is good. I'm only wishing that your meetings were held closer to my home which happens to be in Canton, Michigan located on the outskirts of Detroit. I'm still happy though because I'm fortunate enough to receive your newsletters. Keep up the happy work and all will be well. Happiness is contagious.

"The simple act of admitting you don't know an answer, at present, activates your inner wisdom and guidance. By simply being willing to wait for inspiration, you virtually guarantee that it will come." - Richard Carlson, Ph.D.

Happ-E-Mail :)

This e-mail is from Kathy J. Ward who is our Ambassador of Happiness For Elders.

A couple of weeks ago my doctors found a small ball of mercury between my brain and left eye. The surgery is scheduled for February 1st at 7:00 a.m. EST.

Your prayers as a source of good healing energy are most welcome, happily. ;-) Peace be with you always! Catalina

I think it is most wonderful that Kathy writes happiness poetry for all of us when she could use some loving thoughts and prayers in her life. Kathy is a powerful example of love, healing and happiness for all of us! Let's keep her in our thoughts and prayers.

Then their are the beautiful words of Maya Angelou, who said: "I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how 'You' made them Feel"

HEAVEN #1911 Be Happy January 28, 2006

God said:

What prevents you from being happy? Perhaps you have a list of one hundred things. Whatever they are, no matter how big or how small, step over them. They are little ants or buzzing bees. They are not meant to prevent you from happiness.

Whatever your situation, wherever you are, happiness is within your reach. Invite happiness to you. Let the obstacles take their course while you choose your birthright of happiness. Beloved, choose.

Happ-E-Mail :)

Your thoughts on how one feels with impending unhappiness or happiness brought me back to a scenario when we were traveling with my son aged 5 (at that time). We stopped at a hotel with a sign bearing "Happy Hour." My husband and I commented that is great, after a long day. Our son walked through the lobby with us and made a very good point. He said, "if this is a Happy Hour" why doesn't anyone look happy?" My husband and I got a good laugh, anyway. Nancy Glynn, (Queen of Red Hats)

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.

HAPPINESS CLUB MEETING :)

Our next Happiness Club meeting will be a presentation called: "Enjoy a Happy Heart." by Dr. Richard Ellis & Lionel Ketchian.

Date :) Thursday, February 16, 2006

Time :) 7:00 - 9:00 P.M.
Place :) In the newly renovated Fairfield Public Library, in the 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, March 16, 2006

Thursday, April 13, 2006

Happ-E-Quote :)

"The more you recognize and express gratitude for the things you have, the more things you will have to express gratitude for." - Zig Ziglar

California Happiness Club Meeting :)

Please RSVP because it helps us prepare. I hope to see you there! Aymee

Bob Nozik, M.D. and Aymee Coget, M.A., amazing individuals are in charge of running the California Happiness Club. Bob is the author of Happy 4 Life: Here’s How to Do It. Dr. Bob

Happ-E-Quote :)

"Maintaining a positive attitude, no matter what your circumstances, increases the likelihood of your finding future happiness and fulfillment..." - Dr. Bernie S. Siegel

Smiling Single Seniors Happiness Club Meeting :)

Great news for you! The first meeting of the Smiling Single Seniors Group will be held on: Monday, February 27 at 7:00 - 8:30 pm at the Westport Public Library at: Arnold Bernhard Plaza, 20 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880. The Westport Public Library is located along the Saugatuck River in Westport, Connecticut.

Stacey Enyeart is the group facilitator.

Future meetings will be as follows:
Monday, March 27th
Monday, April 24th
Monday, May 22nd
Monday, June 22nd
Monday, July 24th

Free registration, please call the Village Center at 301-656-2797
Open to all community members that have decided to better their quality of life and be happy. Please send inquiries, requests for programs, speaker and consulting services to: Friendship Heights Village Center, 4433 South Park Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815

North Carolina Happiness Club Meeting :)

The Happiness Club Of North Carolina in Wilmington, will be meeting on the last Tuesday of each the month at 7:00 PM.

Richard D. Banton, LCSW is calling it the Happiness Institute.

The club will initially be a free one hour discussion/seminar on a topic pertaining to happiness.

Richard hopes to also start a weekly S.M.A.R.T. recovery group in the near future as well as an alternative to AA. Check out www.smartrecovery.org sometime when you get a chance.

SMART Recovery® is recognized by the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Center for Health Care Evaluation, The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), US Department of Health and Human Services, American Society of Addiction Medicine.
While I will call it that because it’s recognized as a valid alternative to AA, I suspect that many of the meetings will be on happiness as well.

Richard D. Banton, LCSW graduated from West Virginia University with a Master of Social Work in 1998 at age 39. He has held various counseling / psychotherapy positions until April 2004 when Richard started working as a private practitioner. He has three children and two grandchildren.

Happiness Institute, Positive Alternative Counseling

Richard D. Banton, LCSW

4608 Cedar Ave., Suite 114

Wilmington, NC 28403

Bus: 910-262-8855

Fax: 866-365-1878

Canadian Ambassador of Happiness :)

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 that enables you to profit from your highest thoughts, intelligence, wisdom, awareness, common sense, emotions, health, and spiritual values.

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!

NEED A SPEAKER?

Schedule a program with Lionel Ketchian and make your group happy.

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

"If you are going through hell...keep going." - Winston Churchill

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 2006, Lionel R. Ketchian, all rights reserved.