Happ-E-Newsletter for May 15, 2006

Welcome My Dearest Friend!

"The good life, as I conceive it, is a happy life. I do not mean that if you are good you will be happy, I mean that if you are happy you will be good." - Bertrand Russell

Don't miss this Thursday's meeting of the

FAIRFIELD CONNECTICUT HAPPINESS CLUB :)

Melissa Zollo has a wonderful presentation and we also have a happiness surprise for you!

You will greet a famous personality at this meeting.

Date :) Thursday, May 18, 2006

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

Place :) At the Fairfield Public Library, in the Memorial Room

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

We can only admit the first 120 people.

No reservations, just come early and get a seat!

Everyone is welcome; admission is free.

Meet some wonderful people using happiness in their lives.

Future meetings at the Fairfield Library will be:

Thursday, June 15, Thursday, July 20, Thursday, August 17, 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.

We have a great program for you! Melissa Zollo will present:

How to Create the Happiness Habit by Changing Old Patterns of Thinking

Melissa Zollo is a designer of mental blueprints, a consultant, and a speaker focused on the Power of Imagination, mental imagery, and the realization of dreams. After a serious and debilitating accident in 1992, she survived and rebuilt her life by revising her health blueprints. Melissa introduces you to your most precious resource and powerful tool -- your imagination. She teaches you how to remain clear and focused on goals when challenged by adversity; and why your feelings are worth a fortune! Ms Zollo is the author of "Discover the Power of Imagination & the Art of Intentional Creation," and many audio programs. Melissa is regularly heard on the radio and is currently a featured guest on "Wealth4u." The website is www.presentmemory.com where Melissa's free newsletter is available.

We have a special surprise for you at this Thursday's meeting!

You have to come to the meeting to find out who the famous personality is for you to greet. I can't tell you any more than that. It is a surprise but I can tell you that this is a meeting worth attending. In fact, if you have not attended a Happiness Club meeting before, this is a great meeting to come to. You should make it a point to get to this meeting.

If you have been to one of our meetings before I want to encourage you to write down the date for this meeting and make every effort to attend. We would love to see a reunion of past Happiness Club friends. So think about showing up and putting in an appearance, okay?

I think it is really a lot of fun to have a surprise like this for you. If I told you who was coming, we would not have enough room for everyone to participate, so we are doing it this way. I think a surprise is a great idea and a really fun way of having someone special at our meeting.

I can tell you that I think every meeting we have is very special, enjoyable and informative. That must be one of the reasons so many of you keep coming back so regularly. I think each and ever one of you is special, whether you come to meetings, read this column or are just interested in being happy. By pursuing the practice of being happy, you are educating yourself in the way of emotional competency.

We all need to laugh a lot more. We need to relax and smell the coffee, roses and everything else that awakens us to life. We need to become more childlike, smile more, simplify our lives and enjoy the good fortune that many times we don't even realize we are blessed with.

As Ralph Marston has said, "What if you gave someone a gift, and they neglected to thank you for it—would you be likely to give them another? Life is the same way. In order to attract more of the blessings that life has to offer, you must truly appreciate what you already have."

When was the last time you did something good for yourself? It's time to start treating yourself better. If you don't think about yourself, you won't be very helpful to others. Kindness starts with the way you treat yourself. Respect for others is just a reflection of your own self-respect. Happiness releases the virtues we all care about. Once you do things with happiness, you release the lightness of being that makes life so much easier and stress free. Happiness also increases the number of good friends you will magnetize towards you.

Life is complicated...happiness is simple! I think our lives have gotten complicated enough. It is time to make life simpler so we can enjoy what we do have. Enjoying what we have requires a better understating of happiness so we know how to manage our thinking and our desires.

Everything we do in life is for the purpose of obtaining happiness. It is time to find the direct route to happiness. If we use happiness first, we can attract many things into our life that we have been struggling to have. Happiness may require a little effort, but certainly no struggle is involved. We experience struggle when we push too hard, want too much and let our emotions take control of our thinking.

Find out how simple, enjoyable, refreshing, gratifying, interesting and lively life can be when you learn to use a little happiness. Happiness will light up your life, and will make you much brighter. See you at our next meeting. You're in for a very special treat! Go ahead…make your day!

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." Sending you Happiness Club Meeting dates, The Happiness Show, on TV & the Internet and the latest happiness information.

"The best things in life aren't things." - Art Buchwald

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

Happ-E-Quote :)

"I'm not one who feels that you have to be brave to be a star, but that your life can be satisfying and happy if you work to make a difference. The point is to make a difference by the way you live your life." - Esther Peterson (1906-1997)

Happ-E-News :)

First lady Laura Bush said: "If your compass remains fixed on others, you will chart your way to happiness,"

Laura Bush challenged the graduating class at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. to participate in Gulf Coast rebuilding efforts, explaining that helping others can bring happiness. The First lady also said: "It doesn't matter what career you're pursuing, before you start a new job or go to grad school, dedicate a vacation to recovery," she said "It will be time well spent."

Laura Bush encouraged students to volunteer their talents anywhere in the world there was a need, specifically mentioning Africa's fight against HIV and AIDS. She acknowledged the efforts of students who have traveled to the Gulf Coast region and abroad to do humanitarian work, and told students it was impossible to ignore things like a tsunami in southeast Asia or the Darfur genocide in Sudan with the abundance of information on television and the Internet.

Happ-E-Quote :)

"The wise person understands that his own happiness must include the happiness of others." - Dennis Weaver

Happ-E-Quote from the Dalai Lama :)

Nor is it so remarkable that our greatest joy should come when we are motivated by concern for others. But that is not all. We find that not only do altruistic actions bring about happiness but they also lessen our experience of suffering. Here I am not suggesting that the individual whose actions are motivated by the wish to bring others' happiness necessarily meets with less misfortune than the one who does not. Sickness, old age, mishaps of one sort or another are the same for us all. But the sufferings which undermine our internal peace -- anxiety, doubt, disappointment -- these things are definitely less. In our concern for others, we worry less about ourselves. When we worry less about ourselves an experience of our own suffering is less intense.

What does this tell us? Firstly, because our every action has a universal dimension, a potential impact on others' happiness, ethics are necessary as a means to ensure that we do not harm others. Secondly, it tells us that genuine happiness consists in those spiritual qualities of love, compassion, patience, tolerance and forgiveness and so on. For it is these which provide both for our happiness and others' happiness.

From the book, Ethics for a New Millennium, by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

Happ-E-Mail :)

Great talking with you last night. It was very good to hear from you. I didn't get to tell you that I have been in a great frame of mind since the previous time we talked. I have focused on not forgetting to make happiness the priority and remembering that it comes from my thoughts. One thing I have noticed recently and shared with my groups is that we have a habit of being unhappy. We get unhappy over so many things without even thinking about it. So I've found that it isn't quite so easy to stay happy ever single moment without ever having a quick slip into some form of unhappiness, usually for me, anger or frustration. I think it is important for people to know that they may not do it perfectly and that it actually does take practice with awareness to make happiness the dominant habit, especially if you are a person that has a habit of unhappiness. - Richard D. Banton, LCSW, facilitator of the Wilmington North Carolina Happiness Club

Happ-E-Quote :)

"No trumpets sound when the important decisions of our life are made. Destiny is made known silently." - Agnes DeMille

Happ-E-Mail :)

Hello from Kazul Style who offers advice and encouragement to individuals as they make important life style decisions. Our goal is to provide pertinent information, and resources, to those making tough choices.

We have selected the Happiness Club web site as an important part of that process and have you listed on the www.kazul.com resource page. A page dedicated to helping good people make good decisions with confidence can be found at www.kazul.com/resources.htm

We hope to help improve the mind, body and spirit of anyone who has the desire and passion to do so. Kazul Style, A healthy, balanced "life style" is the ultimate goal. www.kazul.com

"I Believe Dreams Really Do Come True." Thank You, Kevin Byerly

Happ-E-Quote :)

"If you spend time getting ready to be perfect and do not start out to accomplish your dreams, you will find out later that you could have accomplished your dream if you had just acted." - David DeNotaris

Happ-E-Mail :)

Our friend David sent us this wonderful poem.

Happiness for Today

To accept exactly what is placed in front of us

To act in accordance with our values

To embrace ourselves and others exactly the way they are

To learn from every person

To appreciate whatever we have

To honor and respect other people

To honor and respect ourselves

To savor each breath of life

To savor every moment of time.

Happ-E-Quote :)

"Happiness is not a brilliant climax to years of grim struggle and anxiety. It is a long succession of little decisions simply to be happy in the moment." - J. Donald Walters

Happ-E-Mail :)

Just a quick note about a book reviewed last week in The New York Times Book Review. It is called Stumbling on Happiness by Daniel Gilbert. It appears to be fairly "scientific" and perhaps fairly academic, but the review is worth reading. The Times called the review "The Joy of Delusion." Love, Deanne Mincer

Happ-E-News :)

Happiness Is ...Not as simple as you think, says Dr. Daniel Gilbert,

author of Stumbling on Happiness. Posted Wednesday, May. 03, 2006

Why would an illustrious professor of psychology at Harvard decide to study a Hallmark subject like happiness? That’s a no-brainer for Dr. Daniel Gilbert, the author of Stumbling on Happiness by Knopf Publishers, is a fascinating new book that explores our sometimes misguided attempts to find happiness. "Why would anybody study anything else?" asks Gilbert. "Something close to 100% of all human behavior is directed in one way or the other towards attaining happiness. In some sense, this is the goal of most of our actions. So it seems like the obvious thing for a psychologist to study."

Gilbert spoke with TIME senior reporter Andrea Sachs: Is the desire for happiness wired into our psyche? I would go further than that. I'd say the phrase "desire for happiness" is redundant, because it’s what desire means. What could it mean to desire something except to believe that it will increase your happiness? That’s why it seems odd if somebody says, " desire a punch in the mouth." We can't figure out why they would desire it. A punch in the mouth doesn't lead to happiness, so how could you really want it?

Read the entire article, Click here: TIME.com: Happiness Is ... -- Page 1

Happ-E-Quote :)

"Every life has its dark and cheerful hours. Happiness comes from choosing which to remember." - Author unknown

Happ-E-Book :)

Defuse Your Anger Messages

Simply telling yourself, "I should not be angry right now," will usually not calm you. Moreover, if you lose your temper and tell yourself you shouldn't be angry, you are apt to feel excessive anxiety and guilt in addition to the anger. Rather, try to be aware of what specifically is making you angry. (For example, "It's awful that he is talking to me this way.") Once you give up those anger-causing self-statements, you will feel less anger.

Challenge your self-statements that lead to anger. ("Why is it so awful if he talks to me this way? I might not enjoy it, but I will not take it to heart.") Once you perceive someone's behavior or words in a positive or even neutral light, you will not be angry. ("He's speaking to me that way because he cares about me and wants me to improve." Or, "He's talking this way because he is personally upset.")

From Rabbi Pliskin's book:: Gateway to Happiness, p. 199

See more Daily Lifts on "anger"

The book, Gateway to Happiness is available at: www.Eichlers.com

The Happiness Show on TV:)

Watch "The Happiness Show," every Monday night, from 9:30 - 10:00 PM. Your co-hosts are Lionel Ketchian and George Ortega. Cablevision of Connecticut broadcasts the TV show in six towns on 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.

Happ-E-Quote :)

"Do the thing you believe in. Do the best you can in the place where you are and be kind." - Scott Nearing (1883-1983) Activist and conservationist

BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT BRIDGE HOUSE HAPPINESS CLUB :)

The Happiness Club at Bridge House meets every Tuesday from 12:00 - 1:00 PM for a happy meal and a happy hour meeting!

Phyllis Freeman, MS is the group facilitator. Phyllis e-mail: intake@bridgehousect.org

Bridge House is a Clubhouse which is modeled on the Fountain House model of psychiatric rehabilitation. The men and women who attend assist with the running of the program, which helps to restore their sense of purpose,dignity and self worth. The members also work at part time jobs, with staff providing intensive supports. New employers are always welcome! In addition,case management, social events, residential supports, and educational opportunities are provided. The program is open 365 days a year, and is about to celebrate their 20th year of helping it's members realize their potential as valued members of the community.

WESTPORT, CONNECTICUT SMILING SINGLE SENIORS HAPPINESS CLUB :)

Our next meeting is Monday, May 22nd, from 7:00 - 8:30 PM at the Westport Public Library. Located at: Arnold Bernhard Plaza, 20 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880.

The Westport Public Library is located along the Saugatuck River in Westport, Connecticut.

Future meetings will be on Mondays as follows:

Monday, June 26th, July 24th

Smiling Senior Singles is a group for seniors who have found themselves alone. Many people, who live in the area, have found themselves without any family. This can be difficult, so it is important to find friends you can relate to. Meet some wonderful people and start using happiness in your life.

Stacy Enyeart is the group facilitator. Stacy has a background in publishing, advertising, TV producing and is President of the AARP of Westport/Weston Chapter.

For more information, call Lionel Ketchian at 203 258-7777, or e-mail PrintLRK@aol.com

SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA HAPPINESS CLUB MEETING :)

It is that happy time of the month again when happiness comes a knockin’!

Back by popular demand, we will be holding our happiness meeting in Dolores Park!

Date: Sunday May 28, 2006

Time: 3:00 - 5:00 PM

Meeting Location: We will gather at the circle of palm trees on the corner of Dolores and 22nd street. What better way to spend Memorial Day Sunday than happy and having fun in the park!

GUESS WHAT?!

One of the top methods to help you increase your happiness is by performing random acts of kindness! We will be discussing and having an experiential exercise that will teach us exactly how to use this skill to help us live happier lives. You can even bring your out of town guests! "Happy Warning," we will be walking around so please wear comfortable shoes.

Let us know if you are interested in attending because it helps us to prepare the optimal happy experience for you. p.s. if is it raining that day, unfortunately we will have to cancel. Sending lots of happiness your way, Aymee & Bob

Robert Nozik, M.D. is the author of Happy 4 Life: Here’s How to Do It.

Dr. Nozik’s e-mail: PollyannaN@aol.com phone:925 939-8655

Aymee Coget, M.A. is an Organizational Psychology Ph.D. student at Alliant International University, San Francisco, CA. Aymee's e-mail address is positiveleadership@yahoo.com

LAFAYETTE CALIFORNIA SENIOR HAPPINESS CLUB MEETING :)

Lafayette Senior Center

We had our first meeting on April 27th, and our second meeting was on May 11th.

Our next meeting will be Thursday, June 8th, from 10:30 - 12:00 Noon.

Robert Nozik, M.D with co-hosts Mei Sun Li and Diane Wilt leaders of the Senior Center.

Interested in coming to our happiness club meetings? Call the senior center at: (925) 284-5457 or e-mail either Mei Sun at: msl@lovelafayette.org or Diane at dwilt@lovelafayette.org

Happ-E-Quote :)

"Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself." - Leo Tolstoy

WILMINGTON NORTH CAROLINA HAPPINESS CLUB :)

We had our first meeting on Tuesday, April 25th!

The Happiness Club Of North Carolina in Wilmington meets on the last Tuesday of each the month at 7:00 PM. The next meeting is May 30th. The club will initially be a free one hour discussion/seminar on a topic pertaining to happiness.

Richard D. Banton, LCSW, Happiness Institute, Positive Alternative Counseling 4608 Cedar Ave., Suite 114, Wilmington, NC 28403 Bus: 910-262-8855 Fax: 866-365-1878, Richard's e-mail: rbanton@ec.rr.com

MARYLAND AMBASSADOR OF HAPPINESS FOR ELDERS :)

Kathy J. Ward, MA, ADC, CTRS, President, WEL, World Elder Land™ and ERT, Elder Recreation Therapy, a Therapeutic Recreation Consultant. She is National Assisted Living Administrator Certified a Board Member. Kathy is the author of Journal For A Better Life.

Kathy's phone: (240) 393-5456, e-mail: Connection@KathyJWard.com

Web: elderrecreationtherapy.com For 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

CANADIAN AMBASSADOR OF HAPPINESS :)

Jane Bradley conducts workshops for the caregiver professions. For information call: 905-684-6242, e-mail: happinessclubniagara@yahoo.ca

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 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 is one of the most important things in your life.

Don't give away your power by being unhappy! Practice "Premeditated Happiness," because 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 now take our power back in order to be happy again. Happiness does wonders for your soul. 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!

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If you're not happy by now, it's time to have a talk with yourself.

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