"One of the things I learned the hard way was that it doesn't pay to get discouraged. Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself." - Lucille Ball

I have been telling you for years that the Happiness Decision is the best thing you can do for yourself. One reason for this is that being happy puts you in a better state of mind to solve problems. I found this out when I began being happy. I had no idea that by staying happy in spite of having a problem, I would be in a better mental position to solve problems, to come up with better choices with which to deal with them.

I was driving my car this past Sunday evening and listening to the John Tesh Radio Show. He always has great features that provide you with the best "Intelligence for Your Life," as he calls it. So John says, "The next time you have to make a big decision or come up with creative solution - have someone tell you a joke first! It'll help." Then he goes to a break and plays some music. John had me hooked, so I stayed tuned to hear what he had to say about this.

When he continued talking about this subject, he said, "The next time you have to make a big decision or come up with creative solution - have someone tell you a joke first! It'll help. That's the conclusion of Psychology Professor Alice Isen from Cornell University. She found that being in a good mood can help you make better decisions and solve problems more creatively - she calls it "positive affect." "So why does 'positive affect' work? It works because when you're in a good mood, the parts of your brain that have dopamine receptors are activated. Dopamine is basically a pleasure chemical in your brain, which activates the regions responsible for thinking, reasoning and memory. It's a happy cycle. You feel good, come up with more creative ideas or the right answer, and that makes you even happier.

So, the next time you're mulling over a big decision, or need to find a solution, look at puppies, have someone compliment you, or watch your favorite sitcom. You'll live happily ever after."

I was so taken with this information that I called Psychology Professor Alice Isen at her office at Cornell University in Ithaca NY. I told her that I heard about her work on the John Tesh Radio show. I learned from Alice that she has written over 70 articles about "positive affect." I have made the professor a member of our Happiness Club and she now receives our Happiness Newsletter.

Daniel Goleman, the author of the book: Emotional Intelligence said: "Even mild mood changes can sway thinking. In making plans or decisions people in good moods have a perceptual bias that leads them to be more expansive and positive in their thinking. By the same token, being in a foul mood biases memory in a negative direction, making us more likely to contract into a fearful, overly cautious decision. Emotions out of control impede the intellect."

If you come in on the tail end of a story, or didn't have time to write down the name of a book or link that John mentioned on the show, you can look it up on his website. Nearly everything John's ever mentioned on the show is archived and can be found there. You can find the most recent intelligence, sorted by category in the menu on the left. Or, if you remember a name or phrase, try using the search page.

I want to congratulate John Tesh for the wonderful job he does on his radio show. John is truly bringing you "Intelligence for Your Life." Happiness is Emotional Intelligence, learn all you can about managing your life.

Our next Happiness Club meeting will be Thursday, July 20, from 7:00 - 9:00 P.M. at the Fairfield Public Library, in the Rotary Room at 1080 Old Post Road, Fairfield. The presentation will be "Learned Optimism: The Key to a Happier Life," by Dr. Cynthia Barnett. Why learn Optimism? People who are optimistic live longer, healthier, happier lives and achieve more. Furthermore, studies show that optimism is a skill that can be taught and learned.

Dr. Cynthia Barnett was featured in Time magazine for their article about women in mid-life who have reinvented themselves. Dr. Barnett is a graduate of the Authentic Happiness Coaching Program facilitated by Marty E.P Seligman, Ph.D., a professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a leading motivational expert and an authority on the happiness factor and learned helplessness. Certified Facilitator of the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People and certified as a Self-Esteem Facilitator by Jack Canfield, co- author of the best selling Chicken Soup for the Soul books.

Meet some wonderful people using happiness in their lives. Admission is free; everyone is welcome. For further information call Lionel Ketchian at 203 258-7777.

BE HAPPY ZONE by Lionel Ketchian

Published in the Fairfield Citizen-News - July 12, 2006

Life is complicated, happiness is simple!

LIVE RICHLY...PRACTICE HAPPINESS!

Everything we do in life is for the purpose of obtaining happiness!

Happiness Empowerment to You!

Reminding you to make the "Happiness Decision."

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

Sharing Love, Peace and Happiness with you,
Lionel Ketchian

Happ-E-Quote :)
"The most influential person who will talk to you all day is you, so you should be very careful about what you say to you!" - Zig Ziglar

Happ-E-Mail :)
From Rabbi Zelig Pliskin

I was very happy to read about the influence of your asking people to write their ten most important things. Happiness is definitely way up there and is the essence of the vast majority of things that people want. Much love always, Zelig

Happ-E-Quote :)
"Live for something--Do good, and leave behind you a monument of virtue that the storms of time can never destroy." - Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847) Theologian and philanthropist

Happ-E-Poem :)
This poem sent us from our friend David.

Dear Child

You must walk and run
You must shout and play
These are the paths you take
They are the breath of fresh air
They are the smiles of joy and happiness.

There is an old saying: "The past is no more, the future is not yet, and the present is as fleeting as the blink of an eye." The present is the only reality and it is exceedingly short. Being aware of this can make it easier for you to live a virtuous life. You need do the right thing for only a short time -- that is, the present moments, which fly by exceedingly fast.

From Rabbi Pliskin's new book: Gateway to Happiness, p.144

"Welcome every morning with a smile. Look on the new day as another special gift from your Creator, Another golden opportunity to complete what you were unable to finish yesterday." - Og Mandino

From Tony Derbyshire

"Regardless of who you are or what you have been, you can be what you want to be." - W. Clement Stone

Happ-E-Quote :)
"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared." - Buddha

"Happiness is not a destination. It is a method of life." - Burton Hillis

Happ-E-Quote :)
"The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts." - Marcus A. Antoninus

Happ-E-Quote :)
"I make the most of all that comes And the least of all that goes." - Sara Teasdale, "The Philosopher"

There is so much bad news in the world. How about a website that concentrates on the good things happening, good news, happy news! Happy News has 'all the news that's fun to print,' 'real news, compelling stories, always positive!' The stories are categorized for finding just the article you need to bring that bright spot into your day – International, National, Heroes, Health, Opinion & Editorials, Science & Technology, Environment, Arts & Entertainment, Sports, Busines/Money as well as the essays from the 'Are You Optimistic about the Futures?' contest. As one reviewer states, "The Happynews glass is always at least half-full, and sometimes it bubbles right over." Come browse and fill your own glass!

The Happiness Show on TV:)
"The Happiness Show," is on 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 on channel 77. Airs in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Milford, Orange, Stratford & Woodbridge.

Happ-E-Quote :)
"Watch you manner of speech if you wish to develop a peaceful state of mind. Start each day by affirming peaceful, contented and happy attitudes and your days will tend to be pleasant and successful." - Rev. Norman Vincent Peale

"Learned Optimism: The Key to a Happier Life," by Dr. Cynthia Barnett

Why learn Optimism? People who are optimistic live longer, healthier, happier lives and achieve more. Furthermore, studies show that optimism is a skill that can be taught and learned.

Date :) Thursday, July 20, 2006

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

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

Everyone is welcome; admission is free.

Meet some wonderful people using happiness in their lives.

Future meetings at the Fairfield Library will be:

August 17, Thursday, September 21, Oct 12, 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 Rd. Left at bottom of ramp. Under railroad overpass make right at light (Post Rd.), 1/2 mile on left at the corner.

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

Bridge House is located at 880 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06605 and 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 just celebrated their 20th year of helping it's members realize their potential as valued members of the community.

Our next meeting is Monday, July 24th

Time 7:00 - 8:30 PM at the Westport Public Library.

Rev. Dr. David Harper will present a talk on "Finding Happiness!"

Located at: Arnold Bernhard Plaza, 20 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880.

Library is located along the Saugatuck River in Westport.

Future meetings once a month.

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.

"I don't know what the big deal is about old age. Old people who shine from the inside look 10 to 20 years younger." - Dolly Parton

Date: One Sunday per month. Time: 3:00 - 5:00 PM

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

Our meetings are held from 10:30 - 12:00 Noon. Call for dates.

We meet at the Lafayette Senior Center, 500 St. Mary's Road.

Robert Nozik, M.D with co-hosts Mei Sun Li and Alysa Anderson

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 July 25th. The club will initially be a free one hour discussion/seminar on a topic pertaining to happiness.

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.

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!

Our mailing list is never sold or given to anyone. You can smile about that!

If you no longer wish to receive this Happ-E-Newsletter, reply with "Remove" in the subject line.

"Unhappiness is a form of suffering." Eckhart Tolle

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

Make the Happiness Decision Now!

© Copyright 2006, Lionel R. Ketchian, all rights reserved.