Happ-E-Newsletter for December 15, 2006

Welcome My Dear Friend!

My wish for you, your friends and family is to have a Happy Holiday and a bright shinning, Healthy and Happy New Year! Love, Lionel

Robert Louis Stevenson, lived with debilitating illness and yet was a happy person that really understood happiness. The following is one of my favorite quotes on happiness. He said: "The habit of being happy enables one to be freed, or largely freed, from domination of outside conditions."

When we begin to break free of outer conditions we can become powerful beings because we become loving, peaceful, happy beings that can decide what we want in life. As Henry van Dyke said: "Happiness is inward, and not outward; and so, it does not depend on what we have, but on what we are."

Your Keys To Happiness

The main key to happiness is to realize that being happy is the most important thing you can do and you have everything you need to be happy! Unlock your happiness potential by using any of the 40 keys to happiness.

#1 The first key to happiness is understanding your own mind and learn to control it. # 2 You always hold the key to happiness. It is in your mind, not in your hand. # 3 Your attitude will determine your altitude. As Abraham Lincoln once said, "Most people are as happy as they make up their minds to be." # 4 To be happy, you need a relaxed mind. # 5 Live in the present, for it is the only moment you have. # 6 Keep your attention on what is here and now in every moment. # 7 Don't struggle against things. # 8 Accept everything that happens to you totally. # 9 After you accept it, let it go. # 10 Happiness is an inner state of well being. Focus some of your attention on your inner state. #11 Happiness is freedom, so do not seek external approval from others. #12 Happiness is power. #13 When you get angry realize that you are giving your power away. #14 When you find yourself reacting to anything, take a moment, do nothing and look within and realize you can respond to the situation using happiness as power to work for you. #15 Give up judging people. Don't take things personally because then you cut yourself off from your own wisdom to being happy. #16 Your happiness affects your health. Your happiness will not only add years to your life, but will add life to your years. #17 Fear is the opposite of happiness. Fear will make you a slave. Happiness will give you freedom. #18 Nothing can make you happy. #19 Happiness is a decision. #20 Once you have made the Happiness Decision you can always choose happiness in every situation. #21 Happiness is a conscious choice. Only a conscious person can choose to be happy. You cannot make the choice you are not aware of. #22 Don't make problems more important that your happiness. When we have a problem, being happy allows us to respond with the best possible choice available to us at the time and this creates the best possible outcome. #23 Make it your business to have friends and people you can learn from in your life. #24 A happy life is a meaningful life. Find meaning in your life. Don't ask others for meaning find it for yourself. No matter how long it takes; it is really worth the effort. #25 Enjoy nature. You are a beautiful part of it and just thinking about a sunset or the waves breaking on the shore, or a view from a mountain top will make a powerful connection. #26 You deserve to be happy. #27 Give yourself permission to be happy! If you can't do that than remember that I am giving you permission to be happy. #28 Just Do It! Happiness takes action; Being Happy is an active state of being. #29 Fake it till you make it! You can't pretend to be happy without becoming happy. #30 If you are grateful for something in your life, you can't be unhappy. #31 Accept yourself, (all of you) it is a genuine key to happiness. #32 Find three things that you are grateful for everyday. Write them down and keep a journal if you want. But think of three things that you have been blessed with before going to sleep every night. #33 Laugh often. Laughter helps you not take yourself too seriously. #34 Don't think too much about the past and don't worry about the future. #35 You are a magnificent creation, you have a special purpose only you can find. #36 Be a genuine giver. Give genuine compliments, give genuine smiles, give of yourself genuinely. #37 Learn from your dog. #38 Be childlike. #39 Be yourself. #40 Be kind.

Old Fezziwig said to Scrooge: "When happiness shows up always find it a comfortable seat." Words from a Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. IT TRULY IS A WONDERFUL LIFE! LOVE AND JOY TO THE WORLD…ESPECIALLY TO YOU!

BE HAPPY ZONE by Lionel Ketchian

Published in the Fairfield Citizen-News on December 13, 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-Mail :) As I was leaving the last Happiness Club meeting, I had a conversation with someone who was very moved by your film, The Happiness Decision. In fact, something major had shifted for them. They were concerned about being able to hold on to what they learned, once they had left the room. They really got what you meant by it being a decision. They had never before thought they had a choice. I can see how rewarding it must be to have touched people's lives so deeply. It must be wonderful to know you have the ability to effect that kind of a shift in perception for someone. Particularly someone who has been in as much pain as they have been. - Karen Heffner

Happ-E-Quote :) "Choices are the hinges of destiny." - Edwin Markham Step

Happ-E-Mail :) I have had a busy but wonderful year. I am off to celebrate my daughter's college graduation. When I first meet you I didn't know how I was going to survive without her, but I did it in a grand way. It was with your help that I knew I could find me again with all my losses. Your happiness club gives people like me a chance to see their lives and choose the path of happiness. For that my dear friend I wish you happiness for the coming year and always reach for the stars. Love, Barbara Rudolph

Happ-E-Quote :) "To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness." Dr. Robert Muller

Shainbaum, BARRY SHAINBAUM PRODUCTIONS, Toronto, Canada (416) 362-8028
Professional photographer, speaker, and author of "Hope & Heroes." Radio talk show host of "Perspectives with Barry Shainbaum" on Faith FM, 94.3 FM, Kitchener, Ont.

Happ-E-Quote :) "To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness." Dr. Robert Muller

Happ-E-Quote :) "To be happy is easy enough if we give ourselves, forgive others, and live with thanksgiving." - Joseph Fort Newton (1880-1950) Cleric and writer

Happy-Book :) You Can Do More Than You Think. Try to think of instances when you originally thought you would be unable to do something, but in fact were able to do it. This can teach you that your feeling that something is impossible, does not necessarily mean it is truly not possible.

From Rabbi Zelig Pliskin’s book: Gateway to Happiness, p.376.

Happ-E-Mail :) I have watched many of the Happiness Shows online. I wish you and George would continue with them, but I understand. This is a great service that you are doing for our country and our world. Please never give up your mission. I plan to purchase some of Rabbi Zelig Pliskin's books for Christmas gifts. That will be one of my small contributions to spread happiness this year. It really takes practice for some of us to remember to be happy and be grateful. Peace and Happiness, Vic

Happ-E-Quote :) "Outer circumstances don't need so much effort to be changed but the inner lethargy is centuries old. The unconsciousness is so primitive, its roots are so deep, that it needs a total determination on your part, a tremendous determination, a commitment, a deep involvement. You have to risk all. Unless that happens it is impossible to change yourself, you will remain the same." - Osho

Happ-E-Mail :) Great 'sermon' on acceptance in the last newsletter. Acceptance it how happy people deal with those unhappy events that we all encounter. As you point out, acceptance allows us to deal with all that without losing our happiness. Great and soooo important; good for you. I'm sure you've already thought of this but if you simply collect all of the 'sermons' you've written, you will soon have the makings of an excellent book. It would be very helpful for everyone and be uniquely you. Well, enjoy the holiday season, and I know you are. With much love and happiness, Brother Bob (Dr. Bob Nozik)

Happ-E-Quote :) "The U.S. Constitution doesn't guarantee happiness, only the pursuit of it. You have to catch up with it yourself." - Benjamin Franklin

Happ-E-Quote :) "I teach one thing and one thing only, suffering and the end of suffering." - The Buddha

Happ-E-Mail :) A don Miguel quote " We are born with the right to be happy, with the right to enjoy life. We are not here to suffer. Whoever wants to suffer is welcome to suffer, but we don't have to suffer." I want bumper stickers that say "Misery is Optional." Happy Light Filled Holidays to you! Love, Gene Banks

Happ-E-Quote :) "In one hand I have a dream, and in the other I have an obstacle. Tell me, which one grabs your attention?" - Henry Parks

Happ-E-Mail :) On August 30th, 2006 at 4:20 PM my soul mate and wife Linda’s spirit left her body while she was in my arms after visiting her almost daily for three and a half months in the hospital. In her younger years we used to swim together in the San Francisco Bay. Her spirit was so strong that she made a round trip swim from San Francisco to and around Alcatraz and back. She was as hard as a rock, yet as gentle as new fallen snow. In her last years I had the privilege to help her battle MS. Linda left with a smile on her face. Linda bravely learned many lessons without complaining on her journey and taught me several life times of lessons of which I am eternally grateful.

Happ-E-Quote :) "If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. - Booker T. Washington

Happ-E-Quote :) "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference." - Reinhold Niebuhr

Happ-E-Mail :) This morning, at about 4:00 AM, it occurred to me that happiness is not really a choice until you totally and unconditionally love yourself. You agree that you can't give away anything you don't own. So if you don't totally and unconditionally love yourself you can't be happy. What we may call happiness is to choose to see an event or circumstance as a benefit to your advantage. Therefore the Golden Rule should not be Love Your Neighbor As Yourself" it should be "Love Yourself So You Can Love Your Neighbor." Sid Madwed

Happ-E-Quote :) "It is no longer correct to regard higher education solely as a privilege. It is a basic right in today's world." - Norman Cousins

Happ-E-Quote :) "Knowledge is happiness, because to have knowledge--broad, deep knowledge--is to know true ends from false, and lofty things from low." - Helen Keller (1880-1968)

Happ-E-Mail :) Does anyone know of a happy group down in Miami Beach Florida. I am moving there and thought it might be a great way to meet people. - Ellen

Happ-E-Quote :) "Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace." - Dalai Lama

Happ-E-Mail :) Do you know if there is a happiness group in my area? Willaimsport PA 17701. Thanks, Vic

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

Friends...Who let us be exactly as we are, Who cheer us on to be our best, Who support us when we're down, Who encourage us to reach out higher and higher, Who laugh with us, Who cry with us, Who share our joys and our sorrows, Who are present with us, On our journeys through life.

Happ-E-Quote :) "If I don't have wisdom, I can teach you only ignorance." - Leo F. Buscaqlia

Our next Happiness Club meeting

Date :) Thursday, January 18, 2007

Time :) 7:00 - 10:00 P.M.
Place :) At the Fairfield Public Library, in the Memorial 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: Holiday Gathering on Thursday, February 15th, Thursday, March 22nd, 2007

WESTPORT, CONNECTICUT SMILING SINGLE SENIORS HAPPINESS CLUB :)

Stay happy and healthy - get well connected. Stacy Enyeart is the group facilitator. For further information, www.happinessclub.com or call Lionel Ketchian at 203 258-7777. Future meetings will be held on Thursday, January 25, Thursday, February 22, Thursday, March 29, 2007, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Westport Senior Center, 21 Imperial Ave., Westport CT 06880.

NEW! - MADISON CONNECTICUT HAPPINESS CLUB :)

Our next meeting will be a "Round table discussion on happiness."

Date :) Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Time :) 7:00 - 9:00 P.M.
Place :) At the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library

Address :) 801 Boston Post Road, Madison, Ct. 06443

Meetings are held on the last Wednesday of each month except for December 20, 2006.

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. We mistakenly think that doing this will make us happy. The truth is that we have given others power over ourselves. We can now consciously reclaim our power and experience happiness. Happiness does wonders for your soul. Now is the time to learn to use happiness for dealing with challenges and difficult people so you can empower your life. 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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"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! THAT'S ALL FOLKS...NOW BE HAPPY!

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