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“Happiness Is a Decision.” — A Recognized Quotation

I am honored to share that my quote, “Happiness is a decision.” — by Lionel R. Ketchian — was published in the The Oxford Dictionary of American Quotations (Second Edition, 2006), appearing on page 303 under Happiness.

This respected reference work included the quote with sources from:

My book, Food for Thought (1989)
A feature article published in The New York Times on April 17, 2005

To have these simple yet powerful words included in such a distinguished publication is deeply meaningful. The message is clear and timeless: happiness is not something we wait for, chase, or hope will happen. It is a decision we make.

For decades, I have shared this principle with individuals, organizations, and communities:
We do not merely choose between happiness and unhappiness — we decide to create happiness, regardless of circumstances.

I remain grateful that this idea continues to reach people around the world and serve as a reminder that happiness is available now — through decision.

Love us,
Lionel R. Ketchian

Watch: THS 79. Happiness Decision by Lionel Ketchian - YouTube

"And there were always choices to make. Every day, every hour, offered the opportunity to make a decision, a decision which determine whether you would or would not submit to those powers which threatened to rob you of your very self, your inner Freedom; which determine whether or not you would become the plaything of circumstance, renouncing freedom and dignity to become molded into the form of the typical inmate."

"...in the final analysis it becomes clear that the sort of person the prisoner became was the result of an inner decision, and not the result of camp influences alone. Fundamentally, therefore, any man can, even under such circumstances, decide what will become of him - mentally and spiritually. He may retain his human dignity even in a concentration camp."

- Viktor Frankl from Man's Search For Meaning

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Happy U - Free Classes!

From Choice to Creation: The Happiness Decision!

Happiness is not something you select, it is something you generate.

You're not picking an option, you're creating a new way of being for

the foundation of all your experience.

Lionel Ketchian

Monday, February 16th, 2026

Time: 7:00 to 9:00 PM ET.

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Conference Call Number: 605-472-5758

Enter this access code: 921864#

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Being charged for phone calls?

Avoid charges by calling this

phone number: 716-293-9726

then entering 605-472-5758

then enter code 921864#

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If you have any issues regarding your experience

with the conference reach out to:

Free Conference Call directly at (844) 844-1322

Or email: support@freeconferll.comenceca

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Happy U is the Happiness School of

Continuing Higher Education by Lionel Ketchian

IT’S NOT WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY, IT’S WHAT YOU ALLOW YOURSELF TO LOSE YOUR HAPPINESS TO.

YOU WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONTINUE TO LEARN TO KEEP YOUR HAPPINESS NO MATTER WHAT.

HAPPINESS IS A LANGUAGE YOU CAN LEARN IN ORDER TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOURSELF AND OTHERS.

IT’S ALL ABOUT HAPPINESS!

“Happiness is an inner state of well-being that enables you to profit from your highest thoughts, intelligence, wisdom, awareness, common sense, emotions, health, and spiritual values.” – Lionel Ketchian

YOU CAN BE HAPPY RIGHT NOW AND FOR EVERY MOMENT FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

Being Happy is the most powerful skill you can learn.

Happiness empowers greater insight in each of us to further a collective vision of world peace.

Happiness is power!

Stop giving your power away.

Happiness becomes you!

Your reasons to take part in this course.

You will be better able to:

Become a happier person.
Become a better person.
Improve the management of your emotions.
Become more emotionally competent.
Learn new problem solving tools and techniques.
Eliminate half your problems.
Increase your intelligence.
Feel more positive emotions in your life.
Become resilient.
Learn to heal.
Become peaceful.
Enjoy sustainable happiness for a consistent life.
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POWER LUNCH IN PERSON MEETING

FIRST WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH!

Wednesday, March 4th, 2026

MEET EAT & GREET! Join us for monthly meetings to gather and eat together and discuss tools, techniques and ways to free ourselves from many of life's problems and challenges. We discuss the concepts that will empower you and benefit one another.

First Wednesday each month, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (come when you can, leave when you like.)

Meeting Place: Osaka Hibachi Buffet (Chinese Buffet) 955 Ferry Blvd, Stratford, CT 06614 (The Dock Shopping Center)

www.osakahibachibuffet.com

Cost: $17.00 for lunch and $16.00 for seniors.

Price includes tax and tips.

Happiness Club meets in the party room!

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