Happiness for Dummies

Are you HAPPY?  I mean really truly, deep down are you happy with how life has turned out for you?  If your answer is “No” or a strong, heartfelt “HECK NO!”, you’re not alone.  In fact, a recent study shows less than 38% of Americans consider themselves happy, while the percentages are even lower in other parts of the world.  So, if your answer to the question was no, not only are you not alone, you’re in the majority.

Now the true question is, do you WANT to be HAPPY?  While it’s natural to answer yes, I have met many people along my journey who genuinely find security in their discontent and misery.  The thought of happiness brings a fear of change or the unknown – they are familiar with unhappiness and it has become their comfort zone.  If they were honest with themselves, they aren’t happy and they don’t want to be happy – so, what should they do? 
Are you happy?
"NO"
Do you want to be happy?
"NO"
THEN KEEP DOING WHATEVER YOU'RE DOING

However, if you are not happy with your current relationships, financial situation, self-image, body, attitude, address, health, hair, or nail polish for Heaven’s sake, CHANGE SOMETHING!  If you’re walking around with orange nail polish after Halloween and you aren’t happy with it, why on Earth would you continue to wear it?  CHANGE IT!  The same applies for your body . . . if you’re not happy in your current pant size, you have to change something to buy new pants.  Change your eating, your exercise, your water intake, your snacking, your sleeping.  Find one thing and change it to get the happiness you are looking for.  One change at a time, YOU WILL CHANGE!  In the middle of a bad day, ask yourself if you want to be happy . . . the choice is yours! 
Are you happy?
"NO"
Do you want to be happy?
"YES"
THEN CHANGE SOMETHING

This little bubble graph of “ARE YOU HAPPY” now hangs on every mirror in my home and the garage door as a reminder to myself, my husband and our children – if we’re not happy and we want to be happy, then all we have to do is change something.  It’s as simple as that – my 9 year old has mastered the change. 

Join the great little minority in wanting to be happy and making the necessary changes to BE HAPPY every day!  The great news is, it’s all up to you, just follow the arrows.