 Happiness is a Choice
 to read Art Berg's Daily Thought
to take The Relationship Mechanic Test
to hear Make It Happen!
If you want happiness for an hour-take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day-go fishing.
If you want happiness for a month-take a vacation.
If you want happiness for a year-inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetme-help someone else.
- Chinese Proverb
Are you happy? Do you remember a time when you were happy? Are you pursuing happiness today?
In a poll taken in Asian countries, parents were asked what they wanted most for their children. Overwhelmingly, the response was that they wanted their children to be successful. In America, parents were asked a similar question. Universally, American parents expressed a desire for their children to be happy. People everywhere seem to be in search for the holy grail of the 90's--happiness. Unfortunately, for many, the dream appears to be impossible.
Many have sought a variety of sources for their feelings of happiness. Some have put their heart and effort into their work. Too many have turned to drugs, alcohol and promiscuity. Untold numbers have looked for it in the possession of expensive cars, exotic vacation homes, and other popular "toys." Most of their efforts have a root in one common denominator: people are looking for a lasting source of happiness.
Unfortunately, I believe that happiness evades many because they misconstrue the process and journey of finding it. I have heard many people say that, "I'll be happy when I get my new promotion." Or, "I'll be happy when I lose that extra 20 pounds." And, "I'll be happy when the kids go back to school." The list goes on and on. You probably have a few of your own you could add if you wanted.
This thinking is dangerous because it presupposes that happiness is a "response" to having, being or doing something. In life, we all experience stimulus and response. Stimulus is when a dog barks at you and bares his teeth. Response is when your heart beats faster, your palms get sweaty and you prepare to run. Today, some people think that an expensive car is stimulus. Happiness is a response. A great paying job is stimulus. Happiness is a response. A loving relationship is stimulus. Happiness is a response. This belief leaves us thinking and feeling: "I'll be happy when...."
It has been my finding that actually the opposite is true. I believe that happiness is a stimulus and response is what life brings to those who are truly happy. When we are happy, we tend to have more success in our work. When we are happy, people want to be around us and enjoy loving relationships. When we are happy, we more naturally take better care of our bodies and enjoy good health. Happiness is NOT a response--rather, it is a stimulus.
Happiness is a conscious choice we make every day of our lives. For reasons unknown to me, many choose to be miserable, frustrated and angry most of the time. Happiness is not something that happens to us after we get something we want--we usually get things we want AFTER we choose to be happy.
I have made only one simple rule for my own happiness: Every day above ground is a GOOD day. Consequently, I tend to have a lot of good (and happy) days in succession.
© Art Berg, CSP
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"Be the change you want to see in the world." Gandhi 
"A person's true wealth is the good he or she does in the world." Mohammed (PBUH)
"All things are possible to those who believe." Jesus
"Life is a bridge; enjoy while crossing, but don't build a castle upon it." Upanishads
