Forgetting to Be Happy

[Tiramisu]

Forgetting to Be Happy

We live in an era where information is power. People who have the
ability to quickly assimilate data and knowledge are able to manipulate
people and events to their own ends.

As a result, we are obsessed with the procurement and hoarding of
information. Devices like the mobile phone, the PDA, and the PC are
indispensable in helping us retain information. We delight in our
efficient storage of daily reminders, phone numbers, addresses, progress
reports, meeting minutes, discussion agendas, schedules, birthdates,
anniversaries, appointments, and other data, but most people still find
their lives empty.

Why?

Well, perhaps they’ve forgotten to store the most important reminder of
all – to be happy.

Hmmm? Forgetting to be happy?

“How is that possible?” some may ask. “One is happy when one is happy.
Happiness doesn’t need reminding. I know I’m happy when. when I’m not
unhappy!”

But happiness doesn’t mean an absence of unhappiness.

Too many things in life can make us unhappy – missing the bus, getting
our expensive leather shoes wet in the rain, falling ill during a
vacation, losing our phone, paying too much for something, or our date
stands us up. There is no sense in putting off happiness until we’ve
eliminated all the things that make us unhappy.

Happiness is a choice, an emotion we can consciously activate regardless
of how miserable and frustrating the day may seem. Reminding yourself to
be happy may not solve your problems, but it sure makes you feel a whole
lot better! A heart full of joy will probably find life’s downs easier
to bear and to rise from.

So remind yourself constantly to find joy in little things – smile
often, be generous with your compliments, share jokes, help a colleague,
pet an animal, treat someone to a meal, laugh heartily, and be thankful
for your capacity to appreciate life and all its gifts.

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