C'mon Get Happy!

C'mon Get Happy!


I consider myself to be a generally happy person. Sometimes that happiness is expressed more when I get to partake and experience others accomplishments, such as being in attendance and support of Oakwood University's graduation over the weekend.  My level of happiness is also heightened by doing that which I enjoy the most, creating a peaceful, warm, environment, that can be enjoyed in solitude or shared with others; making an unexpectedly delicious cuppa of tea that transports across the globe. I gain another level of happiness by spending quality time with family, friends and loved ones.  And I most certainly enjoy doing what I'm doing now: writing! All of the above  brings me joy and heightens my level of internal happiness. 

Likewise, I have moments when my level of happiness is impeded by life circumstances, that come at me like a curve ball, and I was never good at softball, so I do what comes naturally, run and hope to make it SAFE to the next base. Other impediments to happiness is limitation of time and resources or life events in general.  In the United States especially, but not exclusively, we are worker bees, never really consistently making time for that which we dream of or that we are most passionate. We too like Japan, have a society of Karoshi (working ourselves to death) and all for material, worldly gain.

This form of a poem expresses it best!

• I have a roof over my head and a well-controlled comfortable climate, and yet I find reason to complain. And there are many without shelter who  are exposed to the unpredictable elements and natural disasters, and they have peace.

• I have a healthy abundance of friends, family and loved ones who care for me, and yet I don’t have time to spend with them as I wish. Then there are many who share their love and their little with neighbors, orphans wandering the street or the homeless. They make time for that which is important to them that give them joy.
• I work endless hours in pursuit of economical and humanitarian happiness.  And in the process, I seem to loose the essence of my purpose.  When there are many who find pleasure in the simpler things of life, that creates balance, tranquility and happiness.

In my travels, I've experienced countries, and cultures whereby happiness is their main course, and not an appetizer or enticement of a side dish, as in the U.S.  These countries and cultures do not resemble US in any way. First, they are generally third world countries. Secondly, their families live together or in very close proximity of each other; thereby creating a solid system of support and fellowship. I've seen, particularly in countries like Ghana, Haiti, Kenya and others, that even with earnings of less than $1 USD per day, the people are happy. How I define happy may vary from many, but the underlying theme would  most certainly be a great sense of peace, joy and satisfaction.

The country of Bhutan has placed happiness above their Gross Natural Product (GNP). They've made it their priority as the Gross National Happiness. Talking about leadership that matters and that is sustainable!  Their culture, customs, and lands are being persevered in the process. Ok, let me focus as to avoid the tangent that I was going to jump from.

Happiness seems to really be more about prioritizing. Make clear that which is your purpose and purpose to make it happen! Now that's DA Art of Living!

Enjoy the two links below: one a song by the Partridge family, reminding us to "Get Happy" and the other a very relevant documentary entitled "Happy". Please make time for the later, if not for the first.

C'mon Get Happy!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvgzNEPhYQA

http://www.hulu.com/watch/483434

Simply Lady Dana

May 2013 (c)