Happiness...

"The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself." -- Benjamin Franklin


The pursuit of happiness is one of the fundamental values of our nation. The Declaration of Independence states that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”


How do you exercise your right to happiness? Happiness is within your control.

What Is Happiness?
What does it mean to be happy? Happiness is defined by positive emotions such as pleasure, contentment, joy and satisfaction This doesn’t mean that happy people are always happy, but it does mean that they are happy more often than not. Almost half of your personal happiness is within your control!

Positive Thinking
Your attitude plays a huge part in how you look at life, how you see things around you and how you handle different situations. Although you can’t always control what happens, you can control your attitude toward life events. 


Stop a bad day in its tracks. Just because you woke up on the wrong side of the bed doesn’t mean your entire day is ruined. Make an effort to change the course of your day early and don’t let a few bad moments spoil the rest of the day. And remember, when things aren’t going well, tomorrow is a brand new day.


Develop positive friendships. It’s difficult to maintain a positive attitude when your friends or co-workers have negative ones. The company you keep influences your attitude.


Be good to yourself. You can be your own best friend or your own worst enemy. Make sure you eat well and get enough rest. Stress and bad health habits are enough to give anyone a bad attitude.


Look at the bigger picture. One of the best ways to improve your attitude is to take a reality check. Is your life really so bad? Take a good look around you and chances are you’ll gain a new-found appreciation for the things you have. Look at all the things you can be grateful for and your attitude will change for the better.


Ask for a helping hand. If you’re trying to improve your attitude and outlook on life, ask a friend or family member to tell you when you’re slipping back into your negative habits. A gentle reminder to look on the bright side may be all you need.


I don't remember where I found this, but I think it is spot on, Just Say'in :o)