Have you ever known someone who always seems to be happy? What’s the secret? Is it something they do, or an innate gift? We talked to several people, in various stages of life, to get their views on happiness. One thing seems clear, happiness is an inside job. Read on to see how others view happiness and where they find it in their lives.
Phyllis Maddix
Retired
Age: 72
DO YOU HAVE A MORNING ROUTINE THAT HELPS YOU GET STARTED?
I have my coffee and I have a Bible app on my phone where they read a scripture and talk about what that means to them.
DO YOU HAVE A TECHNIQUE TO CHANGE YOUR MOOD?
I’ll put on some music and dance. I like oldies from the 60s and 70s. Sometimes I think it’s healthy to have a pity party. I don’t do that often, but when I do, I make it worth my while.
WHAT ACTIVITIES DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE HAPPY ONES?
I like to read. If I have a really good book, that makes me happy. I like a novel that makes me think. I can get lost in a book.
DO YOU COUNT ON OTHER PEOPLE TO MAKE YOU HAPPY?
No. I’m the only one that can make me happy. I love being around my kids and my grandkids.
IS HAPPINESS A GOAL OR A BYPRODUCT OF SOMETHING ELSE?
I think it’s a byproduct. Living your life and having God in your life is number one.
Joyce Jennings
President of Queen’s Daughters (volunteer)
Uber driver
Hosts-Global
Age: 72
HAVE A MORNING ROUTINE THAT HELPS YOU GET STARTED?
A cup and a half of coffee, and I do always eat breakfast, either egg and toast or granola cereal.
DO YOU HAVE A TECHNIQUE TO CHANGE YOUR MOOD?
HOW DO YOU GET PAST BAD NEWS?
I hop in the car and start Ubering. Helping other people and being with people is what makes me feel better. I feel Uber is a public service I get paid for. I’ve been doing it for seven years and I absolutely love it.
WHAT ACTIVITIES DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE HAPPY ONES?
Going to Broadway shows, the Louisville Orchestra–I like the performing arts.
DO YOU COUNT ON OTHER PEOPLE TO MAKE YOU HAPPY?
No. My kids are grown and gone. I make my own happiness. I have girlfriends and we play cards once a week, Canasta. I look forward to that.
IS HAPPINESS A GOAL OR A BYPRODUCT OF SOMETHING ELSE?
I think it’s more of a byproduct. I don’t have a goal to get happy every day. The Archbishop says something like, I might not always be happy, but I’m always fulfilled.
By Cheryl Stuck
P.S. If you missed part one in this series, check it out here: The Steps We Take To Be Happy! (Part 1 of 2).
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