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 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.
Bob Mueller
Bishop of The United Catholic Church
Retired from Hosparus Health
Author of Weddings – Love, Beauty and Laughter
Age: 75
DO YOU HAVE A MORNING ROUTINE THAT HELPS YOU GET STARTED?
I usually meditate for about 15 minutes in the morning to get centered.
DO YOU HAVE A TECHNIQUE TO CHANGE YOUR MOOD?
First, I try not to overreact. Having worked with Hosparus, I’m used to being around a lot of tough news. Sometimes it helps to talk to my wife. She’s a great sounding board. Sometimes, I drive and that helps. Meditation helps to stop and think before I shoot my mouth off.
WHAT ACTIVITIES DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE HAPPY ONES?
I try to play piano every day, not for any excellence, but just for the fun of it. And, I love watching sports. My prayer life helps too.
DO YOU COUNT ON OTHER PEOPLE TO MAKE YOU HAPPY?
I draw energy from other people. I go out and meet a friend or have lunch with somebody. I try to be grateful; take things for gratitude instead of for granted. I have to stay busy and have a purpose.
IS HAPPINESS A GOAL OR A BYPRODUCT OF SOMETHING ELSE?
I try to have happiness from within. You can’t always create happiness. Some people try to make it a goal and they end up feeling like something is missing.
Joyce Milby
Authorization Reimbursement Coordinator At Trilogy Health Services
AGE: 58
DO YOU HAVE A MORNING ROUTINE THAT HELPS YOU GET STARTED?
I’m happier when I start my day with prayer.
DO YOU HAVE A TECHNIQUE TO CHANGE YOUR MOOD?
Walking outside when possible. I’ll take Toby, my dog and go about a half a mile. Sometimes we’ll go to a nearby park and walk by the creek and the flowers. If it’s bad weather and I’m in a bad mood, I’ll usually go to sleep. If I’m stressed about something, sleep is my escape.
WHAT ACTIVITIES DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE HAPPY ONES?
Playing with my grandbaby is the best one. When he’s over, I live more in the moment.
Sometimes I’ll go to the nursing home and help others. I find satisfaction in that. They just want somebody to acknowledge them and to be heard.
DO YOU COUNT ON OTHER PEOPLE TO MAKE YOU HAPPY?
No. I like to have people around, but I don’t depend on them to make me happy.
IS HAPPINESS A GOAL OR A BYPRODUCT OF SOMETHING ELSE?
It’s a goal. I have a family history of depression, so I try to make happiness a goal.
Jamey Aebersold
Musician and Owner of Jazzbooks.com
Anti-smoking advocate
AGE – 83
DO YOU HAVE A MORNING ROUTINE THAT HELPS YOU GET STARTED?
First, I put fresh water in my sleep apnea machine. Then I put a half a glass of water in the microwave for 44 seconds and squeeze half a lemon in it because I heard it cleans out your gut and makes you feel better. I have breakfast, and check email.
DO YOU HAVE A TECHNIQUE TO CHANGE YOUR MOOD?
I try to be a very positive person. I read a lot of spiritual things and go through about three newspapers a day and read a lot on the internet. I try to not get down. If you don’t go down, then you don’t have to come back up.
WHAT ACTIVITIES DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE HAPPY ONES?
I’m an avid nonsmoker and I spend a lot of money on billboards and books that help people quit and encourage them to never start.
DO YOU COUNT ON OTHER PEOPLE TO MAKE YOU HAPPY?
It’s up to each person to make their own happiness and their own health. I’ve never been a smoker, or drinker, or on drugs, so I feel fortunate to never have to rely on those things to be happy.
By Cheryl Stuck
P.S. Read about the art of being content here.
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