Pursuit of Happiness

It may sound trivial or facetious, but it's not - I have decided to be happy for the rest of my life - no matter what.

The epiphany - that its better to be happy, didn't occur to me under a tree, a la Buddha or Isaac Newton, nor in a Bath Tub, as it did to Archimedes. It occurred to me as I lay in bed couple nights ago, waiting for sleep to take over and reset my train (yeah! train not trains, Single Track of Mind) of thoughts - why not be Happy?!! It sure sounds like a better state of mind than others.

It's not that my life is perfect - far from it - but then it wouldn't be real life if it adhered strictly to an impeccable scheme of perfection. And sure enough - I do have a few reasons to be happy alongside others not to be happy. In balance I think its equally likely to find happiness in life as not. Taking my cue from the American Constitution - "... pursuit of life, liberty and happiness.." (paraphrasing) I choose happiness.

Psychology experts, Philosophers and founders of religions have had various explanations and recipes for achieving happiness - from utterly simple to insanely complicated. But I figured that being happy ought to be as simple as believing that you are happy. And here is my layman's 10-point recipe for happiness:

1. Imagine - that you ARE happy. (if this sounds silly smile at your silliness)

2. Smile - It Leads and your mood follows. Its also infectious (no vaccine needed).

3. Laugh - aloud and shake off all your hurt, anger, self-pity and self-doubt.

4. Love - yourself, others around you, in fact the whole world.

5. Live - every passing moment to the fullest and be aware of it.

6. Give - for its own sake, expecting nothing back.

7. Open - your heart, mind and soul and let life and light in.

8. Accept - some things as given, especially hurtful, negative things.

9. Believe - in happiness and your ability to be happy.

10. Feel - Every little joy to the depths of your being.

Make someone else happy - it grows by sharing.

If this sounds rather kitschy - then yeah it is. But hey! if it makes you smile or laugh at its silliness, you are already on step 2. Go for it!! ;-)