Now for something totally different. Be Happy!

What’s up with this happiness thing?
With all the pressure of trying to find extra ways to make a little extra cash, it is easy to lose focus on the important stuff like trying to be happy. Not expecting being happy is simply not good. A simple smile, or the joy of working toward a personal goal; taking time for yourself, believe it or not happiness actually will help you become a healthier person. Because what good is having money if your miserable? (Oh I know some smart a*s out there has got some cute reply but forget it.) Happy is important.
When you're adding to your to-do list, don't forget the good stuff. Is reading in bed your thing, going out to breakfast, taking long walks, listening to music, or just sitting quietly outside? Make sure some of your favorite diversions happen every day.
May I suggest you could try some of these tactics:
1. Chuck the chores. I’m not saying you should let the Health Department close your home down, but if you can’t take a few minutes for yourself, ditch the chores. Do you really have to color code your sock draw. Take a walk, look at the sun or moon, smile. The world is a remarkable place. Don’t ever lose the wonder.
2.Streach and Flex. Add to your strength, self-esteem and independence, work out at least a little. We all have low-energy days, but sticking with an exercise plan will help you feel good about yourself, and also strengthen your immune system and enhance your body's production of mood-boosting hormones.
3. Drop the stress. To stress or not to stress, that is the question. Lets face it, stress saps the joy out of life. It might be hard to accept that many times we actually choose to stress, we don’t let go of what we can not change. I understand problems are hard to shut out, and those same problems must be dealt with. There is truth in the old stand by of ’take a deep breath’ It actually allows more oxygen to get into your blood stream, resulting in a greater feeling of calm. Try it when you’re stressed and you know there is nothing you can do about it at that particular moment. Don’t take on more troubles than you have to.
4. Share what you know and what you can. Celebrate and share your skills; look through the local newspaper or phone book, is there any school, club, or organization with whom you'd like to volunteer or participate. Not only will sharing your unique talents and expertise benefit others, but it has also been known to make you feel good about yourself. That’s a good thing.
5. Appreciate the people around you. Let your hair down, share a few laughs with family or friends once or twice a month. The un-guarded feelings and trust shared with these important people can help give you the perspective you need to cope with everyday challenges. Share a good laugh; laughing lowers blood pressure and releases endorphins that can ease pain. I read that in a science magazine. Laughing is just fun. Friends not around; watch a comedy special on TV, its good for you, have some fun.
Make the most of you life; it’s the only one you at the moment.
We will get back to the other stuff soon enough.