Happy Talk!
©Allen Merritt (2016)
Let's talk
happy.
I
may have mentioned it before, but there is a classic
musical known as South Pacific which
has a song titled “Happy Talk”. It
was one of the first things that came to mind as I began to ponder today’s
topic, which reflects on the word “happy.”
As I write this I am also reminded of another old song by Roy
Rogers and Dale Evans. You know, “Happy Trails to You”. Both songs are
uplifting in their own way and strike a chord or two (pun intended) on the idea
of happiness.
The Constitution speaks to the notion of our right to pursue
happiness. So let's talk about what that means. What is happiness? What does it mean to be happy?
The pursuit of happiness is defined by yourdictionary.com as “a fundamental
right mentioned in the Declaration of Independence to freely pursue joy and
live life in a way that makes you happy, as long as you don't do anything
illegal or violate the rights of others.”¹
Being happy and our interpretation of what that means turns
out to be very personal to everyone. And, there are plenty of resources out
there should anyone want to research and discover more about it. We have music,
articles, research, books, movies and more to inspire us toward our “happy”
place.
In my opinion, if there is any positive message out in the
world today which is constantly encouraging us to pursue, obtain and achieve
being happy, it is the continuous use of the word “happy” as a part of our
daily vocabulary. It's everywhere. Stop and think about it. Start paying
attention and look around. Listen and see if you can hear that word.
Here are a few examples I came up with which always use the
word “happy”.
Happy Birthday
Happy Anniversary
Happy New Year
Happy Halloween
Happy Thanksgiving
Happy….any holiday…any celebration
What about Happy Hour? Now there is one many people can
relate to. “It’s five o’clock somewhere!”
Happy is everywhere, but are we paying attention and fully
embracing the philosophy?
Let’s take a look at this a little more closely.
Art Markman, PhD discusses research on what it means to be
happy for which he explores and discovers differences across cultures. One
common element across the board is the association of luck on personal happiness.²
Is happiness solely based on luck. I don’t think so, but many do.
Another article worth looking at titled “What Does 'Being Happy' Mean?” lists 9 points to consider, which
include making plans to attain happiness, surround yourself with happy people,
don’t let problems stand in the way, think about happiness, pamper yourself, laugh,
stay healthy and know that you deserve to be happy.³ I think I am more in tune
to these ideas than focusing on luck and outside forces producing my “happy”
for me.
So if happiness is available and accessible to everyone, have
we become immune to it (in one ear and out the other) or are we taking full advantage
of it? Is it all about luck or can we nurture it? I like to think we can tap
into it any time we choose even in the hardest of circumstances. Every little
bit counts, right? Altering our vision, changing perspective, having broader
vision despite it all may drive us toward that happy agenda.
I want to jog our memory on how rich we are with opportunity
when it comes to pursuing happiness. The next time you hear the word "happy" be reminded of your own happy place.
From time to time, I think every individual needs a reminder as we navigate our way through our personal rat race. With this in mind, I invite you to revisit the meaning of happiness in your life. Make it personal, embrace and accept it as your own. More importantly, go for it!
From time to time, I think every individual needs a reminder as we navigate our way through our personal rat race. With this in mind, I invite you to revisit the meaning of happiness in your life. Make it personal, embrace and accept it as your own. More importantly, go for it!
Below are a couple of links to the aforementioned songs to
help you begin your own discovery. (You may have to copy and paste them into your URL)
Happy Talk:
Happy Trails to You:
Have a good week and enjoy living life On a Positive
Note!
Cheers!
http://www.yourdictionary.com/pursuit-of-happiness¹
(Viewed on 2/26/2016)
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/ulterior-motives/201305/what-does-it-mean-be-happy²
(Viewed on 2/26/2016)
http://www.happiness.com.au/what-does-being-happy-means.html³
(Viewed on 2/26/2016)
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