Come On; Get Happy!
This is going to be a totally different kind of column. Instead of delving into the physical aspects of the body, we are going to discuss the mental ones. I recently saw the cover of a popular weekend magazine with a famous actor on the cover with “The Happiest Man Alive.” Then it hit me—is any of us able to say the same thing about ourselves? Can we absolutely say “Yes, I am the happiest person alive?
I guess that can equate to what makes someone happy? Is it a new expensive car, a big wardrobe, a huge house (at the beach, of course), the best neighborhood, our families—parents, kids, or our spouse, or partner? How about our job, our friends, or our financial position? Could it be the way we look, the way we feel, or our workouts? Do these things make any of us feel happier?
People who equate themselves as being happy are generally more outgoing, friendly, and are healthier in the long run. A positive attitude does affect both the mental and physical way we feel. Endorphins in the brain can give you that natural high that many of us who exercise strive for as a reward. You know you always feel better after a good workout. Is it possible to continue this feeling even when we are not working out? For many of us, it is possible.
Many things can, and do, contribute to happiness. Many people are proud of the life they have built. We may have many friends, and we consider that as being happy. Of course, we can’t avoid the pitfalls that happen to us when we experience accidents, death, or other unfortunate and unforeseen circumstances. These things teach us to be stronger and recognize that life really can be “too short,” or it can be difficult at times.
Many of us embrace our families as our main source of happiness. I personally am extremely happy that I have a wonderful husband, and I am very fortunate to have him to share my life with. We are passionately in love after eight terrific years together. So, you have to ask yourself “Just what makes me happiest? Try listing all of the good things in your life; then list the bad things that you feel are part of your life. What could happen if everyone in the world would do this? What a different world this might be.
I believe that the actor on the magazine cover may claim to be the “happiest man alive,” but he needs to move over—he has serious competition form the rest of us. Let’s celebrate being happy!
Footnote: Governor Jack Markell raised the happiness factor for all gays and lesbians in our beautiful state of Delaware by signing the historic Civil Union bill (SB 30). Thank you so very much. It is now time to celebrate and thank everyone who participated in getting this law passed. Thank you!
Rick Moore is a personal trainer certified by the American Fitness Professionals & Associates.