Are You Happy?

The following is a commentary written by George Carlin.

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less. We buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, yet more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life, not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion; big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce; fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.

It is a time when there is much in the showroom window, and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment, for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

How To Be Happy

1. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

2. Keep learning. Learn more about crafts, gardening, nutrition, computers, whatever interests you.
Get off the “watching TV every night” routine. Be discerning in your choice of TV shows -- limit your TV watching to 10 hours per week total (or less). This opens up a lot of precious time for you to live your life yourself – not just sitting by watching others live life on a screen.

3. Enjoy the simple things in life. Eat a peach in silence and really taste every bite. Take time to watch a sunset and contemplate the power in this universe. Look at a flower – really look at it – and appreciate its wonderful symmetry and delicate petals.

4. Every day, find something you like about another person and tell them out loud – whether it’s the way they smile, their helpful attitude or a new shirt. People thrive on appreciation and kindness.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Find the humor in life. Tell only clean jokes.

6. Tears happen. Endure, grieve and move on. The only person who is with you your entire life, is YOU. Be ALIVE while you are still alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Do not repeat negative stories about other people or events – even if you know they are true. Each time something negative is repeated, it decreases your joy.

9. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is poor, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve by yourself, get expert help.

10. Be a person of excellence. Even when it is not required or expected, go the extra mile to do an excellent job – your very best. Whether anyone else notices or not is irrelevant – because YOU know.

11. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip somewhere you really want to go. Let go of guilt – it only drags you down and stops your joy. Whatever you did in the past is ancient history. Let go and fully enjoy today.

12. Tell your loved ones that you love them at any given opportunity – for any reason or no reason at all.

13. The more you appreciate, the happier you feel. Take a small moment each day to give heartfelt thanks for all that you have been given in this lifetime -- lungs that breathe, legs that can walk, hands that can move, a brain that can think, friends that can cheer and help you, parents that love you, your job, your pet cat, your car and more. Do not
take anything for granted. Appreciate everything.

14. Love yourself – as you are. When you talk to yourself, be kind and encouraging. Never say unkind words to yourself. Tell yourself how happy you are to be YOU.