Be Happy

by Jerry Bullock

The internet has become a major part of many of our lives. Some complain because hey are bombarded by e-mail wanting to sell them something. They call it spam. So far that has not been my problem. On the other hand, I seem to attract an endless number of correspondents who want to share the latest gem of humor or wisdom. I respond to most with a quick click of the delete button. Once in awhile, however, there is a gem worth sharing.

"Happiness . . .

"We convince ourselves that life will be better after we get married, have a baby, then another. Then we are frustrated that the kids aren't old enough and we'll be more content when they are. After that happens we are frustrated dealing with teenagers. We will certainly be happier when they are out of that stage. We tell ourselves that our life will be complete when our spouse gets his or her act together, when we can afford a nicer car, are able to go on a nice vacation, when we retire.

"The truth is, there is no better time to be happy than right now. If not now, when? Your life will always be filled with challenges. It is best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway. One of my favorite quotes comes from Alfred D. Souza. He said, 'For a long time it had seemed to me life was about to begin -- real life. But there was always an obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, or a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.'

"This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So, treasure every moment that you have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time. . .and remember time waits for no one.

"So, stop waiting until you finish school, until you go back to school, until you lose ten pounds, until you gain ten pounds, until you have kids, until your kids leave the house, until you start to work, until you retire, until you get married, until Friday night, until Sunday morning, until you get a new car or new home, until these are paid off, until spring, until summer, until fall, until winter, until you are off welfare, until the first or fifteenth, until your song comes on, until you have had a drink, until you sober up, until you die, until you are born again to decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

"Yesterday is history.

"Tomorrow is a mystery.

"Today is a gift.

"That's why it's called the present!"