HAPPY New Year, emphasis on happy

[No Elephants]

Explore happiness at PBS. http://www.pbs.org/search/?q=happiness

http://www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife/topic/happiness

BTW, apparently, conservatives are happier than liberals.

http://www.pbs.org/thisemotionallife/topic/happiness/who-br-happier

Caught part of a PBS broadcast that says we usually try to do X, Y, Z to become happy. The host suggeted that we work on being happy first, then do X, Y, Z because happiness makes everything else easier. Unfortunately, I did not catch the name of the program or of the host and it is listed in the program guide only as "Member Favorites."

But some of the techniques were consciously smiling more, especially smiling at other people, writing down your meaningful experiences, finding a physical activity you enjoy and doing it for 15 minutes a day (more if you don't wish to stop after 15), identifying 3 things each day for which you are grateful (trying not to repeat any). Unfortunately, I did not get to hear all of the techniques, but maybe this is better than nothing.

Enjoy (I hope).

[Enthusiast]

1. I try.

I know a physical activity I enjoy--fishing. I have been wanting to go fishing since June. I haven't made it yet. I even dream about fishing. How about you, No Elephants? What do you like?

[No Elephants]

2. Fishing may not be something you can do for 15 minutes every day, but something

you should do as often as you can, if you enjoy it.

As far as physical activities that can be discussed in mixed company, believe it or not, I really enjoy decorating my home when a season changes or a holiday approaches, cooking and cleaning.

Container gardening on my terrace, during warmer months.

Walking in all kinds of weather, especially in my very own neighborhood, as long as I am dressed for the weather.

Some formal exercises, as long as I can at least listen to TV at the same time.

Very mundane

[Enthusiast]

3. It's not so mundane.

I think life is a collection of the small things that we like to do. I loved cooking back before the celiac thing. Now my wife is in charge of most cooking to keep cross contamination to a minimum. But we still make Jambalaya together because it requires so much chopping. We both nursed some hanging basket petunias over the Summer and Fall. They kept going until repeatedly frosted. It was nothing, but at the same time, it was something.

[No Elephants]

4. Thanks. Not as exciting as extreme snowboarding, though.