In the late 1980s, singer Bobby McFerrin sang an infectious song titled, Do not Worry, Be Happy. Some of you reading this article have heard the song and it should be the anthem for America given the economic woes we have experienced over the past few years.
Its so important not to take life too serious because there are some things we can control, but for the most part there are a lot of things we have no control over. For example, we can mutually agree we can control our attitude, our temper and our outlook on life.
We can not control the weather, the economy, nor other people. If we could control job losses, mortgage foreclosures and or natural disasters, we would but unfortunately we can not. The best remedy for combating the stresses of life is to smile a little and accept the things we can change.
Coming into the fullness of life must include the decision to be happy, no matter what. Once we connect with reality and accept life on our own terms, then and only then can we flourish in a world filled with challenges and obstacles.
In many ways, having the ability to overcome crisis in life is a sign of success. Few if any who have achieved major success in life did not accomplish it without struggle. In essence without life struggles, we would not be able to enjoy the pleasures we experience today.
If Thomas Edison had not tried and failed to invent the light, we would probably be in darkness to this day. If inventors, doctors, scientist, lawyers, pilots and leaders not sacrificed, likelihood is we would still be trying to carve a niche in our efforts to live more meaningful and satisfying living.
Put a smile on your face and be happy. This reminds me of the time I was serving in the military and one of my colleges looked at me and said, “You make me sick, you are always smiling and happy all of the time.” I replied, “I love life and want to share it with everyone I come in contact with.”
The bottom line is we all have choices to make in life, we can choose to be miserable or we can choose to be happy, the choice is yours. I encourage you to pass this information to everyone you know, times are tough and we need all of the happiness ammunition we can get our hearts around. In the prophetic words of Stevie Wonder, Do not worry about a thing. Do not worry, be happy.