How to Find Happiness A-Z: H

Photo courtesy of Stuck in Alabama2012 via flickr

Life is hilarious.

"I've always wanted to try my hand at chicken farming," says Bob.

"Really?" his farmer friend asks. "Tell you what, I'll give you 50 chickens to start you out." 

A month later Bob reports sadly, "They're all dead."

Attributing this to bad luck, the farmer decides to give Bob another 50 chickens. A month later Bob admits the chickens are all dead, again.

"You must be having some terrible luck," the farmer says. "Tell you what, I'll give you 50 more chickens." --Because no one could fail completely three times in a row. But at the end of the month, the chickens are dead. The farmer scratches his head. "What are you doing wrong?"

Bob shrugs. "I'm either planting them too deep or close together."

H is for Humor. 

I'm sorry, there are just way too many stupid or funny things that happen in life. I believe one major key to happiness is being able to laugh--at ourselves, at situations, at things that are just plain funny--and even some things that may not be so funny. What does laughing do?

• Lowers blood pressure
• Increases blood flow and oxygen in the blood
• Exercises various muscles (diaphragm, abdominal, respiratory, face, leg and back)
• Decreases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline
• Quickens immune response cells (ones that fight against tumors)
• Aids in learning--according to a study at John Hopkins University Medical School
• Engages your whole brain, heightening creativity

(source)

So eat some cheese and chuckle a little too loudly. --It's for your health.

And believe it or not, it's why I married my husband.

And now for fun... Do you have a favorite blonde or knock-knock joke? 

Life is like Riding a Bike

This is Random. Yes, Random. He's named after his father's sense of humor...or it's the only name we could agree on...or he's somewhat named after his one-of-a-kind uncle, Randy. Pick whichever story you prefer. Regardless, this kid's a genius. He'll either be a phenomenal architect or an advanced engineer of some kind. He's teaching me new things every day.

So I took him out to ride a bike. First time. After explaining the three necessary functions of successful bike riding (pedaling, steering and balance) he hopped on. Coordination is difficult for a 4 year old. He kept reversing the pedals and bringing us to a dead halt.

Finally I pulled him off the "machine" as he called it
(--sometimes this kids astounds us with his comprehension--), and lifted the tire off the ground so he could see that when we pushed the pedals the bike would work.

Back on the bike he went, but he was too fascinated with the chain to do any pedaling. Again he hopped off. We examined the chain and gears until he was 100% satisfied he knew exactly what made that bike tick. Then after a successful circle of the driveway we retired to our air-conditioned home.

In life we hop on the bike just like Random, trusting the education and authorities we've known. For most things (parenting, writing a book, executing a surgery), no amount of classroom experience can adequately prepare us for what's coming. Life hits hard. We fall down. Occasionally we need to climb off that bike and reevaluate what makes things tick. The problem may be our outlook on life, based on the patterning we've received. (Or understanding how the gears really work.) It may be how we're pedaling. (Or back pedaling.) And sometimes we need help, someone to hold the handlebars while we get the feel.

No matter how discouraging or how many times you have to try again, do it. The process may be painful, but the joy comes in that final ride.