Learning Happy

Recently I read that a person can choose to be happy, that happiness can be simply a matter of waking up and deciding your mood the way you might choose what clothes to wear. I am envious of those who can control their psyches in such a way. I wonder if being happy is a habit that one can form by practicing it often, but I fear that I do not have the discipline. Does choosing to be happy mean to ignore, or perhaps to banish, the self-criticisms you (I) pepper yourself with all day long? Is happiness an appreciation of gifts both large and small? I think that it is all these things, and I hope that it is something I can learn.

Today I was reminded of how irritating it is to our friends when we forget to appreciate all those gifts. So in the spirit of acknowledging those gifts--and learning happy--I'm going to list a few here.

• I have a close-knit family that (usually) gets along and enjoys each others company. My parents and my siblings are my friends.

• I have a good job. With nearly 10% of Americans out of work, and the economy still struggling, I am fortunate to work for a good firm, I enjoy my colleagues, and the work I do contributes to the betterment of local communities.

• I have wonderful friends--more friends than I could ever imagine one could need. But need them I do.

• I have a nice home, in a nice building, with nice neighbors. Although it has taken a few years to put together, the design of the interior is finally coming together cohesively, and I'm beginning to feel that I come home to Home.

• I have a sweet, big brown dog to keep me company when I am happy, sad, tired, lonely, or ready for an adventure.

I'm going to work on learning happy--after all, I think you can teach an old dog new tricks.