Twelve Ways to Get Happy
According to a Louis Harris poll, what makes people happiest is family. Next comes health, then personal accomplishments and friends. Money is fifth, followed by romance, attractiveness and power.

Keeping those things in mind, here are a few that will probably NOT make you happier: A very expensive, car, boat or airplane; having lots of dates with a variety of people; being a rock star, movie star, or professional athlete; or being a genius.

These things will make you happy:

  • Being nice to people. Want to get a better job or keep the one you've got? How you treat others makes a difference. Be personable to everyone (particularly your boss).
  • Saving for retirement: Save $5.50 a day, says one expert writing in Men's Fitness, between the ages of 21 and 41. Invest it a 9 percent and have a million at age 65.
  • Enjoying the free stuff. Read a book, write a letter, go on a hike.
  • Dressing a little better. People judge you within the first few seconds of meeting you. The way you're dressed plays a big part in their assessment. "Well-dressed" applies to business, creative or casual wear.
  • Being spontaneous. Shake up your routine periodically.
  • Getting a pet. Caring for an animal can do wonders for the soul, especially for a single person.
    Happy FamilyHappy Family
  • Appreciating your family. Married people, on average, are happier. But close relationships with family members an close friends can be as beneficial.
  • Counting your blessings. Ask yourself each morning, "What do I have that I am grateful for?" It could be your job, your family, or pizza. Drive the gloomy thoughts away.
  • Keeping your cool. Don't let anyone or anything destroy your peace of mind. Avoid confrontations with rude or angry people.
  • Working out. More than half of the people interviewed said they were happy when they were exercising, walking or working out.
  • Creating a mantra, a phrase you can repeat for positive affirmation. Buddhists usa a mantra to tap into an "enlightened state." It can be as simple as "Life is good."
  • Believing in something. Have a spiritual retread, whether it's a church, temple, or forest. It's a place where you can clear your mind.
    		• For the Family
    Gun Safety
    The National Kid Safe Campaign reports that about 90 percent of all unintentional shootings involving children are linked to an easily accessible, loaded handgun in the home. And more than half of America's families keep firearms in their homes. Injuries and death from firearms are escalating at an alarming rate in the U.S. In 1990, several states reported that firearm-related injuries surpassed motor vehicle accidents as the leading cause of death.

    Parents who do choose to keep firearms should keep these safety tips in mind:

    • Children should never be allowed to touch guns, not even in the presence of a supervising adult. Tell your children never to touch a gun no matter who gives them permission.
    • Keep guns unloaded at all times.
    • Keep the gun's safety on. This goes even for times when the gun is unloaded.
    • Keep all firearms in a locked gun safe, cupboard, closet, or drawer.
    • Store and lock ammunition in a place separate from the firearm.
    • All gun owners and their children should take a gun safety course.

    School place Violence
    In a survey conducted by Metlife, 11 percent of 1,000 teachers and 23 percent of 1,223 students in grades three through 12 reported being victims of violence in and around their schools. Thirteen percent of the students acknowledged carrying a weapon some time during their school years.
    --Wall Street Journal

    Pay Phone Fun
    According to the New York Times, there are 41,000 privately owned pay phones in New York state. If you happen to be at a pay phone installed at 230 Park Avenue in New York City, be sure to pay with coins for your phone calls. Four quarters will give you four minutes worth of talking with Seattle, but if you use a credit card, a one-minute , local call will cost you $3.25!

    Quote "If at first you don't succeed, you are running about average."
    --Bill Cosby

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