Happiness: Written by "Beauty" Dr. Demetria Hill Cannady

KMerriam- Webster defines happiness as good fortune; prosperity; a state of well-being and contentment; a pleasurable or satisfying experience.  While I agree with all these definitions, I feel like Happiness is what you make it.  You are the determining factor of your happiness.  So often, we allow others to dictate our happiness instead of realizing that we control our destiny.  In the past I have allowed others to control my happiness (unconsciously) because when they had made me angry, sad, or irritated, or scared, I forgot that I was happy within my own merit and situation.  As I was reading for pleasure and research, I stumbled across an article titled: "21 Precepts to Happiness,"(www.thewaytohappiness.org) which was an informative read that gives you something deeper to look at when it comes to defining and determining your happiness.  

Precept #1- Take care of yourself: Get care when you are ill; keep your body clean; preserve your teeth; eat properly, and get rest.  Under each heading there is more in depth information.  

Precept #2- Be Temperate: Do not take harmful drugs; do not take alcohol to excess.  In summary, you are not seeing the real world for what it is if you are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.  Neither will make you or allow you to be happy!  

Precept # 3- Don't be promiscuous: Be faithful to your sex partner.  "Sex is the means by which the race projects itself into the future through children and the family.  A lot of pleasure and happiness can come from sex: nature intended it that way so the race would go on.  But, misused or abused, it carries with it heavy penalties and punishments: nature seems to have intended it that way also."  This statement alone is a big "nugget" to chew on.  There are so many individuals having casual sex because they don't desire to be in a monogamous relationship.  Very costly decision.  

Precept #4 - Love and Help Children; "Today's children will become tomorrow's civilization.  Bringing a child into the world today is a little bit like dropping one into a tiger's cage.  Children can't handle their environment and they have no real resources.  They need love and help to make it."  I agree that we are all products of our environment. Sometimes parents can only teach children what they have been taught: good, bad, or indifferent.  However, it is up to you to determine your happiness as an adult even if life tossed lemons at you as a child.  Make lemonade or lemon meringue pie!!  

Precept #5- Honor and Help Your Parents: "There are differences between generations.  But truthfully, this is no barrier.  When one is weak, it is temptation to take refuge in subterfuges and lies; it is this which builds the wall."  Learn how to communicate with one another.  Agree to disagree and be aware that everyone has an opinion regardless if you think their opinion is right or wrong.  

Precept #6: Set A Good Example: There are many people one influences.  The influence can be good or bad.  If one conducts his life to keep these recommendations, one is setting a good example.  People are always watching you so be sure to be on your best behavior!!  My next blog will begin with Precept #7 which is seek to live with the truth... 

Until next time- Have a great day peps!!

"Doc"

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