Happy Naming is about giving yourself an accurate assessment of the way things are,Knowing your limits helps you balance, and knowing your starting point helps you grow,Self-Awareness affords you the capacity to evaluate and understand how you got this farAnd allows for the clarity of purpose and the vision to know how far you have yet to go.   [full text below]   Ep. 433 - Happy Naming We begin as always with the Happy Creed. We believe in Happy, in Balance and Growth, of being Mindful and Grateful,Compassionate and Understanding. YowzaHahaMy Happy Friends! I get the draw of softening language to lessen the blow, and yetIt runs the risk of diluting the meaning of what you’re trying to express,Like saying “I’m experiencing slight feelings of annoyance and upset,”Instead of just saying “I’m mad and it’s giving me a lot of stress.” Adding abstractions and euphemisms doesn’t always make things better,In some cases it can even create disconnection when you need to recognizeThat facts aren't that scary, and not every word starts with a scarlet letter,And that hiding from reality makes things worse, burying truth under lies. If you can’t even name it, then you certainly can’t spot it or face it, And it’ll forever linger to threaten, frighten and worry you to death,An unnamed danger endlessly lurking, defying any attempt to erase it,While an identified feeling or state is as manageable as one’s own breath. Then once named, located, defined, and acknowledged it becomes containable,If I'm blue, I don’t say “I’m having persistent sorrowful leanings,” I just say “I’m sad,”And once I do, then the path appears and reaching the summit seems attainable,As I get to work helping my heart strengthen and heal until I don’t feel quite so bad. And it also keeps me from going overboard the other way into doom speech!When we turn truths into exaggerations, they can get away from us but quick,So that when merely feeling anxious, we instead call ourselves broken and beyond reach,Losing any and all trust in our own ability to handle life and thereby make ourselves sick. Happy Naming is about giving yourself an accurate assessment of the way things are,Knowing your limits helps you balance, and knowing your starting point helps you grow,Self-Awareness affords you the capacity to evaluate and understand how you got this farAnd allows for the clarity of purpose and the vision to know how far you have yet to go. HahaYowza  

Sudden anger or sadness can throw you for a loop, But sudden joy can undo you twice as fast,It can make you think that you’re better than the group,And such thoughts have been known not to last. [full text below] Ep. 432 - Glad Happy We begin as always with the Happy Creed. We believe in Happy, in Balance and Growth, of being Mindful and Grateful,Compassionate and Understanding. YowzaHahaMy Happy Friends! Sudden anger or sadness can throw you for a loop, But sudden joy can undo you twice as fast,It can make you think that you’re better than the group,And such thoughts have been known not to last. When things go wrong we tend to rally our forces, But when things go right we can get a little wild,It’s wise to stay centered and best to hold your horses,‘Cause overdoing it can make you act like a child. And not in the fun way, but one that makes you seem like a brat,Like a kid who spoils their dinner by eating too much candy,Sure, it tastes good, but it’ll also rot your teeth and make you fat,And poor impulse control is not a trait that you want to keep handy. When people say “grow up” they usually mean “stop complaining”As if whining were the only mark of immaturity,But over-celebrating is also not that entertaining,And being smug can make others want to foul you into obscurity. I’m not saying don’t be Glad when things are good, we deserve to acknowledge our wins,I’m just saying don’t go overboard and make yourself Glad Happy or Stark Raving GladBecause that’s arrogant, offensive and mean to others, like an emotional kick in the shins!And they may just retaliate, which may surprise you, turning your good fortune into bad. HahaYowza    

Mistakes are not the end of the world, I know,Most things can be fixed, replaced or redone,And what cannot, can help us learn and grow,But perfection is impossible for everyone.   [full text below]   Ep. 431 - Happy Fix   We begin as always with the Happy Creed. We believe in Happy, in Balance and Growth, of being Mindful and Grateful,Compassionate and Understanding. YowzaHahaMy Happy Friends! Mistakes are not the end of the world, I know,Most things can be fixed, replaced or redone,And what cannot, can help us learn and grow,But perfection is impossible for everyone. Though the idea that not everything needs to be Life or DeathIsn’t something I ever really believed in,If I was going to do something, I would do it until my dying breath,Or else, like, why even begin? But that caused me a lot of stress, I had to count to ten, and focus on my breathing,In through the nose, out through the mouth, yes, yes,Anything to keep me from furiously seething. But I had the Happy Fix right in front of me,“Don’t treat everything like it’s the only thing,”(Go ahead and make mistakes--feel free!)I just refused to see what calmness it could bring. I figured that if I didn’t do everything all the way, Then I could be outworked or outlasted,But as a result I was getting stressed every day,And even more stress was being forecasted. Mistakes are not the end of the world, I repeated,Most things can be fixed, replaced or redone,And what cannot, can be honored and well-treated.Either way, perfection is impossible for everyone. HahaYowza  

Don’t bother fearing chaos, but treat it as a call,To seek the deeper order that permeates us all,It’s our thoughts and actions that make the meaning clear,And our Happy choices that make Happy Patterns appear.[full text below] Ep. 430 - Happy Patterns We begin as always with the Happy Creed. We believe in Happy, in Balance and Growth, of being Mindful and Grateful,Compassionate and Understanding. YowzaHahaMy Happy Friends! Maybe chaos is a pattern that you just don’t yet know, Though you mustn’t try to force it, just simply let it showAll it has to teach you, and all it has to say,And soon you’ll see the pattern showing you the way. And don't let your perspective start clouding up your sight, With your old assumptions insisting that you’re right,But, instead, try to just be present, try to just be there, And maybe then you'll realize and become much more aware. Or what may seem like chaos could be just a pieceOf a larger pattern waiting for releaseFrom your tunnel vision, from your restricted view,So maybe the confusion is coming just from you. Or chaos is transition, not destruction like you thought,And change becomes uplifting not a battle to be fought,Patterns will emerge if you just give them a chance,Idle words and movements become a song and dance. So, don’t bother fearing chaos, but treat it as a call,To seek the deeper order that permeates us all,It’s our thoughts and actions that make the meaning clear,And our Happy choices that make Happy Patterns appear. HahaYowza

Have you ever been intentionally Mean? You know, done something unkind just for fun?Such as taking the last two desserts, so the loudmouth behind you gets none?Why do we revel in the misfortune of those we dismiss? Are we Mean down to the core?Or is it because the world keeps messing with us, and we just want to even the score?[full text below]   Ep. 429 - A Happy Sport We begin as always with the Happy Creed. We believe in Happy, in Balance and Growth, of being Mindful and Grateful,Compassionate and Understanding. YowzaHahaMy Happy Friends! Have you ever been intentionally Mean? You know, done something unkind just for fun?Such as taking the last two desserts, so the loudmouth behind you gets none?Why do we revel in the misfortune of those we dismiss? Are we Mean down to the core?Or is it because the world keeps messing with us, and we just want to even the score? But does it really even it out, or have we, instead, just picked a new fight?Where our targets target us in return just when we thought we were right,And the whole thing becomes a battle of one-upmanship, trading same for same,Only instead of a Happy Sport, we're all just playing a losing game. It may feel like winning and even glory, but maniacal glee is not joy, it’s hate, And there are better ways to play that don’t include such a self-destructive fate.Respect your fellow players--they dislike losing too. Shake hands and play fair.Cooperate or compete as you see fit, but never act like you don’t care. Life is meant to be lived, and it’s much more fun when we do it as a team,For who knows what happens when it ends, so play nice and share the dream. HahaYowza

Your sense of reality is influenced by how you view and interact with the world,Your frame of reference is impacted by how you feel and what you believe,When you lose it’s a tragedy, while winning deserves a parade with banners unfurled,Happy Perception starts with seeing Balanced Growth as built-in, not something to achieve.   [full text below] Ep. 428 - Happy Perception We begin as always with the Happy Creed. We believe in Happy, in Balance and Growth, of being Mindful and Grateful,Compassionate and Understanding. YowzaHahaMy Happy Friends! Your sense of reality is influenced by how you view and interact with the world,Your frame of reference is impacted by how you feel and what you believe,When you lose it’s a tragedy, while winning deserves a parade with banners unfurled,Happy Perception starts with seeing Balanced Growth as built-in, not something to achieve. Balance is there equalizing contrasts and managing every extreme,While Growth is about realizing better ways than were previously known,Seeing others as being on the same journey helps you look past how things may seem,Allowing you to consider points of view that may be different from your own. Being mindful and paying close attention is a great way to deepen your connections,Connections with others, with your senses, and with the world at large,Do you mindlessly wolf down your food? Is your focus split in all directions?Or are you able to be present, intentional and mindfully in charge? In charge of your actions, thoughts and, yes, even your moods?How do you see yourself? Do you ever spare yourself time to check-in and take stock?To be aware of your triggers, your prejudices and attitudes?Or do you just try to keep the world from knocking off your block? Happy Perception can also be about changing your point of view to take a closer look,To allow yourself to lean in and let your understanding of the world increase,Rewarding you with deeper appreciation for the second glance you finally took,And granting you greater ways to express gratitude and find peace. HahaYowza  

If you want a good trick for when things get hairy,It’s perspective you want--to give yourself some breathing room,It may not turn a rage monster into someone merry, But naming your mood and counting to ten can possibly stave off doom.   [full text below] Ep. 427 - Perspective Happy We begin as always with the Happy Creed. We believe in Happy, in Balance and Growth, of being Mindful and Grateful,Compassionate and Understanding. YowzaHahaMy Happy Friends! If you want a good trick for when things get hairy,It’s perspective you want--to give yourself some breathing room,It may not turn a rage monster into someone merry, But naming your mood and counting to ten can possibly stave off doom. How do you name your mood? It’s easy. If you feel mad, you say “I’m mad,”And what does that do? It moves it from the Stress part of your brainTo the Reason part, and that can give you more perspective than you had,Which can give you some distance, some calm and relieve some of the strain. Your actions, environment and imagination are more powerful than you may think,Your emotions are the weaker voices, which is why they may sometimes screamJust to get your goat, but if you count, name, and imagine that you’re in the pink,Then you might be able to regain control and let the pain pass like a bad dream. But what if it’s already too late for counting and naming?What if you’re already too far gone in a bad mood for that to work?Well, intense emotions have a very short shelf-life, if you can avoid blaming,And just let them run their course without going a tad berserk. You see, it’s the stories we attach to those feelings that give them their staying power, You might get a sudden surge of anger when someone cuts you off at the pass,But it’s the narrative you invent about how they’ve had it in for you for the past hourThat turns that fleeting feeling into a full-blown war and makes you step on the gas! And it’s not just with anger--it's with any extreme mood, but only if you take the bait,Your Stress Brain would love nothing better than to be fed loads of angsty, panicky fuelJust so’s it can steer you right into a spiral of bitter sadness and/or violent hate,But if you’re Perspective Happy, then you’ll know the tricks, and be able to keep your cool. HahaYowza  

Look for things to like about people--there’s usually something, some trait,Some aspect of them as people existing in this world that you can’t disallow,Something that resonates, that connects and has the power to create!Create what? Understanding at the very least if not friendship right now. [full text below] Ep. 426 - Like Happy We begin as always with the Happy Creed. We believe in Happy, in Balance and Growth, of being Mindful and Grateful,Compassionate and Understanding. YowzaHahaMy Happy Friends! I’m helpful, empathic, a real caretaker type--want to know why? Want to know how?I look for things to like about people--there’s usually something, some trait,Some aspect of them as people existing in this world that you can’t disallow,It’s something that resonates, that connects and has the power to create. Create what? A friendship!--a camaraderie. Now I’ve met people who seemed just awful,Like, why-would-you-want-to-subject-yourself-to-their-abuse kind of bad news,They’re hurtful and mean and seem to really enjoy being cruel and slightly unlawful,But they can also be really loyal to those whose company they choose. I met a guy at work once who everybody hated--he was bossy but had no authority,He didn’t outrank anyone, he just acted as if he did--so was routinely ignored,And the distaste for him wasn’t just from a few but from the vast majority,And so my challenge was to try to find some Happy detail just waiting to be explored. He tried bossing me around too, but I simply kept talking to him instead,I’d talk about TV shows and movies and stuff and he’d stop and look at me weird,Then he’d ask me what I was doing, and I’d say that he seemed to be very well-read,And that I always appreciated intelligent conversation--at which he scoffed and sneered. But still I kept talking to him about topics I enjoyed, like books, food and music too,Then I suggested we go to a movie and get something to eat and he looked worried,“I’m not trying to hit on you,” I assured him. “A good movie discussion, me and you.”And so we went! And outside of work he was way more chill and completely unhurried. We became friends and he mellowed at work too. People didn’t hate him quite so much.He had a lot of knowledge about film and could be very generous with what he knew,But he was also embarrassed about his inexperience in the social scene and such,So, I invited him to parties and get-togethers, but he simply didn’t know what to do. He rubbed people the wrong way due to his extremely awkward and arrogant vibe,So, I didn’t try to force him to make friends with everybody and I let him just be,And we were like brothers for years, he was a cameraman and I was a scribe,We swore we’d make movies together that the whole world would be dying to see. And then there came a girl that I liked and I told him about her, wanting to share,But, you see, he decided that he liked her too and felt he was far more deserving than me,So, when I told him how my courtship was going he pretended like he didn’t care,When all the while he was plotting to steal her heart away as if by divine decree. And he used all the inside scoop that I had been feeding him to turn her head,He knew everything she liked, but what he didn’t know was what she hated,And chief among those things was liars and so she felt sorely misled,She pulled away and he tried to cling, but her feelings had long since vacated. He didn’t like her, you see. He merely wanted her, and that’s not the same thing,You have to find something to relate to about someone even something small,But he never allowed himself to feel for others. He hurt her and me--a real ding-a-ling,I avoid him now--for safety--but I did like our discussions before he went AWOL. I’m a bit more careful about who I try to find likable things about, but I still try,Finding a friend where no one else bothered looking can be its own reward,Sometimes I even turn those powers upon myself if I think I’m being a mean guy,And could maybe use a fri

I’m what you might call Consent Happy and I’m in no way being sarcastic,I CRAVE consent, in fact--for all manner of interactions and activities, Consent is Informed, Conscious, Revocable, Affirmative, Voluntary and Enthusiastic, The first letters of which spell out “I CRAVE”--thus satisfying my poetic sensitivities.   [full text below] Ep. 425 - Consent Happy We begin as always with the Happy Creed. We believe in Happy, in Balance and Growth, of being Mindful and Grateful,Compassionate and Understanding. YowzaHahaMy Happy Friends! I’m what you might call Consent Happy and I’m in no way being sarcastic,I CRAVE consent, in fact--for all manner of interactions and activities, Consent is Informed, Conscious, Revocable, Affirmative, Voluntary and Enthusiastic, The first letters of which spell out “I CRAVE”--thus satisfying my poetic sensitivities. Consent must be Informed or else you won’t know what you’re agreeing to,And Conscious, since you can’t agree if you’re all passed out with nowhere to go,And Revocable, meaning you can take it back if that’s what you want to do,And Affirmative, meaning it’s a clear decision and not just the absence of the word No. Consent must also be Voluntary, and not the result of some pressure or threat,And it must be Enthusiastic, meaning it is clearly, positively and actively stated,And I CRAVE Consent because this world doesn’t seem to have gotten that memo yet,This means I think people should ask before they so much as hug--even if you’re related. Maybe someone’s suddenly shy, or has back pain or just feels icky inside,Consent is just a good habit to get into as it gives people a choice,And it also means that people who do the asking have to be okay with being denied,‘Cause it defeats the whole purpose if nobody listens to your voice. And the right of Consent is not just for some people, but for everyone,Regardless of gender, age, culture, relationship or any previous consent,Just ‘cause you hugged somebody once doesn’t mean consent is over and done--Reestablish it each and every time in case something changed in preference or intent. Now I know this must seem like overkill to some folks ‘cause who’s going to bother?Like, what kid is really going to ask for consent to hug or kiss his mother or father?And I get that, which is why I say it’s something I CRAVE, since I know it’s in short supply,And I can’t even claim that I always insist that others comply. Sometimes it’s tough to stop someone before they grab you,And saying something then might be seen as unfriendly and a bit cuckoo,But I still prefer consent, regardless, and I want to normalize it,So let it just be a reminder that we all should decide what we’re willing to permit. HahaYowza

Happy Trying means you see everything as an opportunity to grow and explore,To find value in the journey instead of just spoiling the ending from the start,Sometimes you’ll fall, but don’t let that stop you from what you were climbing for. [full text below] Ep. 424 - Happy Trying We begin as always with the Happy Creed. We believe in Happy, in Balance and Growth, of being Mindful and Grateful,Compassionate and Understanding. YowzaHahaMy Happy Friends! Happy Trying means you see everything as an opportunity to grow and explore,To find value in the journey instead of just spoiling the ending from the start,Sometimes you’ll fall, but don’t let that stop you from what you were climbing for. It’s true that even the best plans, which take a long time to develop, can still fall apart,But it doesn’t mean never plan again, if anything it means you should plan more--Have several backups, so that stumbles merely break your stride and not your heart. Happy Trying is getting absorbed in the process rather than in the treasure you hope to find,It’s where mindfulness reaches its peak, and every gesture is made with intention,Where you aren’t just doing some chore, you’re connecting spirit, body and mind. It’s about getting into the flow state, where mundane movements gain a new dimension,Where previously disjointed and scattered efforts suddenly become aligned,And an action you’ve taken a thousand times before seems like a new invention. If you don’t pay attention, then even doing something for the first time can be boring,But if you can lock in and attain total focus, then balance and growth become self-starting,And old routines that have gotten tired finally become aspects of life worth exploring. HahaYowza

Do your best to communicate with people in ways they prefer,To match their comfort levels, so connection and understanding can build,Our shared humanity taking us where we could go from where we were,Allowing us to be Communication Happy, which can help keep us fulfilled.[full text below]   We begin as always with the Happy Creed. We believe in Happy, in Balance and Growth, of being Mindful and Grateful,Compassionate and Understanding. YowzaHahaMy Happy Friends! People like to understand people, and to be understood in return,This is why I like those who talk plainly, and keep their points short,Who teach using simple lessons that are easy to learn,With diagrams and illustrations for aid and support. They could use big words, sure--they could get fancy, and all that,But then who would they have left to talk to and what would they gain?Why try to dress up their meaning in a fancy coat and hat,When they can include more people without needing to explain?  I, myself, like to write because it gives me time to compose my thoughts,But some folks prefer to talk, so I can do that too, of course,Other folks like to visit and gather in numbers at all the hot spots,But that can make me feel less heard, so it’s not something I tend to endorse. Misunderstandings can cause trouble and confusion, You can wind up fighting with people with whom you actually agree,So, when someone speaks, listen--don’t just jump to a conclusion, Let them know you heard, then let them hear you, so you both can see. I do my best to communicate with people in ways they prefer,To match their comfort levels, so connection and understanding can build,Our shared humanity taking us where we could go from where we were,Allowing us to be Communication Happy, which can help keep us fulfilled. HahaYowza

Temper your passion with wisdom, your frenzy with good sense, Aim for Balance and Growth in your pursuits so you don’t panic, Or turn what once seemed fun into something far too intense, But can develop naturally in a way that's healthy, sustainable and organic.   [full text below]   Ep. 422 - Love Happy We begin as always with the Happy Creed. We believe in Happy, in Balance and Growth, of being Mindful and Grateful,Compassionate and Understanding. YowzaHahaMy Happy Friends! I used to be in love with Love, A state I was rather fond of,But Love can be a tricky thing,So, play it cool, and never cling. I was conditioned, you see, Into thinking that persistence and grand gestures were key,That passionate, imaginative pitching of woo Was all a suitor had to do! Alas, alack and mercy be, I finally learned that ain’t for me. The tragedy is not that you’ll lose a Love you could’ve had,But, much worse--that you’ll win the heart of someone bad,Because the promise of Love can cloud every thought,So that you realize too late what such folly has brought.  I used to chase after dates and show my affection with poems and gifts, Without ever getting to know them first, through connection or trust, I also used to love finding a new hobby, who doesn’t love one that temporarily uplifts?But if it had no real staying power or substance it would wind up a bust. New things can be exciting, all mysterious and attractive and stuff,But if there’s no compatibility, then it’s doomed to breed discontent,Because no matter how much you try to force it, it’ll never be enough,That’s why when it comes to Love, you’d do well to start with mature intent. Is how you’re behaving something you plan to sustain?Or is it just a big show that will be over far too soon?Then what will you do when pleasure turns to pain?Can you get over yourself after being over the moon? Love Happy means to temper your passion with wisdom, your frenzy with good sense, To aim for Balance and Growth in your all interests and pursuits so you don’t panic,Or get so carried away that what at first seemed fun becomes too intense,But can develop naturally in a way that is healthy, sustainable and organic. HahaYowza  

If we base our sense of self on what others demand of us, and try to conform to that,Then we won’t know who we are, how we feel, what we think--and that’s never any good,But if you make mindful choices of who you see yourself as, then you won’t be a doormat,You’ll become the person you always wished you could be, but never thought you could.   [full text below] Ep. 421 - Happy Identity  We begin as always with the Happy Creed. We believe in Happy, in Balance and Growth, of being Mindful and Grateful,Compassionate and Understanding. YowzaHahaMy Happy Friends! Happy Identity means being true to yourself, knowing who you are and who you want to be.And then becoming that Happy version of you. I used to sign my name in cursive letters,I hated it, but what could I do? Well, anything. So, I stopped. And it instantly felt more like me,And nobody cared, and here I thought I’d face the same backlash that meets all trendsetters. So, then I started to look at all the other things I did just because I thought I had to--I stopped eating foods I never really cared for, and cut out friends I could never please,I even changed the way I coughed--you didn’t know you had control over that, but you do,I used to cough in sharp, violent bursts, and then I switched it to a painless wheeze. It might sound weird, but I also stopped caring so much about what other people thought,They didn’t have to live my life, that was mine and mine alone, and I just had to do my best,I could read what I liked, and watch what I liked, and think what I liked, believe it or not,I could sleep on my side, I could sneeze loud or soft, I could pick up and move West. And so I did. I moved thousands of miles away from anyone I knew to find my tribe,Artists and filmmakers and free thinkers and rebels and people looking for connection,And I found them--buried amongst monsters too strange to convincingly describe,But we all have the potential to become monstrous if we don’t fight the identity infection. If we base our sense of self on what others demand of us, and try to conform to that,Then we won’t know who we are, how we feel, what we think--and that’s never any good,But if you make mindful choices of who you see yourself as, then you won’t be a doormat,You’ll become the person you always wished you could be, but never thought you could. HahaYowza  

Happy Responsibility means having integrity and being self-aware,About being trustworthy, thoughtful, reliable, even-tempered and wise,Being resilient, ethical, and able to communicate how much you care,About being considerate, strong, mature, and being able to empathize.   [full text below] Ep. 420 - Happy Responsibility We begin as always with the Happy Creed. We believe in Happy, in Balance and Growth, of being Mindful and Grateful,Compassionate and Understanding. YowzaHahaMy Happy Friends! Do you let things happen to you or do you take ownership of your life, good or bad?Are you accountable for your choices and actions or do you let others be blamed?Like, if you gave someone bad advice would you apologize or even be sad?Or if you took bad advice would you make the one who gave it to you feel ashamed? Happy Responsibility means having integrity and being self-aware,About being trustworthy, thoughtful, reliable, even-tempered and wise,Being resilient, ethical, and able to communicate how much you care,About being considerate, strong, mature, and being able to empathize. If you spend all your time trying to grab what you can, and never sharing, Then you’ll become someone greedy, which is how others will see you too,But if you can look beyond yourself and simply notice how others are faring,Then you’ll start to develop a sense that they have full lives just like you. Being responsible isn’t just about yourself, but contributing to humanity at large,Empowering others, teaching, helping, and being a good steward of the general trust,If you only look out for yourself, it isolates you--making you desperate to be in charge,But by creating inclusive communities you build connections that are not only good but just. HahaYowza  

Suffering comes from resisting pain, refusing to accept it, thinking it will go away, But that just makes it worse and leaves you completely unprepared and weak,You’ll lose all your defenses and will further crumble when life refuses to obey,But if you can learn to accept the crashing waves, you’ll find the strength you seek.   [full text below]   Ep. 419 - Happy Acceptance We begin as always with the Happy Creed. We believe in Happy, in Balance and Growth, of being Mindful and Grateful,Compassionate and Understanding. YowzaHahaMy Happy Friends! Acceptance isn’t the same as giving up, Just ‘cause life has pain doesn’t mean you quit,Use that pain to temper your steel, Toughen you up and let you heal, ‘Cause acceptance isn’t the same as giving up. Ever feel drained, bruised, battered, mistreated, abused and taken advantage of?Well, you’re not alone, but you survived it, and perhaps you’re surviving it still,And you don’t know why life is being so mean when all you ever wanted was love,So, you fight ‘cause you think to win you need to be the one with the strongest will. But if you see everything as a conflict, then every interaction becomes a war,Every setback is a battle cry, every mishap a landmine, and everyone a foe,But if you can accept that we’re all just trying to survive lives we never signed up for,Then acceptance becomes an act of strength--don't give up, just go with the flow. Suffering comes from resisting pain, refusing to accept it, thinking it will go away, But that just makes it worse and leaves you completely unprepared and weak,You’ll lose all your defenses and will further crumble when life refuses to obey,But if you can learn to accept the crashing waves, you’ll find the strength you seek. Because Acceptance isn’t the same as giving up, Just ‘cause life has pain doesn’t mean you quit,Use that pain to temper your steel, Toughen you up and let you heal, ‘Cause acceptance isn’t the same as giving up. I don't know why I just turned into a country singer, I confess,But it's just another thing you gotta learn to accept, I guess. HahaYowza

Happy Discomfort is realizing it’s okay to feel a little uneasy if it helps overall, Like how you “feel the burn” when you exercise and know you’re getting stronger,Discomfort can lead to making changes for the better, and the steps can be small,Don't avoid your emotions, practice and tame them, and they'll be wild no longer.[full text below] Ep. 418 - Happy Discomfort We begin as always with the Happy Creed. We believe in Happy, in Balance and Growth, of being Mindful and Grateful,Compassionate and Understanding. YowzaHahaMy Happy Friends! It’s the natural tendency for most people, I think, to avoid discomfort--I’m the same way,Like, if I have a memory that bothers me, or a topic that triggers me, then I want to run,I want to avoid such things, deny them, and bury them, so I can get on with my day,But the whole sweeping-things-under-the-rug method of mental health helps no one. It’s a great way to make sure those issues fester and become toxic, ready to explode,When you could, instead, chip away at their power until they can be controlled,Working to, if not stopping their effects, making them something that can be slowed,And from there being able to even raise your tolerance, you’re discomfort threshold. Happy Discomfort is realizing that it’s okay to feel a little discomfort if it helps overall, Like when you “feel the burn” when you exercise, then you know you’re getting stronger,Discomfort can lead to making a change to something better, and the steps can be small,Like how I used to be afraid of my own emotions, they were too wild, but not any longer. As I teen I was violent, destructive, loud, reckless, prone to injury and getting in trouble,I hated being sad and lonely and told what to do and put down and I’d fight you about it,And as a result I alienated people, tearing down relationships until they were rubble,Never dealing with my emotions or facing my role in anything, and still refusing to quit. It took me losing my fiancee, totalling my car, going into debt, and getting in trouble at workBefore I finally decided I should maybe try a different approach before I dug my own grave,And that was this podcast, reminders to myself to stop fighting every little thing like a jerk,And to learn how to use my emotions, and not to let discomfort keep me from being brave. Listening to these episodes can help you build up your mindfulness and gratitude, It can remind you to seek balance and growth, to become familiar with your feelings,And no, you don’t have to turn soft--if anything the idea is to strengthen your attitude, To gain control and empower yourself to handle all your present and future dealings. HahaYowza

We can get stuck into habits, our movements get restricted,Our quick fixes become crutches, making us addicted.When really it’s connection we need, not escape, not solitude,But people to relate to, mind to mind and mood to mood.   [full text below]   Ep. 417 - Happy Tools We begin as always with the Happy Creed. We believe in Happy, in Balance and Growth, of being Mindful and Grateful,Compassionate and Understanding. YowzaHahaMy Happy Friends! Don’t fight your moods, they aren’t monstrous ghouls,They aren’t traps or weapons either, they’re just tools.Moods are your instruments, your dials, and your gauges, Helping you navigate all your mortal human stages. We can get stuck into habits, our movements get restricted,Our quick fixes become crutches, making us addicted.When really it’s connection we need, not escape, not solitude,But people to relate to, mind to mind and mood to mood. We’re social creatures, and so we long for meaningful relationships with others,That’s why we form groups and clubs, treating our friends like sisters and brothers.And when those connections fail, it can feel like a terrible and tragic loss,Making us want to dull any and all pain we happen to come across. And for a moment we feel better, because we released some of the pressure, But then it comes right back all the stronger with a pain that only gets fresher,And then we use that same crutch again, that last resort fix that becomes a vice,But we need more each time just to feel less than normal and not even halfway nice. It makes you not want to be alone with your thoughts, because thinking turns to worry,But that’s because you avoid your own moods, always trying to shut them off in a hurry,If instead you would change your approach, and stop thinking of them as things to avoid,You’d see that for living a fuller life, they are the best tools that could ever be employed. Happy Tools are those that make our lives easier to handle, not harder or more demanding, Moods let us cope with hardships freeing up our horizons to be ever expanding,They’re meant to be tested, honed, practiced and drilled, skills to be improved upon,Not things to be shunned, resented, silenced, hidden, disregarded or wished to be gone. Laugh, cry, scream, frown, smile, just a little bit every day,If you fight or suppress your moods, then their power will decay,But if you get familiar with them, little by little, and bit by bit, Then you’ll have greater control, and life will be a better fit. HahaYowza    

Happy Learning is about finding the simplicity of a subject so it’s not something you hate,This starts with first breaking it down to its most basic forms, it’s okay to start slow,Don’t get hung up on having to be complex, if you understand the basics, you're doing great,And then it might click for you and you’ll want to keep at it and see where it, and you, can go.[full text below] Ep. 416 - Happy Learning We begin as always with the Happy Creed. We believe in Happy, in Balance and Growth, of being Mindful and Grateful,Compassionate and Understanding. YowzaHahaMy Happy Friends! I like to learn new things and then share the things I’ve learned, Sometimes I share those things with myself in case I forget,So it has to make sense to me first, as far as I’m concerned,But if I get it well enough to teach myself, then it’s no sweat. When I was a kid, I didn’t really pick things up very quick,I figured I must be slow and so I readjusted my life to match,But then when I got to my late teens things started to click,I finally could take subjects I liked and so I rebuilt myself from scratch. But even after I actually got into college and made the lofty Honor Roll,I still never lost the feeling of all those years when I thought I was dumb,So I took my time to make sure I understood things completely, as a whole,And once I did I could then convert them into simple rules of thumb. No matter how complex the subject, if I could take my time, I could break it down,And if I could do that, I could fully understand it backwards and forwards, inside and out,Whether it was physics, poetry, computer science--you name it! I could go to town!And then I could teach it to others, if it was something they cared to learn about. Like, for some classes, we had to read stories from hundreds of years ago, I’m talking like four-hundred, six-hundred, even a thousand years ago or more!And if you think your parents talk weird compared to you--you don’t even know!It’s like learning a foreign language and it took me forever--talk about a chore! But once I read all the footnotes and the study guides and it finally made sense, Then I realized why people still liked those stories--they’re good, and funny, and deep,So, I went to class excited to delve into them, expecting the debates to get intense,But instead, nobody said a word! All my work was for nothing! It made me want to weep! But rather than waste my time in dull classrooms, I decided to share what I’d read,So, I told my classmates that I’d tell them the plots of the reading, so class could be fun,So, they sat on the carpet in the lobby outside the library, and listened to everything I said,I told them tales of adventure, scary dreams, lasting love, and everything else under the sun. They sat cross-legged, their chins resting on their fists, all shining eyes and smiling faces,And then, the next time we had class, they all chimed in, and the teacher was delighted,It made for an engaging discussion, everyone was animated and we were off to the races,Because they were informed, and in a simple way, so they could get it, and be excited. Did I dumb it down for them? I think I just made it clear, really, and it made it fun for me too,Like, if you have to learn a dead language just to read the homework--who’s going to do that?And for most of them this wasn’t even their major, so really not something they were going to do,Which meant I would’ve been doomed to painfully silent classes that fell completely flat. So, what’s the lesson here? What am I reminding myself about, and for what?Is it that you’re smarter than you think you are? That education can be fun?Am I revealing my outlook on life, that you can go with your head, and go with your gut?You know, probably a little of all of those things because who’s just one thing? No one. Like me, I like to read now, but sometimes I get lazy and would rather watch TV,I like to write, to research, to discuss, but I also like games and a really good nap,You can brin

Happy Flow is choosing to go in the direction of Balanced Growth,Not to paddle upstream or let your mind wander and your thoughts scatter,But to fully immerse yourself in the activity, in the form and the content both,So that you can focus, attend, and fully apply yourself to the current matter. [full text below] Ep. 415 - Happy Flow We begin as always with the Happy Creed. We believe in Happy, in Balance and Growth, of being Mindful and Grateful,Compassionate and Understanding. YowzaHahaMy Happy Friends! Some things hurt more the more you fight them, while other things may simply break,If you’ve ever had a sudden dread about what might happen, like a health scare,Then you know the fear it can instill within you and all the stress it can makeAs you try not to think about it, you try to carry on, even while the panic is still there. But fighting your possible future can destroy your actual present and leave you wanting,Unable to cope with the business of living because of something that may not come to pass,Robbing you of vitality, hope and good cheer, turning your dreams into something haunting,Where every effort is painful, every decision dire, and every doubt is just there to harass. Happy Flow is choosing to go in the direction of Balanced Growth,Not to paddle upstream or let your mind wander and your thoughts scatter,But to fully immerse yourself in the activity, in the form and the content both,So that you can focus, attend, and fully apply yourself to the current matter. This allows your efforts to work in unison, and not be fragmented, wasted, or lost,You become absorbed and carried along, your attention becomes effortless and controlled,You’re able to keep going without self-consciousness and with very little mental cost,Because your actions and intentions are aligned making the process a thing to behold. Haha Yowza    

Emotional Inertia is the tendency for moods to stay as they are, Whether they're an iceberg or a shooting star, Learning control can improve our skill, So we don't go wild our lose our will.   [full text below]   Ep. 414 - Happy Emotia We begin as always with the Happy Creed. We believe in Happy, in Balance and Growth, of being Mindful and Grateful,Compassionate and Understanding. YowzaHahaMy Happy Friends! Emotia is a word I made by combining the words Emotion and Inertia into one,Emotion is Feelings, and Inertia is the tendency for things to stay as they are,So, like, a car may be hard to move, or hard to stop because it weighs a ton,Just like a heavy mood may be the same way because of how much we care. If you’re having a meltdown and someone tells you to chill--your mood might not change,Though granted, it’s not quite the same as trying to stop a speeding car, of course,Emotia is just a way of saying that moods have momentum both short- and long-range,Like, a heavy mood is harder to lighten up because it just seems to have more force. Then, once you see moods as having weight, practicing them becomes exercise,And just like you wouldn’t enter an athletic competition without training first,You need to practice agility, strength and control over your emotions to maximizeYour ability to be able to handle whatever life throws your way from best to worst. This is why you may find it tough to “snap out of it,” when things begin to confound,Or why it may take a minute to get “in the mood,” whatever mood that may happen to be,And this can apply to phobias as well--if you’re afraid of dogs, then don’t visit the pound,And if every attempt to kick a bad habit fails, it may take a gradual approach to break free. Happy Emotia is having a good handle on your moods, good craft, good skill,You don’t try to rush them or run them too hot from a cold start if you can help it,You do your warm ups and cool downs so you don’t pull something or make yourself ill,And you make sure you get in some good mood drills every day to stay ready and fit. And that could just involve thinking about a mood like Sadness or Hope,And then maybe moving on to Anger, Joy, Guilt and Fear, Watch a movie, listen to a song, write out your feelings in order to cope,Learning to get comfortable with emotions prepares you for the next time they appear. HahaYowza