The Geneva Happiness Club 1st Meeting

WHAT IS THE HAPPINESS CLUB?
BE HAPPY ZONE
By Lionel Ketchian

"Strive to realize a state of inward happiness, independent of circumstances." These are the profound words of J.P. Greaves. I do not know who Mr. Greaves was, but I do know he had an understanding of happiness that very few people realize. As I tried to change things and events outside of me, they could not change enough for me to feel happy on the inside. Eleven years ago that changed, and I have been happy one hundred percent of the time. The decision to become a happy person has not only benefited me, but the readers of my articles and people who come to the Happiness Club. You can be miserable or you can be happy. It's not the reasons that matter; it's the results. When you are happy everything works better. Your problems either get resolved or they no longer have a negative affect on you. I do the best I can with those things (called life) to change them, and being happy takes care of the rest.

What is the Happiness Club? It is an organization with a purpose to promote the benefits of being happy through meetings, newsletters, and an informative web site, to the people in our community, and around the world.

What is the cost? It costs nothing! No dues or charges, all it will cost you is the time you spend to go to a meeting and learn about happiness. I have found that unhappiness cost too much and is not worth the price we pay for it. What is unhappiness costing you?

What is Happiness? My definition of happiness is an inner state of well being which enables you to profit from your highest: thoughts, wisdom, intelligence, common sense, emotions, health, and spiritual values in your life.

What do we teach? It is a rational, common sense approach to accept a positive view of life and deal with the things we cannot change. Learning to direct your energy to the things that are in your choice and control, will make you a happier person.

What can you get out of it? You can get happy! It has been proven that being happy benefits your health.
Happiness is the best self-improvement plan for being a better and friendlier person. It also provides you with the opportunity to socialize, meet new people, and form friendships. You can have a wonderful time, smile, and laugh a lot! Nice people do so much for everyone around them; they need to become happy within themselves so they can continue to give to others. If you're not happy, how can you give happiness to others? You can't give away what you do not have. Spend time connecting with yourself and others, it benefits your relationships and the world you live in.

What is a meeting like? The Happiness Club presents strategies to live your life to the fullest. Lionel and others present ways to be happy each month. We have discussions during every meeting. You have a chance to learn from others and express your viewpoint if you choose. The meetings are educational, and you take something home with you to use in your life in order to be a happier person.

Why is unhappiness a problem? When you are unhappy you are at the effect of the negative things in your life. You allow them to have power over you. Being unhappy produces more negative influences in your life. You experience the unfairness of life in a state of confusion, so you take loss to an unhealthy level. You hurt, you worry, you suffer, you become fearful, you become helpless, and you are unhappy with your life.

Why have a Happiness Club? When you're happy you can increase your endurance for dealing with life's problems. Happiness allows you to make easier decisions, and access the wisdom within yourself. Furthermore, you become more loving and experience peacefulness. Your entire attitude becomes one of greater strength. You become positive and powerful. People notice the change and it begins to positively affect others. Imagine happiness spreading like the common cold. It can! You can make it happen by learning to be happy. You can change the world by taking control of yourself.

When did the club start? We originated in January 2000. On Leap Year Day, February 29, 2000, the Happiness Club appeared on the front page of The Connecticut Post. The Happiness Club has been written up in several newspapers and magazines. We have appeared on television and have done live radio talk shows.

Where can I learn more about happiness? Come to the meetings, read the Be Happy Zone column, check our web site, read books.

What do the people involved in the club get out of it? We do it because we care about others and ourselves. We do it because we want people's lives to be better, and help them overcome some tough times. We get to see old friends and meet new friends. We make no money doing it, and we generate happiness.

Why be happy? Why not, is the best answer! Life is short? Be Happy!