#3- Can You Learn to be Happy?

Have you ever trained a puppy?  For some, this question brings back good memories.  For others, images of wet carpet spots or puddled floors appear.  But with any amount of persistence, Fido or Fifi learned to go outside.  Why?  Because he learned to.  It's that simple.

Some people are convinced they will never learn- especially if they are a bit older.  You hear them say things like: "I can't remember anything".  With a mind set like that, they are RIGHT!  You have to believe that you can or you won't.

Think back on learning to drive, or the time you learned how to search the web, or how to ride a unicycle (o.k, a unicycle is pushing it- but if you can learn to ride one of those things then Mars is the limit!).  The point is, nobody learns overnight.  Learning takes time and persistence and sometimes nothing short of fire in your belly.  In fact, a lot of the times, learning requires ONE STEP forward and TWO STEPS back.  You will have good days and.....well, you get the idea.

But believe it or not, you can learn to be happy regardless of what happens to come your way.  Difficult circumstances, health issues, or changes in finances or marital status do not have to be the end of your world.  Instead, they can be gauges to show you how well you are performing on your newest course.  This may sound harsh- I know- but it's the truth.

Life's too short to be unhappy.  And I promise you this, nothing in this world can provide you ultimate happiness- not a million dollars, or perfect health, or a stock photo marriage.  In fact, all of these things have the potential to make you UNHAPPY!

How then do we reach the heights of joy?  One move at a time.  Sometimes we fall and sometimes we stand tall.  So don't let the mindset of defeat set in- seize the day!  Give up and go up today!