A Happy Brain, 1

When I have heard you speak in person or on a video, my impression is that you are a happy person. I don't mean jumping around and cavorting on stage--that seems so "put on." I mean just calmly happy. Are you a happy person?

Am I happy? By my definition, yes. Definitely. Some have asked, “Is there a universal definition. Not that I know of. It you think, ‘I’d need to know your definition of happiness before I can really answer those questions,’ you’d likely be correct. According to some, happiness is an elusive and ethereal quality that it rarely obtainable and definitely unsustainable. Living that definition tends to involve expectations that some place (the environment) or something (what you have) or some one (who you know) creates and gives you happiness. Nothing could be farther from the truth in my brain’s opinion. Coming up with a universal definition is likely elusive. For purposes of this blog, here’s mine:

 Happiness is a mindset that is evidenced by positivity, life satisfaction, and realistic optimism that can range from calm contentment to moments of intense joy. This state of mind involves a decision about how to respond to both desirable and undesirable events in life—a choice that impacts yourself as well as others along with your health and likely your longevity.

Do you have a definition? More tomorrow.