I know what you're thinking.

Here we go again-- another cornball list of snarky sayings and pics that just end up reinforcing the completely and utterly meaninglessness of life, like "Happiness is a warm gun", etc.

Naah.. I wouldn't do that to you. Happiness is too important a concept to be snarky about.

And in my mind, happiness is a cold gun - one that hasn't had to be used in a long time.

I just wanted to update you on my on-again, off-again struggle with the 'smile project' (that's what I've come to call it, anyway...) that I ranted somewhat about in a post a lil while back, called "Just Say Yes".

(see it at http://carolinamuscle.xanga.com/714464941/just-say-yes)

You might remember that I was determined to try to be more positive - more open to people.

In that vein, I've been trying to smile more.

'Cause if there's one criticism I get more than any others -- (and there are others-
like having a juvenile sense of humor, or just being a big, dumb jerk) -- but the one I get the most - (from my friends at least) - is that I'm not 'approachable'.

Most of the time, I hear that from people in the gym, but I can see how that comes across in all my different daily activities. I walk around with an expression of , what I like to call - "fixed concentration" -- and what my friends and family have variously described as "the look", "the scowl", "the-you're-about-to-catch-the-309" , etc, etc, etc.

Right now, as I'm scribbling down these ravings, I find myself with a slight frown...

............................ what the hell AM I frowning about?

Breaking a habit of 50 some years... It's tough, buddy.

I was never a big smiler. I don't know whether I was afraid to look like a goofball or if I didn't want people to think I was a pushover.... either of which are conclusions many people draw instantaneously when they see people smiling for no apparent reason.....

--- but I've decided that these are very stupid reasons for walking around looking like someone suckin on a sour persimmon. (say THAT five times fast... )

What the hell do I care if perfect strangers think I'm a goofball or not?

And if they stupidly jump to a conclusion that I'm some kinda pushover, well, that's easy and quick enough to fix....

......... it'll be very much my pleasure.

But as I said, it's not been easy to break the habit of many years with one or two blogs and a couple of 'smile' sessions in the mirror - (besides, they tend to break under the stress) - I've had to consciously and constantly remind myself of what I'm trying to do... and sometimes I just plain forget. It's not like I don't have some major problems on my plate right now.......

..... no excuses... just 'splaining.

And it doesn't help when I do remember, and AM smiling - one of my buddies asks me "...what the hell's wrong with YOU??"

Ahh well..........

no experiment is without it's ups and downs.... and I actually do feel better!!!

It's amazing - I forced myself to smile, when I really wasn't feelin it, a coupla nights ago..

and the more I did it, the less I wasn't feelin it.. until I WAS feelin it. Bizarre.... but cool.

Of course, I've read all those studies about smiling and emotional states - but to see it work -- up close and personal -- man!! .. who the hell was it who said a psychology major was a total waste, anyway??

It's like the man said:

"Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy".


Here's a couple more of my favorite quotes about happiness.... no snarks in the bunch.

Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself. (Og Mandino)

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony. (Mahatma Gandhi)

To get joy, we must give it, and to keep joy, we must scatter it. (John Templeton)



Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times. (Zig Ziglar)



The greatest happiness of life it the conviction that we are loved - loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves. (Victor Hugo)




All who would win joy, must share it; happiness was born a twin. (Lord Byron)



Happiness is the only sanction of life; where happiness fails, existence remains a mad and lamentable experiment (Geo Santayana)