Find Happiness

You have got to be kidding me, Ohio is ranked 47th in happiness? I hope that doesn’t include those of us who live in Licking County. Finding happiness is like finding yourself. You don’t find happiness. You go through the process of discovering who you are or self-actualization. It’s a big word and a very important process.

A few weeks ago the Gallup Inc. Healthways Well-being Index was released which revealed that Ohio ranks 47th out of 50 states on the happiness scale – in other words, lots of Ohioans are unhappy.

Since the United States Declaration of Independence says we all have the right to “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness” and Mental Health America promotes good mental health and wellness, I have a few suggestions.

First of all, we all must have good self esteem. Remember that good self esteem is a quiet feeling of liking who you are. That leaves out anyone who is boastful, conceited, or a braggart. People who do those kinds of things do NOT have good mental health. Signs of good self esteem include feeling like a valuable person, displaying a positive attitude, knowing you aren’t perfect and are ready to apologize when you make a mistake, and thinking and behaving in ways that are good for you and good for others. Don’t forget that you must be likeable to have others like you.

Secondly, we must get along with others. That means to respect differences and use self control. When you don’t like someone, which happens to all of us, a mentally healthy person will leave them alone. There will be no bullying, name calling, picking on others. If you don’t like someone, make a quick evaluation of what you can change. If nothing comes to mind, don’t get in their face, just leave them alone.

The third part of being mentally healthy is to cope with the demands of life. In other words, manage the stress you experience using positive strategies – no drinking, drugging, lying, cheating, behaving in negative ways, etc.

Our self esteem in built on successes in life and love. If you don’t feel successful in your relationships, change them. If you don’t feel successful in school or your job, change that situation. If you have a lot of stress, work it out. And I mean it literally: talk about it to someone that can help you sort your way through your stressors; exercise daily – you can change your brain chemistry in a positive way by exercising; think positive thoughts and find silver linings in those dark clouds; join a support group to help you deal with your situation; write out your problems so you can see what is challenging you and then seek help to solve it; and eat healthy food (enough said about that).

Then when life seems really tough, look for a hug. It’s wondrous what a hug can do. A hug can cheer you when you’re blue. A hug can say “I love you so,” or “Gee, I hate to see you go.” The hug! There’s just no doubt about it, we scarcely could survive without it. A hug delights and warms and charms, it must be why we have arms. No need to fret about the store of ‘em. The more you give, the more there are of them. So stretch those arms without delay and give someone a hug today.

If you would like a hug coupon, just let me know. We give them out by the thousands. All I ask is that you use it appropriately and with respect. My email is: paddykutz@alink.com, come in or call Mental Health America of Licking Count, 65 Messimer Drive, Newark, Ohio 43055.

MHA is a member agency of United Way, Community Mental Health & Recovery Board of Licking/Knox Co., and NAMI.

--Paddy Kutz
Executive Director, Mental Health America of Licking County