Happiness is…What Ann Evanston has learned in her 40+ years

With my birthday coming up I have been thinking a TON about happiness, so of course I did a little video:

So what to realize about happiness?

  • Love is easy-happiness is harder. I have loved many people; I am not always happy with them.
  • Happy is a choice. It’s better to be happy and alone than unhappy and surrounded.
  • When you smile more you are happy more. YES, just smile right now!
  • Laughter is the fastest way to happiness.
  • No one can make you happy but you, and when you try and make everyoen else happy, they just don’t appreciate you. Make you happy first; others will admire and respect who you are.

I know it’s easy to read this and immediately think “what does she know, her life seems so perfect.” Think again, I have many challenges and trials, but I still choose happy. For example, most people do not know that my husband has been out of work for 4 months. Living in California, that is scary! And due to a terrible car accident, I have chronic pain, ouch! You know what? I still choose HAPPY.

It’s funny to me because unhappy people don’t really like me – hahaha – go figure! My favorite way to stay happy is to laugh. I laugh, a lot. I find humor in many things. And I laugh OUT LOUD every day.

How do you stay happy?

 

Ann Evanston, MA, has been named by About.com as one of the Top Six Marketing Consultants, Feb 2011, and recognized in the Huffington Postfor her unique approach in using Facebook to increase profits though giving. In October 2008 Ann created the Social Networking Coaching Club, a forum where you get personalized support to learn how to “discover your REAL edge” and make more online in less time with integrity.
  • Anonymous

    Your favorite way to stay happy is to laugh, I like this. It reminds me that sometimes I need a little outside help to be happy. If I’m stressin’ over my self-employed crazy-busy life, or if I’ll have any financial security in my old age, or if I’ll be healthy in my old age, or even get to old age – a step back really makes a difference for me. Without living in de Nile (that river in Egypt), sometimes a serious problem requires a non-serious answer. I love to get away with a good book, especially something absorbing like a Stephen King novel, his writing is so fine I get lost in it. Turning off the cell phone and reading the Sunday paper with my sweetie. My favorite sweet-smelling face cream so getting ready for bed is relaxing. Ahh, perspective.

  • http://home-decorating-makeovers.com/ Jennifer Duchene

    Happiness is definitely a life changer. I choose happy too. Because life is too short and yes even ugly, not to laugh. The glass can be half empty or half full, the truth is, its the same glass, the same amount of water. Choice is what makes life a bubble ready to burst. We decide if it bursts with joy. That is why I love being around you Ann. Your spirit is full of glow. Happy Birthday to a woman who makes life shine even in dark corners. You have brought out so much happy. In spite of pain and difficulty, you have the ingredient that really works with everything.

    Jennifer Duchene
    Home Makeover Mixtress
    http://www.Lyshome.com

  • http://www.mywealthspa.com Darcie Newton

    I choose happiness every day. When I was single I had a list of the qualities I wanted in my husband, humor was not high on the list because I didn’t grow up in a funny household. Thankfully I fell in love with a man that has made me laugh everyday. I agree with you wholeheartedly, happiness is a choice not a destination. Everyone faces challenges, if you accept that life comes with them and choose to be happy in spite of them…then you win.

    Darcie Newton
    http://mywealthspa.com

  • Cheryl

    I am with you Ann, we can’t make other people be happy and for me to be happy, it is up to me. I like to do little things for myself. Fresh air and sunshine make me happy. Having a day to do nothing but be in nature makes me happy and I find that when things are not going the way I want them to, i can put myself mentally in that “happy” place and then I can at least cope with what is happening easier. Hope you have an awesome birthday!

  • Christie Albert

    Thank you for pointing out that happiness is a choice. Couldn’t agree more. And laughing every single day is essential — it’s one of the (many) reasons why I married my husband! He makes me laugh like no one else.

  • Brenfreay

    GREAT vlog Ann…”if you try to make everyone else happy you typically end up unhappy!” wish i had known this many years ago…cause I’ve been there and learned the hard way…but, like susan said…happy, laughter, and giggles make the world shine! love that! I choose happy…I have my moments as we all do…just gotta remember to keep smiling:) happy birthday girl!

  • Susan Berland

    Happy birthday, Ann. Love this post and the topic. Abraham Lincoln said most folks are as happy as they make up their mimds to be. And he was chronically depressed! When I was a young adult I didn’t know that I was happy by nature by I know it now and am grateful. Happy, laughter, giggles make the world shine.