“Happiness” is the main theme of this month’s back-to-school issue, and it has come at a good time for me because I have an urge to be happy. I’m tired of being bummed out. I think I’m just in a funk right now and there are many reasons why, but basically the world isn’t what I expected it to be by now[MOU1] . I’ve always had a hard time accepting reality when it is other than what I think it could or ought to be. 

All that being said, I don’t care anymore what could or ought to be. I just want to be happy, and on an ongoing basis too. So I intend to put the seven points given in this month’s feature editorial, “Think Yourself Happy: Seven Ways to Change Your Mind and Be Happier,” to work. I’ve already named my inner critic Norma. (No offense to people named Norma; it’s just a name that came to me, and I bet it will change with time and practice.) I plan to talk to her in a loving way when she’s giving me a hard time. Reframing is something I’ve been doing for a while, but questioning assumptions is something I will work on. Finally, having gratitude for the many blessings in my life particularly resonates at this time.

I wish you much happiness this August, and feel free to share your inner critic’s name with me at [email protected]. Making up inner critic names could be a fun event in itself.

Shannon