Five Ways I Resolve to Be Happy in 2009

First the bad news: The economy is in the tank. Credit is hard to get. Interest rates are rising. Gas is going to go higher. There will be fewer jobs. More people will be unemployed. Politics will be nastier than ever. Now for the good news: I have a job. I have people who love me. My credit cards are almost paid off. My house is warm and easy to heat. I know how to plant a garden and have room to do so.

(1) The reason most people are unhappy in 2008 is because relationships with others are not what they would like. Happiness and loneliness seem to go hand in hand. To be happy in 09 the first thing that needs to happen (for me) is to resolve to mend relationships with immediate family, get to know extended family and seek out like-minded people for new friends.

The person without friends is simply the person who chooses to be alone. There are many places to meet new people. I sometimes hang around the tennis courts in spring. I've found if you wait around the court long enough a person will show up looking for a practice partner. Another place I've made friends is the gym. It is so easy to talk to someone beside you on a treadmill. Of course you can go to a bar but there are too many unhappy people in bars.

(2) Happiness is something everyone wants but seldom know how to achieve. Credit cards are a killer of happiness. Sure, there is pleasure is buying but those monthly statements reflecting what you spent coupled with the high rates knock happiness right out of your soul. To be happy, I've got to finish paying off those cards and enjoy cutting them up. Just this week I canceled two cards. Hooray!

(3) A new car makes some people happy. It usually lasts about thirty days. There is no way anyone can purchase a new car every thirty days. My old truck gets a bath, a good polish and upholstered every time I start thinking about a new car. Sure, it's a lot of work but work also makes me feel good.

Achieving something such as writing a blog when you want to instead of when you have to makes you feel good. Translate that - happy. Cleaning the truck gives the same since of satisfaction. Getting around to those little chores you've been putting off makes you pleased. Translate that - happy.

(4) This year I'm going to take a trip - a long trip to a place I've always wanted to go. It will be expensive but if it is something you want to do you can save for it. For a few days I'll be extremely happy. For years to come I will reflect upon that trip, look at the photos and remember. Happiness, to me is also in the memories. In 2009 I'm going to remember more instead of worrying over what may or may not happen.

(5) The election is over. It was very depressing listening to the news when they reported who said what or who did what or whatever. It really seemed the news media went out of their way to make people mad and foster of sense of unease along with distrust. I resolve that in 2009 I'll spend less time watching the news and less television. I'll watch more old movies, those with plot and believable characters. And, any free or reasonably priced local live productions are going to get my attention.

Entertainment for me is going to be more people and less technology. Sitting in front of a "screen" isn't as much fun as it used to be. And, the texting -- well that is out. My thumbs hurt. No cell either, well at least I'll limit to business.

There are ways to be happy in 09 that are cheap. Most involve face-to-face with people. Will you join me and get in touch with people again?