HAPPINESS —

Who are the people we really like, and like to be with? Most of the time, they are happy people, people who like themselves and others. Being happy is almost the entire secret of being likable. Though no person can expect to be liked by everybody, likable people have the inside track most of the time.

How do we become happy and thus likable? We're continuously told that happiness cannot be found in property, power, and prestige. It is rooted instead in self-acceptance, in feeling loved and wanted, and in giving genuine service.

Twelve Step programs are structured to make us happy if we persevere long enough in working the individual steps. While it may seem contradictory, even people with heavy burdens and personal sorrows can find happiness in the program. A great deal of this also hinges on our belief in a Higher Power and a confidence that we have a place in the universe.

I can be happy today in spite of things that others would consider burdensome and depressing. Happiness really comes from our higher power, and it also serves to attract others into my life.