Finding happiness

By Tony Staley
Compass Editor

One thing Americans love is seeking happiness. Maybe that's because the second sentence in the Declaration of Independence says "the pursuit of Happiness" is one of the "unalienable Rights" - along with Life and Liberty - endowed by the Creator.

Anyone wanting to be happy will find plenty of good advice in 101 Ways to Happiness: Nourishing Body, Mind and Soul (Liguori Publications, Liguori, Mo., 2005) by Mitch Finley.

The 101 ways include: Begin and end your day with prayer; listen to music; laugh until you cry; prepare a wonderful dinner at home; take a walk; visit a zoo; be generous on a long-term basis; do somebody else's chores.

In a series of short essays - each one is about 1½ pages - Finley then offers entertaining and often challenging advice on how to improve our being and become happy.

Here's a sample: "Spirituality isn't just you and the Divine Mystery off in a cozy corner together. That's called spiritual narcissism. Nothing will nourish your happiness like serving others people who have special needs" (p. 62).

In another chapter, Finley, a five-string banjo player, suggests finding happiness by playing a musical instrument.

Finley has written many books, including What Faith Is Not, The Ten Commandments: Timeless Challenges for Today, The Joy of Being Catholic, Everybody Has A Guardian Angel: And Other Lasting Lessons I Learned in Catholic Schools and It's Not the Same Without You: Coming Home to the Catholic Church.

As a special bonus, Mitch and his wife Kathy will present a one-day workshop, "Building Christian Families" (also the title of a book they co-wrote), from 9:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 21, at St. Bernard Parish Center, Appleton. For registration or information phone (920)739-3196.

Book or workshop - either way you can't go wrong.