Happiness and Being Present

"People who dwell on the past and future are less likely to be happy than people who concentrate on the present."  Jeffrey Kluger

An interesting article on happiness in the most recent Time magazine.  The American Declaration of Independence is unique in that it guarantees citizens the right to "the pursuit of happiness".  These words can be found in Thomas Jefferson's own writing.  It is said that he meant public happiness is the test and justification of any government.  This is the first time that happiness for the governed is put at the center of importance in government.  How important is it for you to be happy?  Sometimes we must choose between our own happiness and health over the wishes and demands of others.  As caregivers, I think we must be particularly vigilant to be guardians of our own happiness.  If not, the disease -- whether dementia or something else -- will rob us of our happiness -- and of our very health.  On this day celebrating Independence in America, let us be sure to be guardians of our own independence.  Our happiness depends upon it.