When I was in primary school, I had a vivid imagination and vivid dreams to go with them. I had “bad” dreams regularly. My research indicates that this is very common and normal. It’s not necessary to detail specific dreams but I will say that I had a repertoire of bad dreams that would play out the same way over and over from childhood through adulthood. For me, those began at about seven or eight years of age. I loved watching Flash Gordon on television but my parents felt that it was the cause of my bad dreams, and stopped letting me watch it.

One night while I was sleeping an angel appeared to me and said, “Be happy” That’s it. No elaboration. Simply, “Be Happy”. I ran to my parent’s bedroom crying and reported my dream. They told me that it was a good dream and not a nightmare and convinced me to go back to bed. Whatever the source of that message, I adopted it as a rule to live by.

Disney released a film in 1960 that was based upon a book written in 1916 called Pollyanna. It tells the story of a child with an optimistic, sunny disposition who is able to transform her entire community by insisting that everyone look for things to be glad about.

“Always Look On the Bright Side of Life” was a song originally written as a parody but has come to be used as a song of encouragement in the face of tragedy or loss.

In 1988 Bobby McFerrin recorded the hit song, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”. He gives great advice in that catchy little tune. The message of the song is twofold. First, regardless of what happens, don’t worry, be happy. Second, when you are sad, discouraged and negative, it brings the people around you down too. The conclusion is that being optimist is best.

There are many other examples in song and literature. My point is this, though some people may by nature be more prone to pessimism than others, happiness is a decision. Life is an uneven journey filled with triumphs and defeats. But humility in triumph, perseverance in defeat and always looking for the good in people and circumstance will result in a much happier, joyful and fulfilled life. Choose happiness.