Are You Happy?

Are You Happy?

Have you ever known someone who always seems to be happy? What’s the secret? Is it something they do, or an innate gift? We talked to five people, in various stages of life, to get their views on happiness. One thing seems clear, happiness is an inside job. Read on to see how others view happiness and where they find it in their lives.

Q: Do you have a technique to change your mood?

First, I try not to overreact. Having worked with Hosparus, I’m used to being around a lot of tough news. Sometimes it helps to talk to my wife. She’s a great sounding board. Sometimes, I drive and that helps. Meditation helps to stop and think before I shoot my mouth off. — Bob Mueller

Walking outside when possible. I’ll take Toby, my dog, and go about a half a mile. Sometimes we’ll go to a nearby park and walk by the creek and the flowers. If it’s bad weather, and I’m in a bad mood, I’ll usually go to sleep. If I’m stressed about something, sleep is my escape. — Joyce Milby

I’ll put on some music and dance. I like oldies from the 60s and 70s. Sometimes I think it’s healthy to have a pity party. I don’t do that often, but when I do, I make it worth my while. — Phyllis Maddix

I hop in the car and start Ubering. Helping other people and being with people is what makes me feel better. I feel Uber is a public service I get paid for. I’ve been doing it for seven years, and I absolutely love it. — Joyce Jennings

I try to be a very positive person. I read a lot of spiritual things and go through about three newspapers a day and read a lot on the internet. I try to not get down. If you don’t go down, then you don’t have to come back up. — Jamey Aebersold

Q: Is happiness a goal or a byproduct of something else?

I try to have happiness from within. You can’t always create happiness. Some people try to make it a goal and they end up feeling like something is missing. — Bob Mueller

It’s a goal. I have a family history of depression, so I try to make happiness a goal. — Joyce Milby

I think it’s a byproduct. Living your life and having God in your life is number one. — Phyllis Maddix

I think it’s more of a byproduct. I don’t have a goal to get happy every day. The Archbishop says something like, I might not always be happy, but I’m always fulfilled. — Joyce Jennings

Q: Do you have a morning routine that helps you get started?

I usually meditate for about 15 minutes in the morning to get centered. — Bob Mueller

I’m happier when I start my day with prayer. — Joyce Milby

I have my coffee and I have a Bible app on my phone where they read a scripture and talk about what that means to them. — Phyllis Maddix

A cup and a half of coffee, and I do always eat breakfast, either egg and toast or granola cereal. — Joyce Jennings

First, I put fresh water in my sleep apnea machine. Then I put a half a glass of water in the microwave for 44 seconds and squeeze half a lemon in it because I heard it cleans out your gut and makes you feel better. I have breakfast, and check email. — Jamey Aebersold

Q: What activities do you consider to be happy ones?

I try to play piano every day, not for any excellence, but just for the fun of it. And, I love watching sports. My prayer life helps too. — Bob Mueller

Playing with my grandbaby is the best one. When he’s over, I live more in the moment. Sometimes I’ll go to the nursing home and help others. I find satisfaction in that. They just want somebody to acknowledge them and to be heard. — Joyce Milby

I like to read. If I have a really good book, that makes me happy. I like a novel that makes me think. I can get lost in a book. — Phyllis Maddix

Going to Broadway shows, the Louisville Orchestra — I like the performing arts. — Joyce Jennings

I’m a vocal nonsmoker, and I spend a lot of money on billboards and books that help people quit and encourage them to never start. — Jamey Aebersold

Q: Do you count on other people to make you happy?

I draw energy from other people. I go out and meet a friend or have lunch with somebody. I try to be grateful; take things for gratitude instead of for granted. I have to stay busy and have a purpose. — Bob Mueller

No. I like to have people around, but I don’t depend on them to make me happy. — Joyce Milby

No. I’m the only one that can make me happy. I love being around my kids and my grandkids. — Phyllis Maddix

No. My kids are grown and gone. I make my own happiness. I have girlfriends and we play cards once a week, Canasta. I look forward to that. — Joyce Jennings

It’s up to each person to make their own happiness and their own health. I’ve never been a smoker, or drinker, or on drugs, so I feel fortunate to never have to rely on those things to be happy. — Jamey Aebersold

Article Sources:

Bob Mueller, 75 | Bishop of the United Catholic Church, Retired from Hosparus Health, and Author of Weddings — Love, Beauty and Laughter

Joyce Milby, 58 | Authorization Reimbursement Coordinator At Trilogy Health Services

Phyllis Maddix, 72 | Retired

Joyce Jennings, 72 | President of Queen’s Daughters (volunteer), Uber driver, and Hosts-Global tour guide

Jamey Aebersold, 83 | Musician and Owner of Jazzbooks.com, and anti-smoking advocate

By Cheryl Stuck

Summer 2023 / Today's Transitions