Lessons From Lucy: The Simple Joys of an Old, Happy Dog

by Dave Barry

I’m not saying you should ignore your problems, or the problems of the wider world; I’m saying keep them in perspective. Don’t let your happiness depend on the news, or the stock market, or office politics, or traffic. Don’t let people who don’t know you tell you how you should feel. Don’t believe that the world is terrible, or wallow in outrage or victimhood, just because some politician or radio-talk-show host or college professor tells you to. Decide for yourself how your life is going, and when you make that calculation, start with the fundamentals: Are you walking around? Do you have people you love? Do they love you? Do you have enough to eat? A place to live? If you have those things, you have a lot to be grateful for. If you also have laughter in your life, and music, maybe a nice sunset once in a while, you’re blessed. Try to remember that the next time you’re feeling stressed or unhappy. Things could be a lot worse.