THE COMEBACK:

You are too short!

I may be short; but, short people can wear heels. Ugly just can't be fixed.

THE MESSAGE:

If it is true that happy people should be in better physical and mental shape and generally healthier than those who are unhappy; it follows then that they would be better educated, gainfully employed, and more productive. Thus one may conclude that happiness is closely related to success in life.

TONY TODAY:

Are these the only factors that ultimately lead to the feelings of satisfaction and resignation? Surely not! Many citizens also find themselves immersed in the miriad concerns surrounding environmental conditions, social connections, political voices, familial security and the realities of world health, conflict and poverty.

Some Western societies are more and more concentrated on the mantra that becoming significantly happier is achievable and sustainable. Politicians thrive on this concept and unabashedly promise much in their pursuit of power.

Is it not reasonable to include the concepts of love, being thankful, compassion, kindness, optimism, moderation and mediation. I believe that these realities are very significant in determining our 'quality of life'.

Moderation is a valuable tool. Overemphasis on achieving happiness can lead to a relentless pursuit of self satisfaction and eventual ignorance.

FAMILY IS LOVE:

Where does love fit into the grand scheme of Happiness?

Dostoevsky's primary concern is not with an abstract ‘love of humankind’. Here his focus is on an active love that teaches the reader how to love individual human beings, in spite of all their frailties and flaws.

One of the brothers, Ivan Karamazov, was not so much an articulate atheist but someone who hated God for allowing so much suffering in life.

In 'Wild Montana Skies', John Denver and Emmylou Harris metaphorically sing of a young man blessed with maternal love but later orphaned. He is sustained by love. A mother's love cannot be replaced and will always guide a person throughout life.

How much energy is wasted in our lives by an obsessive hatred of A person, different religions, political leaders, or institutions? Do we ever stop to analyze the reasons that some people don’t like us? Are we really accountable? Can we recognize our frailties, admit our mistakes and be resolved to never repeat them? Are we able to accept and forgive those who justifiably dislike us?

WELL-BEING IN LIFE

The United nations and other government initiatives have resulted in annual surveys and studies that measure the happiness levels of Western societies.

According to the World Happiness Report, of March 2018, it was determined that Finland is the happiest country in the world. Norway, last year's winner, came in second place followed by Denmark, Iceland and Switzerland.The Netherlands came in sixth place this year, followed by Canada, New Zealand, Sweden and Australia. The United States landed in 18th place, dropping four spots from last year. It would appear that climate and military might are not high on the priority lists of several people.

Sociologists generally agree that happiness in life can be attributed to a healthy and realistic balance between work and life.

THE MUSIC:

Bee Gees - I've Gotta Get a Message To You

THE STUFF:

Here is what I have discovered on how to achieve a healthy work/life balance.

Step 1: Prioritize work tasks. Determine the most urgent tasks for the day and allocate sufficient time to complete them.

Step 2: Structure time at work.

Step 3: Take breaks during the work day.

Step 4: Make use of holidays to recharge.
Step 5: Leverage technology to work smarter.

Step 6: Save time for loved ones at home.

Step 7: Emphasize your character development rather than your reputation.

Step 8: Be approachable at work.

Step 9: Update your knowledge and skill.

Step 10: Know your limitations.

THE PUN:

A Joe Job is named after Biden as it requires little input and effort!

THE QUESTION:

Are government or political systems actually capable of creating happiness among the citizens?

THE LEMON:

Whom would you select?

EVIL IS AS EVIL DOES

Each villain is an avatar of evil, a partial actor of a very complex part. Each of us is capable both of understanding that part, and of acting it out, in our darkest times.

THE QUOTE: