Don’t Worry, Be Happy
Bobby McFerrin back in September 1998 made his song, "Don’t Worry, Be Happy" and expression famous. Bob Marley did his take on it and it became a hit.
I was having lunch yesterday when I bumped into a friend that I haven’t spoken to in about a month. She was smiling as always, looked happy and after the ceremonious hellos and hugs, she said to me, "Larry, I read your blogs every day and lately, they aren’t happy like you normally are."
I paused, thought a moment about my previous posts and sure enough, news about the implosion of the Big 3, unemployment and the state of affairs overall was nothing to be happy about. I assured her that my post today would be happy.
The first thing I thought about was the song. My mind immediately then went to Jimmy Buffet and yes, I could be a true Parrothead but I can’t remember lyrics to save my life. In fact, while I was running on the treadmill at 6AM, I was watching and listening to his Live at Anguilla CD.
McFerrin, Marley and Buffet all have (or had) one thing in common: be happy and enjoy life. For me, I am a fan of island life. Walking on the beach, doing nothing and looking at turquoise blue water, ice cold Perrier (Piña Colada’s in another lifetime), bathing suits and flip-flops. Everything is a lot slower, the days last longer and people around you are relaxed and feeling good.
As I look out my office window today, I see snow, ice, gray skies and a frigid wind blowing the flags. It certainly is not island life in Michigan!
But my friend’s advice is good and one that I preach: life is short and we have to enjoy each and every day. In the scheme of things, there are always people worse off and better off than you. Be happy that you are better off than most.
So thanks for the advice and with that said, I’m going to i-Tunes to play a little more Jimmy, the next best thing to being in the islands.
Happy Wednesday!
December 10th, 2008 at 11:08 am
I agree Larry – life is to short we need to be thankful for all we have.
December 10th, 2008 at 11:10 am
Today is International Human Rights Day.
Remember to be happy about our rights and freedoms today!
December 10th, 2008 at 11:11 am
People ask me all the time, if I am soooo happy always. My realization happened a long time ago. Life IS tooo short, be happy just for living. I tend to always look to the positive, for God knows if i slipped and looked at the negatives in my life I would have already been committed for severe depression. You have choices in life, you can choose to be negative; as my ex-husband does and be miserable for the rest of your life. Or you can choose to be positive, and succeed with all that you are. If you allow life issues to bring you down, it is no ones falt but your own.
December 10th, 2008 at 11:20 am
I also agree….Life is too short….live lfe to the fullest. I tell myself this everyday.
December 10th, 2008 at 11:51 am
wait a minute…. LG didn’t you say several blogs back about how your experience in FL was, and you wanted to get back to MI; and how you love the seasons…(gray sky, snow, ice and all?)
LOL
I for one would LOVE to be back in hawaii all year long, hot sun, sandy beaches, turquoise water, pina colada in hand…. hey if we ever branch out that way and open some stores, I volunteer to transfer there!!!!
Happy Cold, Icy Day!!!
December 10th, 2008 at 11:52 am
PS… 6am?!! I was still in bed sleeping!!! LOL
December 10th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
I agree life is short LG thats why you should definatly have that Pina Colada
instead of a Perrier.
December 10th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Any day that is, is a good day.
December 10th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Thanks Larry. This was priceless.
December 10th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
CARPE DIAM!
December 10th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
I think it is so funny how the weather goes hand in hand with people’s attitude. During the Spring & Summer months, everyone seems to be happy because the sun is shining and when you go outside, it is sunny and warm and you want to stay ourdoors as long as possible. During the Fall, people are still happy but the attitude is less than in the Spring/Summer because they know what is coming in future months. When it is Winter out, people tend to be moody and complain about the cold, wind, ice, snow and how people forget to drive. It also seems like this Season lasts the longest one of them all! I have been getting myself into the regimen of waking up each morning and telling myself that I am going to have a great day. If you think Positive, you will be Positive. Even though the weather outside is not what we would like, we need to make the best of it and be thankful for all that we have.
December 10th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
Reading this reminds me of when I was in Jamaica at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville…. ahh I want summer!
December 10th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
In 2 weeks I will be sitting at Jimmy Buffet’s in Negril Jamaica! Cant wait!
December 10th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Great blog today LG! Life is too short, you should have as many Pina Coladas as your heart desires! haha…I’d like to go have one myself…but I can’t seem to enjoy them unless it’s really warm outside. My winter drink is a good, spicy Bloody Mary! Hmmm…sooo yummy!
But anyways…live it up man! We all deserve it!
Happy Holidays!
December 10th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
sorry, that was me…I always forget to put my name in…
December 10th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
I am Happy every day!! No matter what the economy hands out. I am So happy working for a company as Positive as this one.
I am happy just to have a job as we all should be.
We work our butts off here at the MU and we are proud of it.
I cannot wait til the meeting on Saturday.
Scott we will miss you tons!
Happy Wednesday yall
December 11th, 2008 at 9:46 am
When I found out each Pina Colada was 500 calories plus the extra dark rum on top, it was time for Perrier!
December 11th, 2008 at 11:26 am
They are definitely worth the calories! Nothing better then a Pina Colada in the pool! Just don’t spill
December 11th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Happy Holidays everyone!!!
It seems to me that the same people that complain about the snow/ice/cold are the same ones that complain how hot it is on the warmest days in the summer. Some are just never happy: )
I think in the winter that everyone feels trapped indoors and with lack of sunshine, it makes things worse. This year, I have a new attitude, and I want it to snow! Big, white snowflakes so that I can play outside with my daugther and make snowmen and go sledding. I think that if we can embrace and enjoy all the seasons then it will help.
Hopefully, here is Southern Michigan we’ll get some good snow and less sluch and ice:)
December 11th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
I promise, you’ll never hear me complain about the heat.
December 15th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
I’m with Gary. I never complain about the heat. I moved back here from the “Beaches of South Walton” (Google it). What was I thinking???? I miss the blue-green water, and the white sandy beaches.