A Life's Guide To Hapiness

What is the definition of happiness? Well that’s really hard to say. What someone calls happiness or what makes them happy differs from person to person. It’s really up to you to make your own definition of happiness. My definition of happiness is to be at peace with yourself and those affecting your life.
Happiness is affected by so many things including what you do, what others around you do or the natural forces of the world. It can seem so silly that many small little things can decide how your day, week or month is going to go. Like that old phrase you hear your parents say when you are really crabby in the morning, “Somebody woke up on the wrong side of the bed.” I’ve found that waking up on my favorite side of my bed makes my day go so much better. Something as trivial as the socks you wear can make or break your day. I really hate the socks that my aunt gives me each year for Christmas. They always slide down into my shoe, so after five minutes I have to take my shoes off and pull up my socks.
In the article, “This is Water,” by David Foster Wallace, he says the way you think can block your happiness. When you focus on yourself and not on the bigger picture, you are never truly able to interact with other. If you let yourself think you're the center of the universe, you miss out on the happiness of being social. When you think about others, you may start to see a happier viewpoint of the world and others in it (Wallace). You cannot nurture your own soul by yourself. You need others around you to replenish.
There are times when things seem horrible and happiness does not seem to be an option. This happens only if you let it. For example, what would happen if you find out your mother was sick. It seems like there’s nothing you can do to help them and you start feeling helpless. Then you start wondering if they’re going to die, about their pain and so much more. You get upset and then one thing leads your thought to be out of control. You start seeing all the “what ifs” flashing before your eyes. Before you know it, you’re so depressed that you can’t make decision about anything. But are you really in a place where you can do nothing to be happy?
Remember there’s always a silver lining to every problem. Even when facing a major illness, your attitude and focus can all be influenced by the people you surround yourself with. One little smile or hello in morning can make your day shine. I believe this must especially be true during times of illness. The people around you will be you joy and motivation, which in turn will bring happiness. With their help, you can turn the negative into a positive.
Each day must be lived with a sense of purpose in all that you do. If you believe you have a purpose or a "personal legend" as Paulo Coelho calls it, your life will be complete. Coelho is the author of, The Alchemist, where the main character Santiago travels into the unknown because he believes that he has to follow his dreams to be happy or fulfilled in life. He worked for months get money to travel through the desert, where he finds the love of his life and his purpose. Of course there were hardships, but he worked through them and gained `knowledge. He also discovered powers beyond his wildest dreams and met so many friends that he know he would remember forever. “He thought of the many roads he had traveled, and of the strange way God had chosen to show him his treasure. If he hadn’t believed in the significance of recurrent dreams, he would not have met the Gypsy woman, the king, the thief, or… ‘Well, it’s a long list. But the path was written in the omens and there was no way I could go wrong’” (Coelho 165).
Whether you like it or not, sometimes you have to work at being happy. For those who aren’t very social, they have to work at it, so they can have the happiness of having others around them. A winning psychologist Daniel Kahneman says just that in the article, “The New Science of Happiness.” Kahneman asked 900 women in Texas to fill out a diary and questionnaire. It turns out the second most positive, happiness filled activity for these women was socializing (Wallis).
How many of us females would say hanging out with their friends and family is really fun? To me one of the keys to happiness is to surround yourself with people who truly support and love you for who you are. Whether it’s a small, close group of people or a large and wildly spread out group, being connected to others gives you so many opportunities. For example you can ask your friends for suggestions about people to fix things around your house or stores that they recommend. They can also tell you about jobs opportunities or a fun place to visit. The networking possibilities are endless within your group of people you care for.
Networking can also been done using a couple. A simple request for happiness in a search engine reveals over 57 million results. I’ll use the “keep it simple” principle, which is popular in my family. “The Happiness Project” suggests finding happiness is as easy as making 3 new friends. Research has shown people with at least 5 friends are more likely to label themselves as a happy person (Rubin). My personal experience has found this to be very true. In 7th grade, I really put myself out there are really tried to make a few good friends. I feel like I succeeded. In fact last year when my uncle died unexpectantly, they were there for me. I felt loved and supported. I had people who listened to me. Their support turned something bad into something good.
Happiness is always going to be a work in progress. Sometimes it comes easily, at other times it takes work and determination. Each of us needs to set our happiness bar, and then work toward achieving it. My personal happiness bar focuses on having family and friends around me, along with the goal to live life to the fullest, have no regrets, learn from times that caused pain, while never forgetting the great times. Do what you find fun or joy in doing, and don’t force yourself to do things that bring you down. That’s my personal message of finding happiness. What is yours?

Letter To Happiness

January 19, 2012

Dear Future Daughter,


This letter is mainly going to a short and simply road map to living your life to the fullest, to being happy. That is one of the most important things you need in your life. If you’re not happy then you’re just dead, well at least in my opinion. There are many ways for you to be happy, and its funny how many things, big or small, affect that. Something as silly as the socks you wear can make or break your day. I really hated the socks that my aunt always used to give me each year for Christmas. They would always slide down into my shoe, so after five minutes I would have to take my shoes off and pull up my socks. But then again they were really soft and they kept my toes nice and warm!

Anyhow one of the biggest things you can do to be happy is to be yourself and express yourself the way you want to, within reason of course. Now I want you to listen and listen well. Don’t listen to those other kids that say you’re stupid or lame. You’re not and I know it. You have to believe in yourself because only you can bring happiness into your life. Those other kids are just stupid, and you’re smart. That’s because your mother, yours truly, is smart, and your grandparents taught some really smart things to me when I was growing up. Which of course I’ll pass on to you. Express yourself through the music you listen to constantly, watch those movie you crave, adore your books, and wear your style of clothes. Those things show what kind of a person you are and who you’ll be when you’re all grown up.

Now I know saying be yourself is easier said then done, but you’ve got to be you. I remember a time when I acted like the girls I wanted to be friends with and I felt so dead inside. I realized now they were the type of girl who bullied others, and I was starting to become just like them. I wore clothes that I wasn’t comfortable in and I listened to music I didn’t understand what so ever. I pushed others around and didn’t do any of my school work. Others were starting question who I really was and so was I. I guess what I’m trying to say is that if you are someone you’re not, then the real you is dead. That’s how you get that dead feeling inside because there’s no one in you. If there’s no one in you then who are you. If you’re not yourself you start questioning anything and everything to the point where you’re just so confused.

You might think happiness is really hard to get at but really isn’t. Following your dreams, being yourself, doing the things you love and have friends that love you for who you are, that will bring you happiness. Like I said before only you can bring happiness into your life. If you are always down and not happy, then you just start to repel happiness away from you. There is always going to be some really tough times, but you’ve got to work through them with the help of your family, friends and yourself. Remember there is always a silver lining to every situation, just like with the sock situation. Although some might be harder to see, they are still there you’ve just got to look a little harder. Enjoy your life; it’s the only one you’ve got.

Sincerely,

Your Mother

Your Rights

When you are arrested for a crime, a police officer starts telling you your rights. For example, "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to speak to an attorney, and to have an attorney present during any questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be provided for you at government expense." (1) These are known as your Miranda rights. The police have to tell you your rights before they start questioning you. This is result of the very famous and important case called Miranda v Arizona.
In 1963 Ernesto Miranda was accused of kidnapping and raping an 18 year old woman. When he was brought in for questioning, the police did not tell him his rights. In that time period the police took advantage of the fact that not everyone knew their rights by heart. Even though many of the rights in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights were made so that those accused of crimes were treated fairly until proven guilty, most people do not know they have these rights.
Miranda was question without being told his rights and without having his attorney present. During his questioning Miranda confessed to the crime. However during his trial his lawyer tried to get the confession thrown out. His argument was that his client’s Fifth Amendment rights had been violated. The motion was denied. In 1966 the case was brought to the US Supreme Court. The question that the court needed to answer was who had the responsibility of informing a person of the Fifth and Sixth Amendments rights?
Miranda's lawyer believed that the use of his confession was unconstitutional, because of the Fifth Amendment. The Fifth Amendment clearly state, “Nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” (2) “Without due of process of law,” is the key part to his argument. The lawyer furthered argue that in order for the process of law to be complete, Miranda should have been notified of his rights.
The police officers involved admitted to not telling Miranda his rights when they questioned him. They argued that because he had been convicted of a crime in the past, he must be aware of his rights. This leads to question of what is the role of the police in protecting the rights of the accused, as guaranteed by the Fifth and Sixth Amendments to the Constitution. How informed is someone who has been convicted of a crime about the constitution? Does something happen during the trial process where people are taught their rights?
The case was brought to the US Supreme Court, who agreed to listen, along with three other similar cases, Vignera v. New York, Westover v. United States, and California v. Stewart. The court combined the cases together and since the Miranda vs. Arizona case was filed first, the decision took the name Miranda rights.
The opinion was 5 to 4 when the case was over. The majority opinion was written by Chief Justice Earl Warren who stated, “That defendants arrested under state law must be informed of their constitutional rights against self-incrimination and to representation by an attorney before being interrogated when in police custody.” (3)
On September 22, 1993 Archie Dixon and Timothy Hoffner arrived at the home of Kirsten Wilkerson. (4) She had Christopher Hammer staying with her. The two were accused of beating up Hammer, tying him to a bed and robbing him. They attempted to kill Hammer by burying him alive. Dixon then stole Hammer’s birth certificate and social security card and used it to get a state ID. He used the stolen items to get the title to Hammer’s car, and then sold it for $2,800.
On November 4, the police questioned Dixon about Hammer’s disappearance. Dixon denied knowing anything about it. However the police soon found a connection between Dixon and Hammer’s car. They also believed he forged Hammer’s signature to cash a check. During his questioning, Dixon admitted to stealing and forgery. He was charged with the crime of forgery.
However the police made one major mistake. They did not tell Dixon his Miranda rights before questioning him, nor did they allow a lawyer to be present even though Dixon had requested one. Meanwhile Hoffner lead police to Hammer’s body. They questioned Dixon again. However the difference this time was they gave Dixon his Miranda rights. During the questioning Dixon admitted to kidnapping, robbery and murder. During his trial Dixon was sentenced to death for his crimes.
Dixon's lawyer argued that his confessions were not “voluntary,” because he had not been told of his rights in both questioning sessions. Further arguments included that the police should have stopped the forgery questioning when he requested a lawyer. (5) Therefore Dixon’s confessions were not voluntary.
The police said that his confessions were voluntary, because he confessed to the crimes he was being questioned about when he was read his Miranda rights. During the first questioning session, he confessed to something the police weren’t even asking him about. Therefore his confessions were voluntary.
The court ruled in favor of the police. The majority was written by Justice Gilbert Merritt. "The Court noted that Dixon was not in custody when he asserted his right to an attorney, and denied his ability to assert this right before he was in formal custody. The Court reasoned that the police’s failure to give Dixon his Miranda rights during the forgery interrogation was acceptable under the constitution because his later confession to murder was properly warned and voluntary." (6)
As citizens of the United States of American, we all have rights given to us by our Constitution. Both cases focused on whether or not these Fifth and Sixth Amendment rights were violated. In the Miranda case, he simply was not given his right at any time during questioning by the police. For Dixon, he voluntarily gave information during a questioning session. He ultimately was read his Miranda rights when questioned regarding another charge. Ultimately the arguments’ regarding their rights was decided in the US Supreme Court.
The courts have made it clear that we must insure that a person’s rights described in the Constitution are upheld. It cannot be assumed that a person automatically knows their constitutional rights. Therefore creating a consistent process for informing each and every person accused of a crime of their rights assures fairness in the judicial process. Initially that process was to simply read a person their rights. However challenges continue to be fought in the court systems as to whether or not Miranda rights are given. To strengthen the documentation of Miranda rights, some police departments have gone as far as videotaping the reading of these rights as proof. Actions such as this have been done to make each case stronger by removing any doubt that a person’s Constitutional rights were violated.
The Dixon case is such an example. He was read his Miranda rights. Yet his conviction was challenged. I believe the decision of the US Supreme Court was the right decision. Sometime it takes time to figure out how to do something right. The Miranda case showed us that everyone needs to be treated equally in the eyes of the law. This established process of reading each and every person arrested a consistent statement regarding their rights has helped to clarify the point at which they have been protected, but are now being prosecuted. Even TV has helped to educate us on our rights. You can’t turn on the TV without hearing the words, “You have the right to remain silent."

Reading Is Good......To A Point

You know how your parents always say, “You need to read more,” or “Reading is good for you.” Well I think I made a new phrase, “Paige please put that stupid book down and do something helpful.” Yeah that’s right. I took it to the extreme.
This is the story of what can happen when you focus on one thing to the point where no one can get to you, even when they really need you.
My story takes place in December of 2011 about the three or so weeks before Christmas. For the last three month I’ve been go through one of my famous phases. This one is about books, but was much worse then the usual. This phase was the need to read manga books or watch anime movies, and I couldn’t get enough! At the peak of the phase I was reading at least seven books from different series, and I’m not proud of that either. There were so many things that I should have been doing, but wasn’t.
Just to give an idea of how deep I was and maybe give you something pitiful to laugh at, I’ll say what I should have been doing but wasn’t. I could have been doing the homework that I kept putting off saying that I’ll do it during resource, but there still I was reading instead of doing what I needed to do. This would lead me to having to do the homework at the last second. I could have been practicing basketball so I could be a starter. Practicing my oboe would have been a great idea since there was a possibility that I could have a solo. Studying for the soccer referee test that I already failed once, especial since this test was my last chance to keep my job. But no, I kept reading and soon my friends stopped talking to me or calling me. I didn’t get to be a starter for basketball and no solo for me.
Yes, I had a problem. I now see that problem or burden that I was putting on myself by letting books control me. Notice I said had, I have changed my ways! I’m so glad I snapped out of my trance before I really lost everything and everyone. Now don’t think that I walked away without a scratch, my grades went down and my friends weren’t so sure of me. The biggest scratch I got was that I lost a bit of confidence in myself; I mean come on who lets books control their life? But I also walked away a little wiser too because I realized that reading is a reward. It should only be for when all my chores, homework, practices and everything that I need for tomorrow is put together is done. That’s the only time I should be relaxing because reading is a want not a need.
Now I think I’ve kept you from the story long enough, so without farther ado my story of how I snapped out of the trance. So as I said before while I had my head in the clouds, a couple of my friends got in a fight. Pause; before I continue with the story I just want to say I have change the names of my friends, because I don’t want anyone to feel hurt or anything. See I’m the secret keeper in the group. Basically what I do is I don’t stab anyone in the back by telling their secrets to others. They tell me stuff and when they’re ready to talk about it or something else they come to me. I guess I’m also a problem solver because I usual come up with solutions to other people’s problems.
Ok un-pause. The fight was over a boy in the beginning, but after a while, from what they were telling me, it started to be about calling others horrible friends and other things I won’t mention. Anyway one lunch period I saw Kara looking all down in the dumps and not acting like herself. So of course I asked her what was wrong. She told me that Izzie was mad at her. Izzie, Maddi and Coco (yes I have met someone whose name is Coco) were fighting over who could date Danny. Coco was about to ask Danny out, but Izzie beat her to him. Georgia was mad at Izzie for doing that because that’s not what friends do to each other. (I agree because Coco had to find a lot of confidence to ask out Danny.) Kara agreed with Georgia, but Izzie got mad because Kara wasn’t siding with her. Kara told me that she didn’t want to take a side; she just wanted everyone to be friends. So I told her a little secret of mine, the one way to not take a side in friend fight is to be the secret keeper of the fight or messenger between the sides. (Personal I think the messengers just gets pushed around by the sides.) Afterwards it hit me like a ton of bricks; I didn’t know anything about the fight before talking to Kara. In fact the more I listened to my others friends talking, the more I realized a lot had changed since I left planet Earth.
That’s my story; I hope you learned something from it. It might not be what I hoped you would learn, but that’s ok. For those of you who want to know what happened with the fight, it’s has been about a month, so I’ll give you an update. Izzie and Kara are great friends again, Coco is ok with Izzie dating Danny, Izzie and Georgia are better, but still a little bit edgy. Oh and I can’t forget about Maddi. She got over Danny and is now dating someone from a different school.

El Fin

The Question

To be or not to be
That is the question
What else can it be?

Before It's Too Late

The Earth is our home
The home of little animals
Who run through the land
The hills and mountains and the trees
The Earth is our home
The only one we’ve ever known
So why do we keep hurting it
By dumping garbage in its lands
Where we could grow food
By putting gases into the air
That we need so dearly
By placing acids in the seas
And oceans and bodies of water
When we need water to live
Why do we kill the little animals
Who’ve done nothing wrong
Why do we build more buildings
Instead of replacing the old
The Earth is our home
The only one we’ve ever known
And the only one we’ll ever know
So why don’t we start protect it
Instead of hurt it
Before it’s too late.