Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Happy New Year, with emphasis on the "happy" part of it!
We say that because of what society learned earlier this month with the release of a significant study published by the British Medical Journal. Scientists have concluded that happiness is like a contagious disease. It spreads freely through social networks of family, friends and neighbors. Indeed, knowing someone who is happy, according to researchers, makes you significantly more likely to be happy yourself.
In short, happiness breeds happiness.
It doesn't require a scientific study involving thousands of human guinea pigs for most people to reach the same conclusion. Reflect, for example, on how you respond when you see someone, especially a happy child, begin to giggle. Still, it's good to know that the researchers have quantified what seems to be a most natural element in human interaction.
So, be happy.
That, KSL thinks, would be a great resolution for the coming year. As tough as the times might be, strive to put a smile on your face. Resolve to lighten up, to laugh more, to be optimistic, and to seek out others with a happy disposition, remembering that genuine happiness most often results from doing and being good.
Yes, have a Happy New Year.
