Robert Keith McFerrin (born 3/11/1950) is an American jazz vocalist known for his unique vocal techniques.  His song, Don’t Worry Be Happy was a #1 pop hit in 1988 and won Song of the Year and Record of the Year honors at the Grammies in 1989.  The message is simple but important:

In every life we have some trouble

But when you worry you make it double

Don’t worry, be happy

Don’t worry, be happy now

No matter what your circumstances, there is no better time to be happy than right now. Life will always be filled with challenges. It’s best to admit this to yourself and decide to be happy anyway.

A quote comes from Alfred D. Souza:  “For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin – real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, or a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.”

This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. Treasure every moment that you have and treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time with…and remember that time waits for no one.

Stop waiting until you lose ten pounds, until your kids leave the house, until you start work, until you retire, until you get married, until you get divorced, until the first of the month, until Monday morning or until tomorrow,  until your car or home is paid off, until spring, until summer, until fall, until winter, until your song comes on, until you’ve had a drink…. there is no better time to be happy than right now .

“Happiness is not something readymade.  It comes from our own actions.”  Dalai Lama

Happiness is a journey, not a destination.

Condolences, thoughts and prayers for family, friends and fans of Kobe Bryant who in a 2008 interview expressed his positive attitude on life:  Have a good time.  Life is too short to get bogged down and be discouraged.  You have to keep moving.  You have to keep going.  You have to put one foot in front of the other. Smile and just keep on rolling.  After an inspiring but all too brief life may he rest in peace.