...Some people are actually like walking horror films, always talking about the many tragedies and horrific stories that have fallen upon their lives and the lives of their friends. Our words also have great power, and so their relishing of every traumatic detail over and over may, in fact, be contributing to the conflagration of dreadfulness that they love to describe.

Personally, I try not to spend too much time with such folks, in part because their words are not positive and happiness-conducive. Also, I figure that if you meet someone and all their close friends have terrible and ongoing horror stories, then you just may consider whether you really want to add your name to their list of close friends!

Being careful about the company you keep is similar to being careful of the foods you eat. If you really pay attention to the effects of different foods on your body, then you'll have more control over your physical happiness. For example, you may eat a big greasy meal, and notice that you don't feel so good afterward. This gives you a chance to control how you're going to feel in the future, by choosing whether you really want to have another big greasy meal.

In the same way, pay attention to how you feel when you hang around certain "greasy" people, or go to certain types of places. Perhaps you can't always control the company you are in, such as in work or travel situations, nevertheless, you can still find ways to add more positive and inspiring company when you do have possession of the "remote control" of your life, such as during your off-work hours.

...more of this chapter is available in the book, "Secrets of Spiritual Happiness," by Sharon Janis.

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