As we celebrate Christmas this year, it is easy to focus on all of the negative stuff happening.  Recessions, wars, political scandals, bankruptcies, layoffs and bailouts permeate the headlines.  It is easy to look at our situation and feel absolutely miserable.  It is easy to look at our world and feel hopeless.  It is easy to look past anything positive and feel only negativity. 

Sometimes, though, we need to be reminded of the power that we have to feel happiness.  If we approach life without the trappings of MODE (Memory, Opinions, Desires, Emotions) and are present in our current state -- appreciating what we have and what we have been given -- then the feeling of happiness isn't too much of a stretch.  

Wayne Coyne is the lead singer of the Flaming Lips and is one of the great artists of our generation.  He recorded an essay for NPR's "This I Believe" series that you need to listen to.  From the segmant:

"I believe normal life is extraordinary....Try to be happy within the context of the life we are actually living. Happiness is not a situation to be longed for or a convergence of lucky happenstance. Through the power of our own minds, we can help ourselves. This I believe."

So, this Christmas, I wish all of you happiness.  I hope that everyone finds themselves in a place of appreciation and gratitude where they can put away the trappings of longing.  Put aside the uneasiness that you probably feel, and focus on the good stuff.  We can't control the world, but we can control our reaction to it.  This I believe.