I crossed paths with this quote years ago. It stopped me in my tracks. I’d never thought about duty in this way.

Robert Louis Stevenson said, “There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy.” The duty of being happy……… What a concept!

We accept the duty of doing a good job at work.

We might take on the duty of raising a family.

Some choose to sign up for the duty of protecting our way of life through military service.

Some step into the duty of leading others.

But I’d bet few of us ever thought of duty in the context of happiness–and fulfilling that duty to ourselves.

But, is it not a duty? Who is this duty performed for? Or, to put it another way, who benefits from someone doing their duty of happiness? Every person they interact with in any way.

Think about it. Who would you rather be around—a negative, grumpy, pessimist, or a positive, happy person?

Happiness can spread even if you don’t notice its effect.

Years ago while doing a months long training project, nearly every morning on my way to the executive club where the program was being presented, I’d see this same elderly woman strolling along the street reading a book.

She was always smiling to herself while she walked and read.

It didn’t matter if it was raining or sunny, she smiled as she went her way. I looked forward to seeing her smiling face in the morning. Though she and I never met—she had a positive affect on me.

Not only does everyone benefit from your positive state, but the real winner is you.

Accepting the duty of happiness is you taking good care of you. Happiness is like a tonic for both mind and body. Be sure you get at least your minimum daily requirement of this nutrient every day!

Make Every Day a Great Day, Dr. Larry

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