What is happy, anyway?

The Lemon of Pink - Happy. A state of well-being and contentment. Some people search their whole lives to feel it, others trip over it and fall into the emotion pretty easily.

Anyone who took part in celebrations following last weeks' municipal election might have witnessed happy first hand in the faces of the campaign successful. There were an array of other emotions present that night too, in the faces of those who didn't fare so well in meeting their goal.

It's difficult to put your time and energy into something you're passionate about, and to not be able to cross a finish line. But it happens. They say the important thing is to try - that trying brings you a sense of contentment in knowing you gave it your all. Hopefully this is how the many unsuccessful candidates who threw their hats into the ring felt in the days following the election.

Bay St. George has new councils, fall is on its way and as the summer fades away into our memory banks, its time to turn over a new leaf. If you're not happy, its time to find something which will make that happen.

Here are some ideas:

Join or take part in a community activity. Especially if you've never done so before. Bay St. George offers so many opportunities to get involved and help your neighbour, and we don't see nearly enough of it. Help stock shelves at the food bank, volunteer to coach a sport. Helping others brings instant gratification and happiness.

Reconnect with old friends. It's easier than ever before to do so, thanks to a never-ending amount of new technology that seems to come our way.

Do something, anything, nice for someone else. It could be as simple as offering to lend a skill you have or holding a door for someone at the mall. It really is the little things that count.

Go out and get more exercise. The foliage is changing colour and the air will soon be crisp and fresh. Take advantage of this beautiful season with a hike or walk on one of the many trails in the Bay St. George area.