Still, from the AHA's outline, I believe I can see what the harpies of happiness have in mind. For example, one topic will be "How to become a one- person happiness activist and change your entire workplace culture." I think we all know what this means. It means filling your cubical with furry critters that squeal when you squeeze them, and amassing massive numbers of tiny plaster gnomes who hold placards announcing, "I work for cookies." It also means posters showing photographs of cats clinging to trees by their claws with the headline, "Hang In There," and T-shirts printed with fun sayings, like "You don't have to be crazy to work here, but it helps."
In my experience, the only reaction that "happiness activists" incite is rage. So, if you don't want to live in constant fear of an angry mob storming your cube, stay a grump. It's safer.
One workplace happiness tip from the AHA I do fully endorse is to "integrate mindfulness into your daily routine." Previously, I had been a fan of mindlessness, mostly because I see so much of it at work. But mindfulness, an offshoot of meditation in which you focus on and accept whatever is happening in the moment, can indeed bring serenity and happiness to your work life, especially if you practice your mindfulness by pulling out a nap mat and putting in three or four hours of highly mindful snoozing before and after lunch.
If you believe there is insufficient happiness in your work life, or if learning that other people are happier than you makes you absolutely miserable, I suggest you get yourself to the AHA website, americanhappiness.org, where you can sign up for a wide variety of activities. And if you are unhappy because I made you realize what a glum, depressed individual you are, don't blame me. I only do it because it makes me happy.
