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Happiest Ever


I can't help it; I have become obsessed with Jelly Roll. Ever since I saw him perform at the Invictus Games I can't get enough of his music, his interviews and whatever else he is doing. I love his music, therapy music as he calls it. I think it is admirable how he turned his life around after being incarcerated at 15 years old. I just watched him mentor the contestants on American Idol. He was so invested and encouraging to each person that sang, singing every word with them from his seat. It is no surprise that the headlines are saying, "Jelly Roll is always happy". I am not the type of person to get star struck, but I believe I am. I just love a comeback story, and Jelly's is one of the best. He never forgets where he came from and is extremely generous by giving back. When he smiles, I smile back. When he laughs, I laugh with him, he has a wild way of talking and I love it. I sing along with his songs. It is sheer craziness; he makes me happy. 

Jelly has lost 200 lbs. since 2022 when he started his weight loss regime. He once weighed 550 lbs. and is planning to be less than 250 lbs. so he can do what he calls the fun stuff. That would include sky diving, riding a roller coaster or a bull. Jelly's health regime consists of lots of protein and vegetables and walking. Jelly has run a 5Km marathon and I am sure there will be more marathons in his future. Yep, just a remarkable man. I think he must live in disbelief how once he decided to turn his life around; how good it is. Jelly Roll has a strong faith in God. One of his quotes is, "and through it all God never let me go. I said a prayer every day and I kept my soul".


I just read an article that said Finland is the "Happiest Country in the World". This is the eighth time in a row that the United Nations World Happiness report has named Findland. What makes the Finns so happy? I guess it is because they go to a Sauna at least once a week. It is a place to gather with their friends and families to party and relax. These activities are credited in making the Finns happy.  

I was really happy when I read this article. The first female leader of Namibia, South Africa has announced that in 2026, secondary education will be subsidized by the government. There will be no tuition or registration fee at the 7 Universities or colleges in her country. There are 3 million people that live in this African country. Secondary education is fast becoming something that is too expensive to obtain in our country. Just to have the tuition and registration paid would be a game changer for so many. I do still believe that if you want something, like an education, you have to make it happen. Even if it means a mountain of debt, knowledge is power. 

The bottom line remains, "you are responsible for your own happiness". Many people never seem happy, and they must be in the eternal search for what brings them happiness. Determining what makes us happy is often difficult. I think everyone has pockets of happiness but clearly every day is a day of happiness for Jelly Roll. He took on the responsibility to lead a better life, and with that he decided to be happy. He is giving back in a massive way; he is so blessed at 40 years old to be the healthiest he has ever been and is one of the most popular music artists on the radio. 

As I write this, I am happy to see the grass turning green. The sun is shining and if mother nature is happy, I'm happy. In closing, just for today, make it a happy day for yourself, why not!  




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