Happiness is......on your face?

When you have once seen the glow of happiness on the face of a beloved person, you know that a man can have no vocation but to awaken that light on the faces surrounding him; and you are torn by the thought of the unhappiness . - Albert Camus

Are you happy? Do you show it? What does your face say? What does your body display? Clive James, Australia's ageing wunderkind, is discussing this phenomenon. Miss Eagle is conscious, as Clive James has been made conscious, of what is conveyed to others.

Some years ago in a certain place of employment, Miss E was engaged in conversation with the singular and quirky Margaret, the cleaning lady. Marg mentioned that she had seen me around before I came to work there and thought how hard-faced I was. Miss E tried not to look shocked as Marg went on to explain that she knew me better now and that was not a true indicator of my personality. Phew! Coz Miss E regards herself as a generally happy, cheerful and optimistic person. But it appears the face may be giving a different opinion.

This reminds me of the one justifiable case of botox injection that I have heard of. This was a woman who had always had frown furrows between her eyes. She had a responsible decision-making position and realised she had to do something when, after she had read a business document, she was queried about why she didn't approve. This was not her view - and she realised how this had been conveyed. The disapproving look of the frown furrows. So to botox she went.

Happiness is much under discussion these days - and so it should be. The happiness of individuals; the happiness of communities and nations; the economics of happiness or the happiness of economics. Academic studies abound. Check here and here. And there is The Happiness Institute. Over here, they say their purpose is formed with the mutual mission to give your mind a peaceful break with a smile on your face. A positive mind is the first step to happiness. This site helps you get on board.

Over at yarnstorm, Jane Brocket often tells us about her happiness guru - and probably everyone elses's - Alain de Boiton.

And...just to get you in the happiness mood here are some quotes. And to put a smile on your dial, pop over to cheezburger!