I just was told a story by one of my long-time Happiness 101 students. In fact, her attendance record is unblemished. She has been there more than *I* have (I was absent once). She shared with me that she was in the hospital this past week due to fainting spells. The doctors ran many tests but they were still unsure of exactly what was wrong, so they wanted to run an MRI. Many, many people find it challenging to take this test because one must be slid into a small space and lay there, remaining still the whole time. My student described how her heart was pounding at the thought of her body going into that narrow tube. She knew the procedure needed to be done but was very scared. She said she thought of the skills she has learned in the Happiness 101 class and remembered that she ALWAYS has a choice about her attitude. This gave her courage to go forward with the test. She described that once in the tube, she felt nervous and scared but concentrated on happy thoughts, remembering the class and all the good times we have had. When she checks in, she shares with us about the beautiful quilts she has made. She designs each one herself and makes them by hand. So, she used her time in the MRI tube to design intricate new quilt – all in her head. This helped to keep her calm and still FOR AN HOUR!!! She said the tech was very impressed that she was able to remain so calm and still for such a long period of time. She said once she began thinking of designing the quilt, staying in the tube “was easy”. I have cried because of pain and I have cried for happiness, but I don’t think I have ever cried from pride for another person – until now. Thank you, dear lady, for being first my student and now my teacher.
~Frank Clayton, Licensed Professional Counselor

P.S. To date the doctors still do not know what is wrong with her. I’ll keep you posted.