How To Be Happier

My thanks to a Twitter friend, Anna Cathy Wells for sharing this quote a couple of days ago.
The above is good advice.   It advocates a life of service, of being someone others can count on, not just admire.
Another way to look at it is to be the one who supports others.  Be appreciative of those who do the thankless jobs in life.  Do what you can to make their jobs easier.  Be grateful for the ones who always show up on time and ready to go.  When there is someone in your life that always makes you glad they are there, let them know.
If all you are able to be in this life is a member of the "audience", be the best one ever.  Support those that entertain and challenge you.  Do not just be a demanding fan or consumer of entertainment, encourage those who do good work.  Even if they are just local kids in a school play, encourage those who put it all out there and really try.  To get up in front of other people and perform is very, very scary.  Even if you know you're good.  Everybody has bad days, everybody has things go wrong, and to put yourself out there takes courage.  Support the ones who face up to the challenge and give it their best.
There is a lady that I admire very much.  She will tell you that she isn't anything special, just an ordinary person.  She's wrong.  She is extraordinary.  She is supportive of the endeavors of others, and faithful in that support.  She is a tireless volunteer for our library, and yet she is humble, unwilling to accept praise for all she does.  She is also my fan club.  She comes to all my voice recitals.  She cheers on ALL the singers, not just me.  She always tells the nervous ones how much better they are doing,(and they are!) , she always appreciates those of us with more experience and who have been working longer.  Seeing her smiling face in the audience makes it a lot easier for me to get up there and sing my heart out.  I value Vickie more than I can say.  Her absence is always noticed, her presence very much enjoyed by all who know her.
This world needs more people willing to be supportive and fewer striving for notice.  I tell you, Vickie's absence causes a lot more concern than the absence of a loud attention hound would.  (We don't really have anyone in our circle that falls into that category.  Everybody I know is pretty supportive, but then they are all church musicians or library folk , or some variation thereof.)
Still, think about the people around you, the ones that do or say little things that make your day brighter.  The ones who are always prepared for the task at hand, and therefore make your job easier.  Appreciate them.  Tell them you do.  You may find out that others appreciate you, as well.