What are some "keys to happiness."

Get Fit to Live

What are some keys to happiness?

By Audrey Muhammad

What are some keys to happiness?  Happiness is often that ever alluding feeling that we are constantly in search of since the day we are born.  Although it is a common belief that a person who is “always smiling” may be deemed “happy,” but that is not always the case.  It is a person that is filled with joy and gratitude.  Did you know that some of the keys to happiness can be found in the book, How to Eat to Live, Book I?  How can we “always be happy?”  As I was reading over my How to Eat to Live, Book I in my MGT studies, I ran across this “pearl of wisdom.”  The Honorable Elijah Muhammad said, “Allah (God) has brought us this knowledge, in the Person of Master Fard Muhammad.  Believe in Him, obey and follow His teachings, and you will always be happy”(How to Eat to Live, Book I p. 76-77).  Wow…

If we believe in HIM, we would strive harder to obey Him and follow HIS teachings.  What has He taught us?  He has taught us the best of foods to eat including fresh fruits and vegetables, navy bean soup, whole wheat bread and pure milk.  He has encouraged us to have “proper food for thought.”   “If we do not have the proper food for our way of thinking, we still cannot enjoy peace, good health, joy and gladness of heart”(How to Eat to Live, Book I p. 57).   What did he just describe?  Happiness. 

Do you know what else can contribute to our happiness?  Having a fit and healthy body can also contribute to our happiness.  I am not talking about everyone being a size 2, I am talking about “you being your best you!”  I am talking about us not comparing ourselves, but accepting our responsibility to be a healthy and beautiful reflection of our creator.  When we exercise, such as walking or dancing, we help to reduce stress, which in turn, helps us to look younger.

In the introductory letter to the Study Guide, “Self Improvement: The Basis for Community Development,” Minister Farrakhan said, “Each student, after studying the principle under analysis, must then analyze self and critique self.”    In essence, we should examine areas in our life where we are unhappy(family, work, health etc.) and see if there is an area where we can be more obedient.   Then, strive to increase our submission in that area, step by step.  As The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad said in How to Eat to Live, we simply need to “live right, think right, eat right, and do right.  You will not have to die to go to heaven to be like angels; you will be like them while you live” (44).

May Allah Bless us all with peace, love, health, wealth and happiness.

Fit Tip:  Make it a habit to complete 8-32 crunches or push-ups after prayer.

Money Bonus:  Buy organic whip cream, cocoa powder and coffee to make your own marvelous mocha at home and save!

(Audrey Muhammad is an aerobics instructor and co-author of the NEW book: How to Set Worthy Goals:  An inspirational Guide to Achieving Success.  To order the goal book OR Get Fit to Live DVD, send $9.95 to Virtue Magazine, P.O. Box 61402, Raleigh, NC 27661.  Send questions/comments to AudreyMuhammad@hotmail.com.  Please consult a physician before beginning any new diet or exercise program).