The Happy Gene

03
Sep
2012

 

If I had “the happy gene”, I wouldn’t personally need these Make it Happen Monday posts to fire me up each week.  But unfortunately I don’t have it.

I honestly feel that some of us are born with DNA that makes us ultimately happy-go-lucky and are able to smile through each and every day.  I call it The Happy Gene and although I don’t feel I was blessed with it….my 2 year-old Son, River most certainly was.  He is constantly smiling and giggling and you just can’t help but smile yourself when you’re around him.

If you need more proof that such thing as a happy gene exists, check out what Professor Elaine Fox from Essex University discovered.  Volunteers supplied her with DNA samples which were then tested to see if they carried the 5-HTTLPR gene (the gene that affects levels of the “feel-good” chemical called serotonin).  It was found that certain versions of the 5-HTTLPR (Happy) gene help people focus more on positive things and far less on the negative ones.

But for those of us who were shorted in the happy gene department, there is still hope.  You guessed it…..the bike.  I may not have the natural levels of happy DNA like my Son, but every time I’m out there Loving the Bike I’m able to help fabricate my own.

I never intend to preach at all in any of these motivational Monday posts, but I can definitely tell you that making your way through life as a happy person will make things better for you and all those around you.

I mentioned once before that I’d like to paint a smile on the world, and along with that I’d love to see more naturally happy people as well.

Whether it’s cycling, reading, spending time with your kids, or anything else that makes you happy…do more of it, and keep increasing your happiness levels.

If it makes you happy, do it.

 

Enjoy Your Ride

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7 Responses to “ The Happy Gene ”

  1. ragtag on September 4, 2012 at 2:53 am

    Very true Darryl. The reason for me starting to ride again was to do just what you said. I tried all sorts of other exercise routines but nothing came close to cycling, even when the weather sucks. Apart from the physical side of endorphins having an interest in something outside of the everyday work and life things really gives me an additional focus that I have more control over and have developed a deeper interest.

  2. Brent on September 3, 2012 at 2:58 pm

    I’m working at improving my happiness levels as well and cycling helps a lot.

  3. Julesmpg on September 3, 2012 at 11:51 am

    I never saw you as anything less than happy. I’m a happy go lucky person or a Pollyanna of sorts. It’s just natural and now I.know.why. River is super cute.

    • Darryl is Loving the Bike on September 3, 2012 at 5:50 pm

      Thanks, Julie. Keep that happy attitude flowing…it’s contagious.

  4. J Campbell on September 3, 2012 at 9:14 am

    Your son is a cutie. I also do not think I was born with the happy gene but I spend my days trying to make others happy and it always makes me feel that way as well.

    • Darryl is Loving the Bike on September 3, 2012 at 5:51 pm

      Thanks….that is so awesome that you set out to make people happy. I love it.

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