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The Evolution of Happiness: A Journey Through Wordsyour local geico agent makes bundling simple.Home + Auto = easyLOCAL OFFICERod Musslewhite210-673-2391¡Hablamos Español!Limitations apply. See geico.com for more details. GEICO & affiliates. Washington, DC 20076. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2022. © 2022 GEICO. 21_633312129By Sonny MelendrezF rom the dawn of humanity, the concept of happiness has simultaneously captivated andescaped those seeking it. Delving into the origins of the word might offer us deeper insights into discovering true happiness.The term “happy” finds its roots in the late 14th century with “hap,” from the Old Norse “happ,” meaning chance or good fortune. This linguistic ancestor suggests a state blessed by luck, marked by fortunate circumstances and outcomes that bode well for the individual.As we journey into the 1520s, “happy” begins to embody a deeper sense of contentment and satisfaction, marking a shift from external fortune to internal state. The etymology of “happy” across Europe largely mirrored this association with luck, except for Welch, where it intriguingly linked to wisdom, suggesting, perhaps, that true happiness comes from a place of knowledge and understanding.The English language has since embraced and evolved the concept of “happy” into various expressions:• Happy Medium – “the golden mean”, is recorded in 1702• Happy Ending, in the literary sense, appears in 1756• Happy As A Clam, in the 1630’s, was originally “happy as a clam in the mud at high tide,” when it can’t be dug up and eaten• Happy Day was first used to describe a wedding day in 1739In June 1913, the crew of the USS Arkansas had started referring to their regularly scheduled periods of entertainment, which included boxing and wrestling matches, music, dancing and movies, as Happy Hours. (This term, as we know it in today’s bars, can be traced back to the 1950’s).The way the word “happy” has changedHelotes Humane Society Celebrates Sweet 16:A Decade & Six Years of Compassion & Carethrough the ages, from referring to good luck to meaning feeling content and at peace, shows how our ideas of joy have evolved.Aristotle’s assertion, “Happiness depends upon ourselves,” underscores this journey. Happiness, then, is not merely an external treasure to be found but a state to be cultivated from within.Perhaps, true happiness comes from embracing the present, cherishing our blessings and expressing gratitude for the gift of life and those we love.Sonny Melendrezis an award-winningmotivational speaker,Hall of Fame radio/TV host and author,based in San Antonio.For more of his enthusiastic brand of inspiration and speaking information, visit www.SonnyMelendrez.com and listen to his podcast.STu b m i t t e d B y H e l o t e s H u m a n e S o c i e t yhe Helotes Humane Society is thrilled to announce its sixteenth year of dedicated service to thecommunity. On this momentous occasion, we celebrate not only our longevity but also the countless lives we’ve touched and the animals we’ve helped find loving homes.Founded March 17, 2008, the Helotes Humane Society has been steadfast in its mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in need. Over the past sixteen years, we have worked tirelessly to provide medical care, shelter, and love to animals who have faced neglect, abuse, or abandonment. Through our dedicated team of volunteers, generous donors, and supportive community, we have been able to make a significant impact on the lives of animals and the people who love them.As we commemorate our sixteenth birthday, we reflect on the milestones we’ve achieved and the challenges we’ve overcome. From humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of animal welfare in the Helotes area, we are grateful for the support and encouragement we’vereceived every step of the way.To celebrate this special occasion, theHelotes Humane Society will be hosting a series of events throughout the year, including adoption drives, fundraising campaigns, and community outreach initiatives. We invite all members of the community to join us in celebrating our Sweet 16 and continuing our mission of compassion and care for animals in need.“We are incredibly proud to reach this milestone anniversary,” said Lisa Neitzel/ Executive Director. “It is a testament to the dedication and passion of our volunteers, staff, and supporters who have made the Helotes Humane Society what it is today. As we look to the future, we remain committed to our mission and to making a positive difference in the lives of animals and our community.”For more information about the Helotes Humane Society and to get involved in our Sweet 16 celebrations, please visit hhsanimals.org or follow us on social media @heloteshumane.I Spy With My Little Eye... ContestBy Sally KalosPlease look carefully on each and every page, scanning up and down, left and right, from front to back, and then back to front. Don’t give up!If you can find the piñata horse, you’ll be entered into a drawing to win $50! Just email the page number and location where you spotted the piñata horse to contest@ highlightspub.com.The deadline is April 12, 2024. We hope you’ll have fun with our version of a mini-scavenger hunt within our pages. Good luck!Congratulations to our MarchI Spy winner Seema ShetgeriApril 2024www.heloteshighlights.com5