Editor’s Note: Dr. Greene and I were first introduced to this week’s extraordinary Guest Blogger when we read her book, Three Grin Salad. Aja King, now 12 years old, has an amazing outlook on life and a gift of communication. Please join me in welcoming her. She’d love to read your comments on her posts this week.

Hi. I’m Aja King. If you’re wondering how to pronounce my name it sounds just like the continent Asia – only it’s spelled differently. My dad really liked a band from the 70’s called “Steely Dan” and that was the name of one of their albums…Aja, that is.

I’m kind of new to blogging. I’ve read few blogs other people wrote but this is the first one I’ve written and I’m not quite sure about how I feel about it. My mom says I should just talk about things that are important to me as if I’m just talking to one of my best friends. And it could also be about some of the stuff in my book, Three Grin Salad. So, OK…here goes

One of the things I think is really important in anybody’s life is just to be happy. But happy is all about feeling good about things and it’s not something you can go buy at the corner store – or even at a big store. However, it would be cool: “Two large boxes of happy, please. One for my friend and one for me!”

So I was thinking about what makes me feel happy. First thing I noticed was I feel happier in the morning if I have had a good night’s sleep. I usually sleep really well, if I’m too excited about something or worried about something I don’t always sleep the best. And, I’m glad that I don’t often have bad dreams.

Most days I like to go to school, especially this past year because I have been in a French immersion program. I like learning about French. There are lots of things that I like to do that make me feel happy. I love to be with my horse, Darby and I love riding him and going in horse shows. I like singing with my mom, playing cards with my dad and spending time with my friends. I also feel happy doing artwork and things that let me be creative. All those things make me feel happy. I love to eat ethnic food like Chinese, Greek, Vietnamese and especially Thai food. I feel better when I eat healthy foods. Our family likes to say– “eat a rainbow everyday.” I sometimes like a treat too, but salads and fresh fruit are my favorites.

Most of the time I’m with people who are happy and that’s the most fun. But, sometimes I’m around people who aren’t very happy. I think the best thing to do is keep on being yourself and to be happy and hope some of your happy rubs off on them.

What makes you happy?

• ‹ Be Yourself
• Angelina Jolie ›