Is Being Miserable Making You Fat?

The other day I was walking through he parking lot of a department store and I found myself looking at the faces of people as they were walking to their cars.  My general observation was that people just aren't happy. Some were down right nasty in public!
In the world of advertising their job is to make you believe that if you buy their product your life will be easier, you will be thinner, you will look great and this will make your life wonderful.
Hows it working?  We spend to much money on more crap than we'll ever need that doesn't deliver on its promises.  We are stressed, overweight, unhealthy and not to happy.
As a result we have an epidemic of obesity (from emotional eating), obesity related diseases, anxiety depression and drug addiction.
So what's the secret to being happy?  First of all you can't always be happy or you are not right in the head.  Don't dwell on the negative in your life, some people are constantly thinking about what's wrong in their lives.  Be grateful.  Here is a challenge: Sit and think about someone that is having a very hard time in their life, you don't have to know them.  For example someone that has suffered a loss or is dealing with an abusive relationship.  Be empathetic than be grateful you've have it not so bad.  Everything that you do, do it with pride even if it's cleaning you floor. Write down for one day everything that brings joy like seeing your child smile or noticing a beautiful flower.  Do a random act of kindness like helping a stranger or being pleasant to someone you don't get along with. Let go of some of the control.  Exercise for 1/2 hour or more.  Chose not to eat any junk for an entire day.  Be proud of yourself.
This challenge will take practice and patience but if continually applied you will notice changes in your behavior, your mood, your weight.  You will have less control and more empowerment.  You might even catch yourself feeling happy!
Be open to change.