I’ve been hibernating. Actually, cyber-hibernating. Haven’t been blogging for a couple of months because my brain sort of shut down after the Forgotten Carols tour this year and it’s taken longer than I expected for it to re-boot.
I chuckle because I just took Lynne’s computer in to MacDocs for some repair work. A new video card and more ram was needed to get it operational and while I was there I thought how great it would be if I could just leave my brain there for a few days. ”Ahhhh, here’s the problem. Poor fellow has a chip missing.” And that would be that. But alas, no such luck. Silicon Valley doesn’t make my kind of chips.
When I started this Mission To Be Happy Web Site…or is it blog spot?…on January 1, 2010 I decided to write about where I found a meaningful happiness pretty much everyday for a year. I sort of hoped it would help people get interested in my little M2B:) book/CD which had just been released. I imagined that if my “mission” caught on with others I could do a little tour, singing the songs, sharing the stories and then at the end of the year I’d expand the franchise to do, “Mission To Be Happy in Marriage” or “Mission To Be Happy in Parenting” etc. etc. But a couple of things caught me by surprise. The public reaction and my own.
As for myself, I didn’t realize the relentless nature of writing about happiness, in an authentic and meaningful way, every day. It was always bedtime and I was reviewing my day and deciding which moments corresponded with which chapter and song from my book. Then, I tried to find a way to write about it honestly enough to be true to the spirit of my “mission”, but also interestingly enough that it would be worth the time it took to read and/or respond. I kept going to bed later and later just trying to get the description of the day’s discovery right. Some days were better than others. Sometimes the writing seemed way less happy than the experience itself, and other times, just the opposite. But, by doing it so consistently I kept track of 2010 for posterity to remember me by.
I was happy to have received some encouraging feedback from those who read my daily entries, though I was disappointed that it didn’t fuel the fire for my book. In fact, in the almost thirty years I’ve been writing songs and stories, Mission To Be Happy seems to have reached fewer folks, and with less connection than anything I’ve ever done…by a factor of 5. Translation: My publisher announced that after 6 months it was being permanently assigned to the sale bin, and in less than a year on the market it would be out of print.
“But what about all the cool ideas I have for sequels to M2B:)? M2B:) Midst International Turmoil and Revolution? Or M2B:) When Gas Hits $5+ Per Gallon? Or, perhaps the most exciting, M2B:) When You Don’t Know What To Actually DO With All That Gold You’ve Been Buying?”
All anyone could say was, “You know, sometimes book ideas work and sometimes, not so much. Let it go, Michael…it just wasn’t a Chicken Soup for the Soul idea.”
“But the Chicken Soup for the Soul series didn’t have my upbeat and enlightening songs accompanying the books.”
“Exactly.”
That was it. End of conversation. The M2B:) franchise idea was pronounced dead. Resurrection unlikely. So now what? Do I stay on my mission to be happy, sing my songs and forge ahead, alone, as an ambassador of an approach to finding happiness that’s worked well for me, or release myself and see if the URL HappinessTakesTooLongAndIsExhausting.com is available? Which will it be?
Well, as Jack Benny famously said, “I’m thinking it over.”
Your thoughts?
10 Comments
Michael,
It’s so good to see you back on here. Having become used to reading your posts on a regular basis it was kind of hard to see them disappear. Now, on to M2B:). Here’s what I think. Whether or not your M2B:) franchise idea is dead, you will always be on your mission to be happy. You have always helped other people find reasons to be happy and have joy. Helping others be happy makes us happy. We are here to have joy. “To mend just one broken heart gives meaning to life.” You have probably mended so many broken hearts that it’s impossible to keep track. I think you need to do what is going to make you happy. If that is becoming an ambassador in the M2B:) or doing something new, you will still find a way to help others find happiness. Listening to your music has helped me more times than I can remember and I listen to it frequently, including your M2B:) songs. I know the source of your music. And I know that whatever direction you choose to go you will keep using that same source. The Spirit, entering people’s hearts through your music, will bring joy to people forever. Good luck in whatever you choose!
I echo Misty and left a lot more comment on your facebook page…please read it!
I cannot believe I missed the NEWSFLASH you have done your videos!! They are awesome!!
you are awesome and do not ever forget it! Where much is given, much is required. Do not judge yourself on the world’s standards. Many hugs to you and bright sunny thoughts!!!
I’m sorry your M2B:) book/CD didn’t work out like you planned. I would have bought it, but I just can’t afford it. I saved until I could buy your
As I read your post, I kept wondering why you were trying so hard to find good experiences that tied into the book. Why not have a M2B:) blog where you write down something that made you happy that day- whether or not it ties into your book. That’s just my thought.
Your music has touched my life so much. I don’t think you could ever know how grateful I am for your songs. I have a whole playlist full of your music, and I listen to it on my iPod while I clean houses. I love it! In fact, tonight I was dancing around the house singing, “You’re Not the Sequel”. Last week, your music helped a lady that I visit teach to realize that she just needed to “Hold On, The Light Will Come”. She had decided to take a break from church for a while, but I had her listen to your music, and it helped her feel better. She actually came to church on Sunday!! Your music helps people soften their hearts and let the Holy Ghost comfort them.
SO, what I am trying to say, (but am long-winded about) is that your music is absolutely wonderful!! Don’t give up! Keep blogging when you can.
I think your m2b happy is a great idea. Why hasn’t it been as successfull you ask, well maybe just because most people are looking for things that obviously have the ability to bring them towards Christ at a deep level. People are struggling with many hard trials and sometimes it is the emotional songs about Christ that touch them the most. As for me, I love both. Sometimes I am in a really reflective mood and just want to reverently ponder on the Savior and other times I am so happy about my blessings I want to just dance around and let my happiness shine. I honestly think most people think being somber and reflective all the time translates to being Christlike. I don’t think they understand that God wants us to also be smiling, laughing and expressing our joy. You just have reached a joy level in your life that very few people have. In my opinion your just a head of most of us and that is why your m2b has not caught on. It is not that it is not needed. I think in the last days one way people will be brought to Christ is through people that have a smile on their face and a light in their eyes regardless of the chaos that is happening in the world. Learning to find joy each day is something that is hard at first. We have all taught ourselves to be comfortable in certain emotions. We have trained ourselves to come back to our comfort zones if we leave them. So most people are just use to being sort of sad, exhausted, troubled and so on. They do not think they have the essential ingredients to actually be one of those happy people like Micheal Mclean. They are wrong of course. “Men are that they might have joy”. People need what you have to offer, they just don’t think they need it or they don’t believe they could ever be a truly happy person so why would they spend money to try to get a little closer to it? Good luck with all your adventures. You are amazing. I had a pretty hard life as a youth but I would go to sleep listening to your music. It was a huge help to me. It gave me a lot of hope and peace. Thanks
Mandy
Michael – we’ve all taken a huge hit. Even some of our other friends who have, for the past thirty years – like you – seemed to find the pot at the end of the rainbow have been finding themselves down maybe 70& in sales. A lot of stumbling grasshoppers out there. And even us ants have taken a frightening hit – a combined economy and age=not on the cool list hit. I can’t tell you if it’s permanent, but I suspect it is. Maybe you and I could get together and write a musical about vampires? Certainly, that seems to be the prevailing cultural adoration – even among the LDS. We could make a million. But would we be happy? Ah. The Question.
The kind of person who puts him/herself out there and hopes to make a living gets a double sting when there seems no response – it’s both professional and personal. And we’ll feel it, because that’s what we are. We couldn’t have sung songs or written books if we weren’t vulnerable. So you’ll just feel it, take yourself by the neck, shake yourself, and do what you always do – continue to do what you can to bring light to the world. You are good at it. And you’ve done it a thousand ways. Then we’ll all get jobs as greeters at Walmart.
By grasshopper, I’m thinking of the Marvin Payne take that the grasshoppers in the story are the artists. The ants are the dull old sloggers. Artists are the light.
Dear Michael,
I understand the hibernation thing. I feel that way most of the time specially winter time. Life can be so overwhelming at times. I am saddened by the fact that your Mission to be happy book is in the sale bin. It’s a great book and CD and I love it. I think it needs to be spread in more ways than one in the world in which we live in today. I believe if everyone had the chance and opportunity they could learn a great deal by your mission to be happy book and blog. I know my year has been bettered by reading it and doing the next best thing by it. One thing we do have to look forward to is the return of our Savior. In this day and age of society and the disasters that are happening all around us are even more signs of his coming. Sometimes I wonder just how long it will take and what will happen until that day comes, but your such a positive influence in my life. I just wished I could have helped you Brother Mclean to soar to your highest potential. I know how much our Savior loves you and he reaches others through your work. Your a great influence and a instrument in bringing souls unto Christ. Never give up or give in. Remember your song “Oooooo with Paul and John”. Just set back and sing Ooooooo.
I love you Brother Mclean and your music lifts my soul your bring me up when I am down. If it would help and I had all the money in the world I would buy every single book and stand on a corner and give them away to the people that need your message. I love Christmas time and I listen to the Forgotten Carols all the time during the year and If my neighbors don’t like it when I crank it up they can just go for a ride. I open my windows and do yard work to it I clean my house and do crafts with it on. You bring sunshine to my dark and dreary days. Just never give up on your dreams. Look for that upper light in the light house when you feel lost and match it to the lower light and the savior will safely guide you home.
Love ya lots,
Your sister in the gospel
Shirley Watkins
I didn’t buy your book, nor do I know you at all, I haven’t been to one of your shows for years……I LOVED reading your blog/web site/happy stuff. It was arefreshing. I gave up trying to be happy. I figured it was just too hard. I settled for enjoying those fleeting moments that came everyonce in awhile. Then I changed my mind about happiness thanks to you. I learned something from your writings AND I DIDN’T EVEN READ YOUR BOOK. I was gonna get it…..I was always short of cash….I did ask for it for my birthday and didn’t get it.
If you decide not to continue writing this, could you just send me an inspiring email every once in awhile??? 
God bless you!!
I’m sorry you didn’t make the NY Times Best Sellers list! I enjoyed the book very much and left two copies with friends in the Philippines. Guess I’ll need to check the “sale bin” so I’ll have my own copy now. I especially enjoyed reading about Debra and the convention story. Brings back great memories. I’d love to continue reading updates about you, Lynne and the family. Perhaps a monthly MTB update? Even when there’s not something brightly shining there is still a reason to be happy. Mine for today was finding a cough suppressant that seems to be helping with my allergies! Oh yes! So, what are your plans in August? We’ll be in your area for a Mission reunion and would be fun to visit. Be well and HAPPY and keep creating. Langit! Mahal kita, Verlynn
I just got home from the Time Out For Women you performed at in Fresno. Living in an area where LDS music and books are not as accessible, sometimes I don’t put the effort into getting them. But tonight you reminded me how much I really need more uplifting music in my life. One of your opening comments was something about being ” middle-aged” and “clinically depressed”. When I heard that I felt I could relate to you. And I was so excited by the idea of making happiness a mission and converting myself. I have dealt with depression and anxiety and sometimes forget to see the good things. Your message and music touched my heart tonight. I’ll be listening to you in my car a lot from now on. You may feel disappointed that this project hasn’t gone quite the way you had hoped, but it wasn’t in vain. Many people have been and will be touched by it, and it will make their lives better. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and talents!