Now… More than Ever
Choose Happy; Find Contentment in Any Situation
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought on many stressors to our lives, and in many cases, reduced the needed outlets people had to work out their stress (for example sports, work-out or swimming facilities, some doctor or counsellor visits, etc.) No matter what you are going through, don’t give up. This page offers inspiration, encouragement, and ideas along with the book, “Choose Happy; Find Contentment in Any Situation.”
During and surrounding the pandemic we are using our resources to try to help our fellow citizens and keep spirits up. We encourage everyone to look around and see if you can find a way to help. Is there a family who has been cooped up with their school-aged or younger children that you can offer some assistance to? Is there an older person or a person living alone you can go visit? Do you have a skill or talent you can offer to teach someone who just need to have a new outlook?
It’s important we help each other, support each other, and love each other– especially during trying times.
“ … Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.” — Matthew 5:16 (NIV)e
We Can’t Always Control What Happens, But We CAN Control Our Attitude
We have the power to face life with a positive attitude. Every day we can wake up dreading all there is to do or we can anticipate all the wonderful adventures that could be awaiting. Life is one big adventure just waiting to happen.
Even in the midst of tough times there are so many things for which to be grateful. There are little blessings happening all the time and it’s up to us to notice them. Often we are too busy getting drawn into other peoples’ drama. And there is so much controversy and choosing sides. Why not all be on the same side? The side of love. The side of peace. The side of happiness.
What Is Choose Happy STL?
In 2020 when everything was shut down, we wanted to find a way to spread joy so we started Choose Happy STL. It was a way for people to meet others, have communication and learn things during the pandemic. It started when we had to find out creative ways to have events for our charity, Rainbows for Kids so we created some event space– a craft room for the kids and a peaceful waiting area for the parents– and we serviced one family at a time (with masks on) to provide a fun outing for the children and a break for the parents.
There are many times the rooms were vacant so we decided to offer enrichment classes, arts and crafts, and presentations– just for fun– and in very small groups with masks on. When it got warm we moved outside to a screened in area and people would volunteer their time to lead classes, workshops, cooking classes and pretty much anything we could think of. So many friends were made and learning and growing never stopped despite the pandemic.
We began doing Zoom presentations and including people from all over. It was just a simple idea with the goal of keeping people’s spirits up and facing a tough situation in a positive manner. We encourage anyone to start a Choose Happy Dream and Wonder Room. It’s not really the physical place, it’s the feeling of reaching out to others and looking for the good in bad times. It’s about choosing to be happy. It was a coincidence (or was it) that one of our books came out right before the pandemic.
“Choose Happy Find Contentment in Any Situation” is the latest book by Sally Tippett Rains, Content Manager of STLSportsPage.com and wife of Rob Rains. It was published in 2019– just in time for the pandemic. If there is anyone out there who is having a tough time and could really benefit by an inspirational, motivational book– but does not have the money to buy it– please contact us and we will send you a copy free. STLSportsPage@gmail.com.
This book provides hope and inspiration. It’s filled with stories of people who have overcome serious trials and they have emerged better– not bitter. At an event for mothers of children with pediatric cancer, sponsored by Rainbows for Kids we were able to give the mothers a copy. These amazing ladies inspire us and as they face trying times they choose happy– and you can too.
Our message is don’t give up. Quoting Coach Jim Valvano “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.”
What They Are Saying About Choose Happy

BUYING THE BOOKS:
FULL OF STORIES BY PEOPLE WHO CHOOSE HAPPY
If these people don’t make you smile, you just aren’t trying…
They’ve all gone through challenging– in some cases, terrible– times, and they share their stories of how they overcame it and choose to live a positive, productive life.
Photo 1: Back row- Dawn Shaver, Sandy Elfrink, Angela Brunette, Stephen Von Rump, Dana Scott, Derik Scott (star of 2019 “The Titan Games” by the Rock); From, Teresa Tosi, Sally Rains, Darlene Kassen.
Photo 2: Mike Rains, Lori Rains, Joanie Protzel, Diane Heckenkamp, Barbara Tippett, Sally Rains, Rob Rains
More people in Choose Happy: Front row: Liz Oliver, Dreama Denver (wife of the late Bob Denver who played Gilligan), Richard LaMotte, Rob Rains; second row: Brian Garner and Samii Taylor; top row: Chuck Miller, Karolyn Grimes (actress who played Zuzu in “It’s A Wonderful Life”
Even more contributors: Front Row: Rev. Nicholas Inman, Ginger Alden (fiance to Elvis Presley); top row Christopher Radko (Christmas Ornament Designer), Jack Scaife, Ryan Powell
Additional contributors: Top Row: Karen Fox, Barb Baxter, Sally Hanson (who is “choosing happy” with her sunflower sunglasses) Bottom row: Jan Orlando, Lorraine “Rainey” Fahey
Published by Peppertree Publishing, Sarasota, Florida, Distributed by BookBaby.
BUYING THE BOOKS:
Partial Color Version: CLICK HERE
**If you are going through a tough time and you can’t afford this book, please email us with your situation and we will send you a free book. Either contact us through the CONTACT page or CLICK HERE
BUYING INSPIRATIONAL GIFTS:
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