"I'm not optimistic about our economic future as a country, but as far as me and my journey to find happiness, and accomplish some of these goals that I've had -- weight loss and following my writing passion -- absolutely, I'm still really positive about it, " she said.

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If anything the U.S. Task Force has done has given this child one year of peace and happiness, then my stay here has been worth it and I can count my blessings this Thanksgiving Day.

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Like so many others who have been named Champions of Change, I must first express my happiness for having found work that not only employs what capabilities I may have, and that affords an opportunity to work with so many people of enormous talent and dedication, but that is also useful to others in the worldwide community.

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But I couldn't always be there, and not everyone respected my happiness.

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Does this mean I should spend more time in bars and less time at work to optimize my happiness?

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"It's been the best thing I've ever done and it's given me complete happiness and joy in my social life, " he said.

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