A.Klein 3.d

Life Lessons:
Allen Klein

Are you happy at the moment?

I am extremely happy due to great friends, family, spouse, my spiritual community and my right livelihood. I also believe that we can all be happy, no matter what. Things are the way they are; our attitude towards those things is what makes us happy or unhappy.

If you could go back and say anything to your 16-year-old self now – what would it be?

Lighten up and trust. All will work out. It always does and always will.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?

What you give to the world, the world gives back to you. Yell at someone, they probably will yell back. Smile at someone and they will probably smile back.

What do you most want to achieve in the next 12 months?

To finish the proposal for my next book, to get it to the New York agent who was interested in it, and to have it sold to a major publishing house.

What’s your secret to happiness?

Enjoy what you do and use the gifts that were given to you. I think that one of the worst things someone can do is not use their talents. We were all given talents of different kinds. They are meant to share with others.

What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?

Being connected to my spiritual home which is Unity of San Francisco. And knowing that I create my own story and choose my own reality.

What’s your biggest regret?

I don’t have many regrets. There is one, however, that I wish I had responded to differently. I once flew across country with the Academy Award winning actor, Jose Ferrer, sitting next to me. At the end of the flight, he gave me his card and asked me to call him so we could go to dinner together. I was intimidated and never called.

What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kid(s)?

To follow your bliss and not let anyone tell you that you can’t do something that you truly want to do.

What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?

Judging people by their looks even before I get to know them.

Aside from fatherhood and marriage what are you most proud of in your life?

I am most proud of having taken the death of my wife and turned it around. Because of her great sense of humor, I now teach people, through my books and my keynote speeches how to find humor in their not-so-funny stuff.

When were you happiest?

It’s not “were”, I still am. But I still fondly think of one memory from my childhood. It was when I had a big metal moving truck toy. I would load and unload my other toys in it and ride up and down the hallway for many happy hours.

What ten words best describe you?

Loving, light, healer, fun, joyous, grateful, caring, kind, wise, spiritual.

 

Comedian Jerry Lewis has said that Allen Klein is “a noble and vital force watching over the human condition.” Klein is the world’s only “Jollytologist,” and author of 18 books. He is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor, a Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association, and a Toastmaster’s Communication and Leadership Award. His books include The Healing Power of Humor, Learning to Laugh When You Feel Like Crying, The Art of Living Joyfully, and, Change Your Life!: A Little Book of Big Ideas.