YOU have the power to be happy and grateful – really truly happy today, right now! True happiness is much more than just a smile on your face.
It’s how you choose to see the world around you and what you feel inside. Follow these 7 tips to create a more joyful and satisfying life!
Find the positives in situations
Happy people choose to see the everyday victories and miracles rather than the problems. Instead of getting caught up in the fear and worry, they see the good possibilities in each situation. It doesn't mean that problems won't exist, but you can choose how you respond, rather than simply reacting.
Live with passion
What do you love doing? What feels fulfilling to you? What makes you truly happy? What do you feel thrilled and excited about? The common answer to all these questions is the key to discovering your passion. Are you spending your precious time on something that makes you unhappy? Choose to follow your passion, and you will find happiness.
Choose to feel happy
Be grateful and appreciate what you have. We all have 2 choices in life - we can focus on all the things we don’t have (there might be many), or focus on all the things we do have and be happy! Quite simply, you can choose to feel happy or unhappy! Gratitude and appreciation will significantly increase your chances of experiencing happiness.
Change your “state” so that it supports health and happiness
Weed out unhelpful thoughts. The Dalai Lama has been quoted saying that “The central method for achieving a happier life is to train your mind in a daily practice that weakens negative attitudes and strengthens positive ones.” Focus on becoming aware of your thoughts, challenge those that are negative and those you have no influence over.
Spend quality time with loved ones, family and friends
A happy life is a life shared with friends and family. The stronger the personal relationships are and the higher the frequency of interaction, the happier you will be. Practice generosity with the people around you. When was the last time you invited a lonely friend to dinner, called a distant relative or made a cup of tea for a co-worker? You might normally squash the thought with excuses such as ‘I don't have time', 'I don't have the money’, ‘it might be awkward’. But the next time you have one of these thoughts, practice going with it. The act of giving creates happiness for everyone involved.
Laugh and smile for no reason!
Laugh, joke, and be a little silly everyday! Laughter has been shown to help people live longer, reduce their blood pressure, and help them relate to people from around the world. It’s ok to be a little goofy now and then. You only get one shot at this life, so make the most of it. Have some fun - you may find you add years to your life, not to mention a ton of joy and laughter!
Keep a daily gratitude journal
If you want to live every single day of your life with joy, you should make gratitude a part of your daily ritual. Keep a personal gratitude journal and set aside time daily to write down 3 new things every day that you are grateful for. Choose a special notebook, some pretty paper, or any old notepad - whatever makes you happy! The important thing is to establish the daily practice of paying attention to gratitude-inspiring events and to write them down.
Make happiness an integral part of your life. Develop happiness routines and make them a part of your every day living.
