The following quote by Carlos Castaneda just about sums up happiness: “The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy. The amount of work is the same.” Guess what? If you want to be happy all you do is make a decision to do so.
I once worked with a lady that had to be the most negative person on the planet–the Grinch times ten. She refused to smile, and always had a pessimistic disposition. The glass was always half empty for her, and it didn’t need to be. Being happy is a choice that we can make right now as Mr. Castaneda states above. I agree that this sentiment can be easier said than done some days, but here’s some help.
1. Laugh Today and Every Day.
Laughter has been proven time and time again to lower stress levels and blood pressure. It is also the easiest way to turn on the happy vibe. Watch a great new comedy at home or the movies. Check out YouTube for your favorite movie clip or comedian. There are countless videos available. I actually had a ball this afternoon watching clips of Eddie Murphy in Coming to America–classic.
2. Go to the Gym
This is one is not easy, granted but after you leave the gym you have the energy and clarity to take on any project on your plate. Maintaining good health and eating right just make sense. To know that you are improving your capacity for joy by pumping iron makes it all worthwhile.
3. Be Thankful
Pursuing goals with everything you’ve got is great and I commend all those out there on that track. But are you thankful (happy) with your life today and everything that you have? It is a scientific fact that being thankful increases your ability to be happy. You might have also guessed: a happy person and a thankful person have a ton of things in common. What can you be happy for right now?
4. Forgive and Move On.
“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong,” said Mahatma Gandhi. The great ideological leader knew that we only harm ourselves when we refuse to forgive. Make a decision today to let go of any grudges that you have been holding on to. I assure you the void that’s left will be filled with happiness.
5. Sing the Praises of Small Goals Met.
I met a young lady last year that considered herself to be heavy. I didn’t think so, but she made it up in her mind that she needed to lose a certain amount weight. As she began losing weight, she would beam every time someone took notice. This was great, but she continued to downplay her progress-saying she would be happy only after she reached her predetermined number. Why couldn’t she continue to pursue her ultimate goal, yet be thankful for the progress she had made today? Don’t wait until tomorrow to be happy, you may miss something special today. happiness quotes