Most people want to life a happier life. But did you know that happiness is a decision? You need to decide, first of all, that you want to be happy. Now, no one can be happy all the time. We all go through seasons. Everyone in this world has to experience some pain. It’s just the way of the world. The thing is, you can choose how much time you want to spend in pain. You make this choice with your attitude.
Here are some ideas to get you started toward a happier life:
I
Environment has a lot of influence on your mood. Who are the people you’re spending time with? What kinds of things do you surround yourself with in your home? What kind of music do you listen to? Did you know that food can actually influence your mood? Drinking enough water and getting proper nutrition makes a difference. Sometimes something as simple as making sure you’re getting enough sunshine can make you feel happier! You don’t have to do this all at once, just change small things to start and see how things move.
II
Gratitude may be one of the biggest factors of all in feeling happy. Keeping a gratitude journal is one thing you can do. At dinnertime with your family or when you’re eating lunch with friends, ask everyone to go around the table and share something they are grateful for. (Breathing, nice clothes, friendship, chocolate…) If you’re the praying type, wake up and say thank you for another day, another chance to start fresh.
III
Mental attitudes are a big factor and one thing that plays a big part is something called “self-talk”. How do you talk to yourself? Do you ask yourself why things always go wrong? Or do you ask yourself “What can I do to take me one step closer to the life I want to live?” This is a life long process and the secret here is to enjoy the journey. What does that mean? Every time you get “there” it becomes “here” and then there’s another “there” you’re gonna want to get to. So do your best to enjoy the view and the people you meet all along the way, stop to snuggle the cat or walk the dog or smooch with the bird.
IV
Ask what you can do to contribute in life? Is it your computer skills? You cooking skills? Are you easy to talk to? When you are busy helping someone else, you can not help but feel good along the way. Try doing something nice for someone who isn’t expecting it. Try doing something nice so that the person you’re helping doesn’t even know it was you!
V
Take action. Take a small step in one of the categories above. Ask for help if you need help. Make the decision that a happier life is your goal. Make sure you are taking care of yourself and that you are not hurting anyone else by your actions. Take a step and look for what is working well in your life.
You can do this!
Love,
Aunt Laya