The happiness Factor

With just over three months left of 2013 I have started reflecting on whether or not I have achieved all the things I set out to achieve in the beginning of the year. Many people may find it hard to believe but on top of my agenda was to be a happier person. This may not seem like the most innovative resolution in the history of New Year’s resolution, but in my mind it would lead to a positive outlook on other avenues in my life.

I generally am happy, but I will admit that I have my moments like any other person where my happiness is not reflected in my actions. It is hard to always maintain a happy attitude for 365 days but I have found that it’s not impossible.  So at the risk of sounding like a preachy self help author I thought it would be appropriate to share with you, a few tips on being happy everyday for the rest of your life.

 

·         Smile through it all

This may seem like impossible advice especially considering the fact that life throws several situations at you that are no laughing matter. I remember when a friend of mine went through a trying time, as her father had passed away. She was extremely depressed as you can imagine. My advice to her was that her father would want her to draw back on all the memories that they shared and to celebrate his life. I told her to take solace in the fact that her dad will always be in her life guiding her through every situation she may encounter. Months later she came and told me that as sad as she was upon reflecting on some of my words her heart was smiling. Perplexed at the thought I asked her what she meant and she told me that he was in her spirit making her smile constantly. Yes smiling during certain situations is a huge task to ask but a certain attitude can make even the most unbearable situation that much more bearable.

·         Be kind to others

There is something that is very comforting about making another person, even a random stranger smile. Someone once told me that character is measured by how you treat people who can do absolutely nothing for you.

·         Appreciate all you have

The good things in life outweigh the bad, but we often forget that when we find ourselves in difficult situations. I know for a fact that I am blessed. My biggest blessing would have to be my family as I can always count on them for support of any kind. It’s easy to take something as consistent as their love for granted and it pains me to say that I may have been guilty of doing so one time too many. I try my best to always remind myself that people would kill to have the kind of happiness my family provide me. Appreciation of all the blessings I have been given has definitely upped my happiness factor.

·         Know the true meaning of happiness

Happiness is not just a feeling it’s an action. If you want or claim to be happy you need to radiate happiness wherever you may go and in whatever you do.

 

The truth is we only have one life to live, so my question to you is why not live it at your optimum happiness. I know that 60 years from now when I am not only reflecting on the past year but on my life as a whole I want to able to say that I lived a happy fulfilling life and have the people around me agree.

Xoxox