Happy as You Want to Be

Almost everyone will have heard the hit single 'Don't Worry, Be Happy' by Bobby McFerrin. The song has a very catchy way of conveying its message, of being happy, to everyone.

As said on my previous articles living a happy and optimistic life is very good for your health. It also actually protects you from the stresses of life and stress is linked to some very undesirable diseases. So we need to be in control of how we feel and change it if necessary.

Here is an interesting quote I found:
'The only thing in life that will always remain the same is change'.
We have the power to make the necessary changes if we want to and when we find ourselves in unbearable situations we know in our hearts that, if we want it to, it too will change.

Social networks or relationships are essential to happiness, but people are different and we need to accept people for who, or what they are. It is important to avoid clashes and constant arguments and to let go of any kind of resentment that you have. Try and understand why you feel resentful, and is this resentment justified? When arguments seem unavoidable try to understand that sometimes other people’s reactions to a situation have nothing to do with you. It is, more often than not, the case that you have touched a raw nerve by something you have said or mentioned that has caused the reaction. If you know in your heart that what you have said, was said, without malice, and with good intent, then know that you are not at fault and what you are experiencing is the other person’s reaction to something in their lives that is painful. If possible, walk away, do not react, agree with whatever they say and you will feel much happier and less stressed.

Happiness is actually found in everyone, increasing it is a way to make a life more wonderful and also healthier. To be happy is relatively easy, just decide to be a happy person. Abraham Lincoln observed that most people for most of the time can choose how happy or stressed, how relaxed or troubled, how bright or dull their outlook will be. The choice is simple really, choose to be happy.

There are several ways by which you can do this. Being grateful is a great attitude. We have so much to be thankful for. Thank the taxi driver for bringing you home safely, thank the cook for a wonderful dinner and thank the guy who cleans your windows. Also thank the mailman for bringing you your mail, thank the policeman for making your place safe and thank the power of the universe for being alive.

News is stressful. Get less of it. Some people just can't start their day without their daily dose of news. Try and think about it, 99% of the news we hear or read is bad news. Starting the day with bad news does not seem to be a sensible thing to do.

Manage your time. Time is invaluable and too important to waste. Time management can be viewed as a list of rules that involves scheduling, setting goals, planning, creating lists of things to do and prioritising. These are the core basics of time management that should be understood to develop an efficient personal time management skill. These basic skills can be fine tuned further to include the finer points of each skill that can give you that extra reserve to get the results you desire.

'Laughter is the best medicine'. Laugh and laugh heartily everyday. Heard a good joke? Tell your friends or family about it, spread that happiness. Express your feelings, affections, friendship and passion to people around you, don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. Vulnerability is one of the greatest gifts and strengths available to us. Allowing yourself to be vulnerable, enables others to express and acknowledge their feelings to you without fear of ridicule and with complete trust. Let go of anger or frustration, it drains your energy and can make you ill. Instead take a look at why you are angry, and laugh at how silly it really is, or look at who you are angry with – did they really deserve that?

Working hard brings tremendous personal satisfaction. It gives us a feeling of being competent in finishing our tasks. Accomplishments are necessary for all of us as they give us a sense of value. Work on things that you feel are worthy of your time.

Learning is a wonderful experience so try to learn something new everyday. Learning also helps us our horizons and opens up opportunities for the future.

Another great and relevant quote from Abraham Lincoln:

"Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."

So what is your day going to be like today?????