Most people continue to blame unhappiness on exterior circumstances. If I found the love of my life, I would be happy. If I got that raise/promotion/grade, I would be happy. If I lost weight, I would be happy. This is despite the fact that numerous studies have been done, numerous articles have been written, and numerous books have been published that tell us one and the same thing: Happiness comes from within. How many movie stars with the gorgeous starlets on their arms, how many successful businessmen, how many svelte models are, despite having the things many people dream of, are still unhappy? The reason they can still be unhappy is that happiness comes from within.
Armed with this simple precept, we can make an effort to be happy every day, starting today. As they say, attitude is everything, so you have to change your attitude. Positive affirmations, positive interactions and positive attitude can change just about any day into a successful, happy one.
Positive Affirmations
Start each day with a positive statement. If you are a believer, you can easily start your day thanking the Lord or the Creator of the Universe for the gift of life you have been given and all of the wonderful things that surround you. Find something that gives you joy and solace and focus on it as a gift. Your family (even when the children misbehave), the sky and nature (even if it is raining), your pet (let’s face it, pets always make you feel great) even your messy apartment or home (you have a warm, safe place and you are not homeless).
Then, affirm your intents. Many people start with the simple affirmation: “Today, I am thankful for… and I intend to…” Close the day with a similar affirmation: “Today I accomplished… and I am thankful for…” Purposefulness and thankfulness truly are keys that unlock happiness.
happiness-face
Positive Interactions
You have surely heard the advice that you should avoid negative people. This is great advice, if somewhat difficult to follow. We cannot necessarily avoid a negative boss or a parent who has become crotchety in old age. But we can make sure that we initiate only have positive interactions with everyone we encounter. Give a smile and a compliment to the harried bus driver, send your children off with a kiss and a hug, even if they just spilled cereal all over the table. I like to remind people of 9-11. Imagine that the day you screamed at your child was the day you never saw him again.
If you can avoid negative interactions, do so. You may have to drop that friend who continually criticizes your dreams. It is easy to stop watching violent movies or T.V. shows where people criticize and fight with each other. Instead, invite an old friend you always liked for coffee, and replace T.V. with inspirational, funny or interesting reading.
Positive Attitude
Determine to be happy. Put a smile on your face, thing about the things that give you joy and go into the day with purpose and thankfulness. It may not be easy in the beginning, but it can become a habit, just like any other. Remember the old tune, “Whistle a Happy Tune”? The singer becomes so involved in the tune he is whistling, that he forgets he was afraid. Become so involved with the good things in life that you simply forget about unhappiness.
Darren writes on many topics including technology, free people search, social media and social networks.