#secrets to happiness

Did you know that there is a science to "Kill them with Kindness?" We all have experienced (at least once in our lives) having to interact with someone who no matter what, their glass is always half empty. There are two types of people in the world: those who choose to be happy, and those who choose to be unhappy. Contrary to what many people believe, happiness doesn’t come from fame, fortune, other people, or material possessions. Rather, it comes from within. The richest person in the world could be miserable while a person living in the slums of a third world country could be extremely happy. I have spent plenty of time amongst both groups to have seen it first hand. Happy people are contagious and attract others that have the same perspective on life, or those who are trying to change how they currently view life and look to them for inspiration and guidance. They maintain a positive outlook on life, handle life's curve balls accordingly when thrown at them but all the while, remain at peace with themselves. So... how do they do that?

It’s actually quite simple and I am going to share the "how to's" with you today! Happy people have good habits that enhance their lives. They do things differently. Ask any happy person, and they will tell you that they …

Let it go...

Happy people know it’s better to forgive and forget than to let their negative feelings crowd out their positive feelings. Holding a grudge has a lot of detrimental effects on your own wellbeing, including increased depression, anxiety, and stress. Why let anyone who has wronged you have power over you? If you want to listen to a powerful song to help encourage this...click here and if you want to read the story click here behind the song (have some tissues around) you will see how letting go of resentment and grudges is actually FREEING you.

Golden Rule

Did you know that it has been scientifically proven that being kind makes you happier? Every time you perform a selfless act, your brain produces serotonin, a hormone that eases tension and lifts your spirits. Not only that, but treating people with love, dignity, and respect also allows you to build healthy, stronger relationships. Goes back to what our parents taught us...treat others how you would want to be treated, always.

"Challenge...Accepted"

The word “problem” is never part of a happy person’s vocabulary. A problem is viewed as a drawback, a struggle, or an unstable situation while a challenge is viewed as something positive like an opportunity, a task, or a dare. Whenever you face an obstacle, face it head on...and as Barney Stinson would say, "Challenge...Accepted!!"

The Little Things are actually The Big Things

There’s a popular saying that goes something like this: “The happiest people don’t have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.” You will have a deeper sense of contentment if you count your blessings instead of yearning for what you don’t have. Don't get caught up with keeping up with the Joneses.

Dream BIG

This is one of my favorite lines and one of my favorite songs. A dear friend of mine introduced me to this song years ago and it made me have a different perspective on what I can actually accomplish. Since then...I've been dreaming big and it's opened my eyes to what's really out there. People who get into the habit of dreaming big are more likely to accomplish their goals than those who don’t. If you dare to dream big, your mind will put itself in a focused and positive state. You can click here to listen to it.

Own Your Mistakes

Benjamin Franklin once said, “He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.” Happy people don’t make excuses or blame others for their own failures in life. Instead, they own up to their mistakes and, by doing so, they proactively utilize them to tweak what they had done previously and they continue to grow. We all know someone who loves to come up with an excuse and that leads to a reputation of someone who is untrustworthy and shady. Simply avoid it by owning your mistakes, it's going to happen...we're HUMAN.

Listen

Talk less; listen more. Eliminate distractions, turn off the TV, put your cell phones away and give your full attention to whomever is talking. Listening keeps your mind open to others’ wisdoms and outlooks on the world. The more intensely you listen, the quieter your mind gets, and the more content you feel.

Diet and Exercise

This is key...junk food makes you sluggish, and it’s difficult to be happy when you’re in that kind of state. Everything you eat directly affects your body’s ability to produce hormones, which will dictate your moods, energy, and mental focus. Be sure to eat foods that will keep your mind and body in good shape. Exercise has a direct correlation with improved mood, stress reduction, increases your self esteem and provides you with a greater sense of self-accomplishment.

Happiness comes from a feeling of well-being and contentment with who you are and your contribution to the world. Happiness is the byproduct of the actions that we take as well as how we look at things. Try looking at everything as if your glass is always half full and see if you or anyone around you notices a difference. It's your choice...CHOOSE happiness.

And remember...SMILE!! It's contagious. :)