The art of happiness

0
430
Happiness
Happiness

Life is not always easy but life can be good at any age, even with inevitable challenges. People sometimes know more about what makes them unhappy than they know about what does make them happy. And even knowing what we don’t want can clarify the twists and turns of our thoughts and needs, ultimately leading to increased happiness.

Though happiness comes from within and is a fleeting state, a more abiding sense of contentment and true satisfaction comes from a mindset that looks for small miracles and sees the wonder around us.  You don’t have to be bubbly and bouncy all the time to be happy. It is ultimately a choice, but research tells us there are certain traits that help us feel content, even through rough times and no matter the outcome of life’s challenges.  So let’s cultivate them.

[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-7]

Choice. You decide your priorities. People making self-governing choices are said to be three times more satisfied with their lives. They know they also have the power to say “no” and change course when situations are no longer acceptable, and that sometimes generates a more positive attitude and productivity.

Being Pro-Active. New experiences trigger feel-good chemicals in our brains.  Exercise your curiosity. Engage in lifelong learning.  Some suggest making a goal of “at least one mistake a day.”  Winston Churchill said, “Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.”

Humor. Laughter releases good hormones and lowers stress hormones at the same time.  In any situation, that’s a good deal!  Humor can help you push forward when things seem foreboding. Normally it’s easy for me to find humor in almost any situation, and when I’m not seeing much humor, it’s a sure sign I need to check my perspective. You too?  Find at least one hearty, genuine laugh every day. Lighten up.

Optimism. It’s said optimists see the glass half full while pessimists see the glass half empty, but the only thing we really know is that there’s something in the glass. It’s all in how we choose to see it. Optimism is viewing all experiences with the knowledge that some good can come from them– even the painful experiences. It enables us to move through dark times more quickly and with less fear. Studies have found that people paralyzed from an accident were more optimistic and hopeful than people who won the lottery.  They could see that things that sometimes upset us are quite often not worth fretting about. They chose happiness even when life was hard, and had greater love and appreciation for life.

Spirituality. Spiritual practice enhances life satisfaction and reminds us not to dwell so much on the small things; that life has greater meaning. People who engage in regular spiritual practices have less anxiety and other physiological signs of stress. They are healthier, have better mental health, recover more quickly from surgery or accidents, and find more purpose and meaning in life in general.  Soulful acts are beneficial.

Purpose. A reason to get out of bed each day and something positive to focus on is a sustaining source of happiness.  Engage in things that brighten your day and lighten your concerns.  If you don’t know what that is, then your purpose becomes to find something that gives you a true sense of being you!  Make a point to include it each day.

Integrity. Live in harmony with your values.  Don’t fall victim to the “disease to please.”  When you behave contrary to what you believe, you are fighting yourself, and it reinforces self-doubt.  Have the courage to stand up for what’s important to you.

Love. A sense of belonging, compassion for others, knowing you are cared about in return, and having a support network are some of the major components of happiness.  Research assures us that having meaningful relationships such as supportive friends and family contributes significantly to both our happiness level and our longevity.  Increase the quality of love and support in your life and the quality of time you share with others.

Good health. Get moving. Regular activity also releases feel good chemicals in your body. Observe healthy diet practices. Respect and nourish your mind, body and spirit.

Security. There’s physical security – being safe in one’s surroundings – and there’s emotional security  – knowing people like you for who you are.  There’s also security from contentment with your place in life – knowing you are the culmination of your history, and that it can’t be taken from you.  True security is a sense of inner peace and grounding.

Perspective. In framing experiences, do you focus primarily on the good, even though it may not measure up to the best you can imagine?  Focus on the wonder in your life right now, moment to moment.

Externals and material things don’t create long-term happiness. Even positive external events, like a new home, weight loss etc. create only a brief happy bounce that fades.  Most people say they are happiest for their faith, family and friends… all things money cannot buy.  To be more confident and have a greater sense of inner peace, cultivate the art of happiness.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here