Everyone experiences life in a very unique way. While many of us strive to make ends meet, others try to become rich or make their dreams come true. But at the end of the day most of us want to be happy! Here are a dozen practical tips that will make you smile…
1.Watch Your Words
“Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habit…” (Lao Tzu)
Your words create your reality. You may not notice it as you speak but in the long run, negative words result in negative thoughts and unfavorable outcomes. If you’re a naysayer, start seeing the glass half full. If the negative self talk gets the better of you, shut it down by immersing yourself in a talk show or a comedy.
2.Love Yourself
In order to be happy you need to love yourself and accept yourself fully. It doesn’t matter whether you think you’re overweight, short or don’t look good. The real beauty is within you and you’ve got to let it shine through. Only when you love yourself will you be able to give love to others because you can’t give what you haven’t got!
3.Fall in Love
Nothing has more power to make you happy than unconditional love.
Unconditional love means that you’re never judged and that you and your other half truly complete each other. This kind of love does exist, not only in fairy tales. If you’re not already experiencing it with your partner, than it may not be Mr/Mrs Right after all. Do whatever you can to find your true soulmate. Fight for the love you deserve and never settle for less than true, unconditional love.
4.Be Faithful to Your Partner
As humans we are normally expected by society to be faithful to our partners. In the Internet age sexual temptations are more common and cheating becomes easier than ever. But apart from the obvious reasons why being unfaithful is a bad idea, here’s another one: If you cheat you will never be at peace. The fear of getting caught or cheated back will keep haunting you. Focus on creating a happy, fulfilling, sexually satisfying relationship instead.
5.Release Your Pain
There’s only so much pain we can handle. If you feel like you just can’t take it anymore, don’t make the common mistake of trying to contain it. Instead, give it an outlet. Whether it’s writing a poem, going for a run or talking to your soulmate – do whatever it takes to deal with the pain rather than letting it get the better of you.
6.Make Yourself Laugh
What makes you laugh?
I, for one, get my daily dosage of giggle by watching comedies like Family Guy or silly prank shows on YouTube. Rather than depressing yourself by reading the news over coffee, do something that makes you laugh. Comedies, comics, an Angry Birds session – anything goes. Turn it into a daily habit and you will always start your day on a high note.
7.Get Creative
You don’t need to be a designer or an artist in order to create. As humans we were born to create and it’s one of the things that sets us apart from other species. So be creative and innovative in whatever you do, whether you’re a doctor, a firefighter or even an accountant. You will inspire others, feel at peace and accomplished and your profession or business will benefit significantly.
8.Live off Your Passion
You must be tired of hearing this but it’s probably true:
Your daily job should be the expression of your passion!
Seriously, how could you ever be happy doing something you don’t enjoy? If you’re in a vocation that makes you feel unhappy, move away from it. Follow your passion and find a way to make it profitable. If you can’t afford to leave your current job, use your free time to create a business based on your passion. Don’t settle for less than pursuing your passion.
9.Reward Yourself
Here’s a great way to stay happy and see any task to completion:
Every morning, create a checklist of the most important things you want to do this day. Keep the list short and realistic – three, four tasks are enough. Now, every time you’ve finished a task, tick it off. If all boxes are ticked by the end of the day, find a way to reward yourself. Watch your favorite TV show, get an ice cream – whatever makes you happy.
10.Be a Giver
As strange as it may sound, giving is what makes us feel whole. That’s why so many people volunteer. If you don’t do so already, try to take part in a charity event or volunteer for a cause you believe in. You will feel happier than ever, knowing that you have improved somebody’s life and you’ll get karma points as a bonus.
11.Own a Pet
It’s not always easy to make friends. Even when you think you’ve found your true soulmate you can get let down, hurt or betrayed. Pets are different though. Get a cat or a dog, give them food, shelter and a bit of love and you’ve got their heart forever. Pets will love you unconditionally, keep you happy, protect you and make sure you never feel lonely again.
12.Don’t Get Emotionally Attached to Money
As long as we live in a monetary economy, having money is a requirement whether we like it or not. While money enables us to improve our lives, buy properties, travel and more, it doesn’t necessarily make us happy. When you’re old, are you going to remember the money you made when you were younger or your child’s first steps? As Earl Nightingale pointed out in The Strangest Secret recording, “Everything that’s really worthwhile in life came to us free: our minds, our souls, our bodies, our hopes, our dreams, our ambitions, our intelligence, our love of family and children and friends…” So keep money in its proper place.
