Happiness Tips

I perform my daily tasks with joy.

To a large extent, happiness is the result of enjoying all the little tasks we do each day. Because of this, I execute my daily tasks with joy and enthusiasm.

I am able to quickly and easily find joy in the little things.

If I am taking out the trash, I enjoy the opportunity to be outside. If I am washing the dishes, I enjoy the mental break this simple task provides. I enjoy the radio as I am driving to work. Cooking brings me joy because I am nourishing my family and myself.

The joy of these simple, daily tasks adds another level of happiness and contentment to my life. I am able to turn the mundane into something meaningful. My spirituality is increased when I can find meaning in daily tasks.

Even brushing my teeth and getting dressed provide joy. My daily rituals bring order to my life and make me more effective. My daily routines afford me more free time.

I execute my daily tasks with joy. I encourage others to see the beauty in life and to experience it fully. Others seem grateful for my advice and encouragement.

Today, I complete my daily tasks with as much joy as possible. I appreciate the little things in life and realize that great joy is hidden inside seemingly mundane responsibilities. I am grateful for my daily tasks.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. How can I more fully appreciate my daily obligations?
2. How would my life change if I were able to perform my daily tasks with more joy?
3. What could I do to discover peace and tranquility in my tasks?

I pay attention to the things that give me fulfillment.

My days are more fulfilling when I do things that are meaningful to me. The relationships I share with friends and family are part of what keeps my soul happy.

My loved ones bring such joy to my life. Spending time with special people enriches my spirit. Having interactions with them opens up fountains of excitement and thoughtful care. My loved ones make it easy to be around them.

Taking on small business endeavors is also very fulfilling. I spend much of my spare time devising plans for creating a new business idea.

When I spend time creating, I feel like I am using my days in this world more purposefully. It gives me great pride to know that I am being productive instead of wasting time.

The energy I get from interacting with nature is inspiring. Seeing how effortlessly flowers embrace their individual beauty inspires me to love myself.

When I look in the mirror, I tell myself that I am beautiful just the way I am. Seeing my reflection drives my self-belief and gives me confidence to embrace both my fineness and my flaws.

Today, there is fulfillment in loving relationships and loving myself. I commit to living a life that fulfills my purpose in this world. My days are wonderful because I make the most of each waking moment. This life is worth living because I am fulfilled.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. How often do I find new things that give me fulfillment?
2. How do I respond when I am thrown into a situation that adds little value to my life?
3. How do I encourage myself to persevere when a challenge seems unbearable?

Good things happen to me every day.

There are many reasons I am happy to be alive. Each day provides a wondrous experience. When I keep my eyes and ears open, I am privy to the positive things that occur around me.

I remain open to the good that life holds for me. Although it would be easy to take many of these things for granted, I stay ready to notice them from moment to moment.

I enjoy my interactions with others. My partner calms and comforts me. Co-workers offer me their guidance. A neighbor helps me start my car, offers me a ride to work when I need it, and brings down a sumptuous meal when I am under the weather.

Even the weather blesses me. The sun warms me. A cool breeze blows. Rain falls. Snow drifts into beautiful panoramas. To me, it is all a wonderful production of nature, performed in my honor.

When a situation irritates me, I look for a positive benefit. Perhaps the only good thing I can find is a lesson learned, but that lesson can help make my life better.

I see the good in each day.

Today, I find something positive in each moment and every experience. I strive to notice and appreciate the goodness that comes my way every day.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. Do I notice the good things that occur every day?
2. Can I find something good even in situations that may be unpleasant at the time?
3. How can I open my eyes and soul to all of the good things that take place daily?

Loving thoughts fill my mind.

Kind and loving thoughts guide my speech and actions.

Loving others strengthens my relationships. I reveal my vulnerabilities. I accept feedback graciously. My victories and setbacks become more meaningful because I go through them with family and friends.

Loving others reduces stress. I am happy to accommodate others. I feel at peace even if things turn out differently than I had planned.

I thank others for their kindness. I remember the good things that they contribute to my life. I am grateful for my education and health care. I appreciate the workers who build roads and supply electricity.

I admire the good qualities of others. I take pleasure in listening to a talented musician or reading about a famous scientist.

I recognize how much I have in common with others. We share the same basic needs and aspirations. I discover more opportunities for understanding and cooperation. I see that their happiness is just as important as my own.

To generate loving thoughts, I start with my family and friends. I recall my warm feelings towards them. I imagine bringing that emotion into my communications with the rest of the world.

If I become tense or irritated, I use my breath to restore my loving thoughts. I cherish myself as I breathe in. I cherish others as I breathe out.

Today, I offer my good wishes and practical assistance to those around me. I view others with compassion and affection.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. How can I motivate myself to be kind to people who annoy me?
2. How do I feel when I give to others out of love?
3. What is the relationship between mindfulness and love?

Financial wealth produces little depth of joy.

There is a deep inner joy that is unlikely found in financial wealth. Although being rich allows me to satisfy material wants, it is insufficient for true happiness. I seek that contentment from richness of relationships and peace of mind.

Being wealthy allows me to pay for anything, but possessions have a fleeting value. I prefer to use financial wealth to do good things in the world.

Whenever I earn money, I put aside a portion for charity. Being able to help the less fortunate gives me a feeling of accomplishment. I feel happy when I see my contributions support the basic necessities of others.

I use my financial wealth to expose my kids to new learning experiences. When I see their horizons expanding, I get a true sense of inner happiness. The joy runs deep when I am able to facilitate their progress.

When I look at the spending opportunities in front of me, I choose the ones that bring togetherness.

Being able to bond with my family and friends is meaningful. I also celebrate being able to use my resources to promote togetherness in the wider community.

Today, I am happy that I rely on meaningful experiences for deep joy. I acknowledge that financial wellness rarely means true happiness. I am conscious of the difference between superficial happiness and deep rooted joy.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. How do I ensure that I remain humble while being financially wealthy?
2. How can I determine when something will bring me long term joy?
3. How can I use financial wealth to bring positivity to the world?

Happiness is disguised as wonderful memories.

Experiences that make great memories are the substance of true happiness. I live for encounters that have a lasting, positive effect in my mind.

I surround myself with people who play a meaningful role in my life. Those relationships create memories that remind us how special we are to each other. My bond with loved ones grows stronger because I enjoy sharing good times with them.

When I think back to good times, I smile. Reminiscing recreates the feeling of bliss that cherished experiences are made of.

My relationship with my kids is based on what we share together. I love being the person they come to for guidance. Being able to help them at key points in their lives is an honor. I think back to those memorable times with pride and happiness.

Material possessions have a less lasting effect on my happiness. Even though they bring immediate pleasure, their impact on my mindset fades over time.

Very few things compare to catching up with old friends about our experiences. Spending time reliving the positive emotions of our adventures together brings me joy.

Today, I am blessed to have experiences that bring unspeakable wonder to my life. The source of my endless happiness is my bank of memories of special times. I am committed to creating more happy memories like these.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. How can I make some memories that I can cherish for a lifetime?
2. How open am I to reflecting about positive memories that stem from unfortunate circumstances?
3. How do I go about learning from my experiences so I can maintain happiness?

5 Easy Ways to Create Joy Today

Joy doesn't have to be hard to manifest in your life. You can create it by making a conscious effort to have more happiness.

Joy is an important mindset. It's not just about what happens to you. Your reactions to events, circumstances, people, and situations are part of it. Joy may feel impermanent or fickle, but you can attract it and make it more stable.

Create more joy in your life:

1. Make a change. Whether you've always wanted to learn how to play the piano or take a professional cooking class, you can make changes in your life that lead to joy.

* Avoid allowing fear to stop you from making changes.

* Joy tends to be on the other side of fear. Can you imagine how you'll feel when you finally take the class you've always wanted? Can you imagine how you'll feel when you switch careers to something you love?

* The change doesn't have to be huge. You can take small steps toward your dreams.

* Realize that your happiness depends on you. You can't expect your life to get better by doing nothing every day. So make a change to take you in the direction you wish to go.

2. Learn gratitude. It's easy to focus on the day-to-day stress and lose sight of the simple things that you're thankful for.

* Make a list or keep a journal of all the good things in your life. Review it each day. This will help you find peace and joy on a daily basis. You'll see that your life isn't made up of just negative moments.

* Your gratitude list can include ordinary things such as having a home, a bed, or a breakfast every morning. The key is to focus on the areas of your life that make you feel happy.

3. Make a happy board. Similar to a vision board, a happy board is filled with things that make you happy - right now - rather than goals that you're working toward.

* For example, if the beach is one of your favorite places, fill your happy board with images of beaches.

* You can make it on paper or design it online.

* The key is to use the space to add things that bring joy to your life. This can act as a manifesting agent and help you get more of the things you love.

4. Stop the flaw focus. One of the things that hurts your ability to have more joy is a focus on your flaws.

* This applies to both internal and external influences. If others are concentrating on your flaws, then it's time to move on and find new friends. Likewise, if you're paying too much attention to your own flaws, then it's time to change your mindset.

* Practice love and acceptance each day. Recognize your flaws without focusing on them.

5. Forgive yourself. You can't experience happiness if you're constantly blaming yourself and making yourself feel awful. It's important to learn how to forgive yourself to have joy.

* Learn to let go of the guilt and shame that has built up in your life. Negative situations come up for everyone. Consciously avoid dwelling on them.

* Practice forgiveness and stifle your inner critic for good. View forgiveness as a way to use self-care on a daily basis.

Joy doesn't have to be a fleeting moment you feel on occasion. Let joy be a bigger part of your daily existence. Use these strategies and enjoy your life.

How to Enjoy Retirement Even if You Have a Type A Personality

Preparing for retirement is a major transition for anyone, and it can be especially challenging if you have a Type A personality. You may find that your competitive drive and outgoing nature can work against you unless you channel those qualities in a positive direction.

After all, when you're used to managing others and having your identity tied up in your career, it can be disconcerting to discover that you're no longer in charge.

Try these tips for how to adjust your expectations and enjoy your new freedom.

Adjusting Your Pace:

1. Delay new commitments. It can be tempting to rush into new ventures now that you have so much free time. On the other hand, you'll probably make sounder decisions if you give yourself time to shift your priorities and weigh your options.

2. Practice relaxing. Lying in a hammock can be stressful for some individuals. Find relaxation practices that work for you, whether that means daily meditation or a demanding hobby.

3. Exit gradually. See if your employer is interested in phased retirement. Some professionals prefer to cut back on their hours and responsibilities before leaving the workplace permanently.

Redirecting Your Energies:

1. Volunteer your services. Use your time to support worthy causes. You may want to take on a leadership position that enables you to keep using your skills or experiment with new roles like tutoring children or growing vegetables.

2. Take classes. Increase your knowledge by taking courses online or auditing classes at your local university. Lifelong learning can help you to stay mentally sharp, and may even reduce your risk of dementia.

3. Create an encore career. Maybe you'll decide that you want to continue working after all. Embarking on a second career can be an opportunity to explore new interests while adding to your income.

4. Reconnect with family. Retirement can also give you a chance to catch up with loved ones if you used to spend a lot of hours at the office. Plan a family reunion or one-on-one time with your adult children.

5. Start downsizing. It may take longer than you think to sort through the possessions you've accumulated over the years. Weeding through your garage and closets now may spare your children the necessity of doing it for you someday. Plus, you could uncover items that can be sold or donated.

6. Travel. Now's the time to visit the places you've been dreaming about. Shop around for good deals so you can see the countries where your ancestors came from or go skiing in the Alps. If you're unsure where to start, browse online for ideas or ask friends and family for their recommendations.

7. Exercise regularly. Physical activity is invigorating. Buy a gym membership or take up a sport that will encourage you to spend more time outdoors.

Other Tips:

1. Consider your spouse. If you're married, retirement will be a big adjustment for your spouse too. Beware of the tendency to start bossing them around now that you no longer have employees reporting to you at work. Give each other some solitude on a regular basis so you can enjoy the extra hours you spend together.

2. Extend your network. Social interactions may be what you'll miss the most when you retire. Make new contacts by volunteering, joining groups, and throwing parties.

3. Try counseling. Talk with a professional if retirement seems overwhelming. A little support could change how you think about the later stages of your life.

Your retirement years can be happy and fulfilling if you devote your considerable energies to rethinking your purpose and staying engaged. As a Type A personality, you may find happiness learning to relax more or creating new challenges for yourself.

Increasing Your Happiness IQ Assessment

Check any that apply to you:

___ I look for the best in everyone.

___ I can find the ‘silver lining’ in most bad situations.

___ I give people the benefit of the doubt.

___ I generally see the glass as half full.

___ I can name three things I am grateful for most days.

___ I practice some form of spirituality or religion.

___ I believe that past hurts should remain in the past.

___ I try to forgive and forget, but learn from my experiences.

___ I do my best not to overthink things.

___ I take care of my physical needs regularly.

___ I have plenty of social support.

___ I reach out to others to connect (not only when I need something).

___ I am kind to people most of the time.

___ I know how to calm and soothe myself when needed.

___ I engage in things that I enjoy regularly.

___ If I offend or hurt someone, I make amends as soon as possible.

Count the number of check marks.

12 – 16 – Your happiness IQ is above average – good job!
7 – 11 – Your happiness IQ is average – let’s talk about how to raise your score.
Below 7 – Your happiness IQ is below average – contact me ASAP to discuss this.

How to Figure Out What You Want in Life

It’s a big decision. As far as we know, you only get one life. It’s only natural that you want to make the best of it. While the answer might come easily to a lucky few, most of us feel quite burdened and unsure about how to proceed. Many people are content to take whatever job pays the most. A few of us want more out of life.

You can have a life that is meaningful and manages to pay the bills on time each month. Give this issue the time it deserves but be sure to make a decision. Failing to choose can create more challenges than choosing the wrong thing.

Completing these steps will help you to find the life you were meant to lead:

1. Determine how hard you’re willing to work. For example, if you want to be a billionaire, it’s probably going to take a tremendous amount of work. But, maybe you’re the type of person that has a lot of hobbies and likes to spend evenings at home or with your friends. Are you willing to commit to the time required?

* Think about how much time you’re willing to work on something and ensure that the possibilities you consider fall within that limit.

2. Make a list of your values. Your values are an excellent starting point. Someone who values security and success will have a different life purpose than someone who favors family and fun above all else. Most people aren’t aware of their values because they’ve never thought about them.

* Make a list of every value you have, and then prioritize your list by placing the most important values at the top. Focus on the top 10. What you want to do with your life should support those values.

3. Think about your past. What did you like to do as a child? What did you want to become at that time? What have you enjoyed doing in the past? What did you find fun and exciting? You already know yourself quite well, and you have a lot of past data you can use to choose a fulfilling future.

4. What are your interests right now? What are you curious about? What would you like to spend your time learning and doing?

5. What are your strengths? What are you already good at? Could you build those strengths further and apply them to your life in a meaningful way?

6. How can you best contribute to the world? By answering this question, you will come up with ideas that are good for others and yourself. You’ll feel good about yourself if you’re helping others.

* Ask yourself how you can alleviate the most suffering in the world. Some people accomplish this by telling jokes on a stage or by fixing broken transmissions. How can you be most useful to the world?

7. What do you not like to do? Perhaps you hate the thought of working in an office environment. Or maybe you don’t like working long hours or working on teams. Think about jobs you’ve had in the past and what you didn’t like about them. Consider your list of dislikes before formulating a plan for the future.

Do you have any new ideas? Since you’ll be living the rest of your life for the rest of your life, take the time to figure out how you want to spend it. Ask yourself the important questions and consider what you like and don’t like. Understand your values and how you can incorporate them into your vision for the future.

Figure out what you want in life and then go live it.

Letting go of things beyond my control gives me peace.

My mission in life is to live with as much peace and contentment as possible. I am able to achieve that by being consistent with my choices. I focus on those things that I have some control over and let go of the rest.

The course of my life journey is dependent on my choices. But I am aware that things sometimes happen to alter the course that I choose to take.

Keeping myself mindful of this allows me to be accepting of how things unfold. Although I have my plans in place, I am open to making adjustments from time to time. This approach allows me to proceed without feeling burdened by the unexpected.

When my relationships change, I avoid feeling down by the new dynamic. I accept that each person who I cross paths with is meant to be in my life for a certain time.

I make the most of my time with others and do my part to ensure that our interactions are positive. At the end of each day, I am able to live with myself because of my commitment to living well with others.

As opportunities arise for me, I avoid questioning them. Acceptance leads to openness to newness and then on to great new adventures.

Today, my peace is deep-rooted because I commit to only concerning myself with things that I can control. It is wonderful to have a clear mind and a relaxed spirit, so I am able to enjoy my experiences as they come.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. How do I ensure ongoing commitment to an attitude of acceptance?
2. What are some things that I often feel compelled to change?
3. How do I know when to continue pursuit of an opportunity?
There are beautiful things happening in my life.

My life amazes me on every level. I am fortunate, grateful, and happy. Each day brings something new and beautiful. I need beauty in order to thrive and I appreciate all the beauty in my life and my environment.

Each day I take one step closer to achieving my goals, dreams, and objectives. To watch my life grow and evolve makes me proud and excited. It is beautiful to watch any life expand and blossom.

I also enjoy watching the other people in my life change in positive ways.

Regardless of the season, there are beautiful things happening. I enjoy watching the leaves change color in the fall and the snow falling to the ground. The spring brings flowers and new leaves. The summer brings warmth and fun.

I can find beauty anywhere I choose to see it. Whether it is a mother duck leading her ducklings or a spider building a web, beauty abounds. A stranger helping another stranger is another example of beauty.

Any creative activity can be beautiful. Painting, acting, drawing, writing, and other forms of art create beauty. I can create something beautiful whenever I choose. I can be a creator of beauty.

Today, I seek and find beautiful things in my life. I appreciate beauty in all its forms. There are beautiful things happening in my life today.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. What are some of the beautiful things happening in my life right now?
2. What would happen if I chose to see more beauty each day?
3. What can I do to experience more beauty on a regular basis?

15 EASY WAYS TO BOOST YOUR MOOD

Your mood can fluctuate from week to week, day to day, or even hour to hour.
But, that doesn’t mean that your mood is outside of your control.
There’s plenty you can do to lift your negative mood and feel better very quickly.
Avoid believing that you’re a victim to the randomness of life.
When your mood is faltering, give it a quick and effective boost!
Try these ideas to boost your mood on command…
1. Sing
• You know that singing makes you feel better, so just let it out. Wait until you’re alone if you’re shy and let your voice go. Turn on your favorite song and sing along if that helps.
2. Dance
• Moving your body can change your mood. You can even dance while you sing. Every song you want to dance to is available for free on YouTube.
3. Watch a movie that inspires you or makes you laugh
• Movies are a great way to give your attitude a boost. Choose a movie that inspires you to take action or one that makes you smile. Both can have a positive impact on your mood.
4. Run
• Actually, any type of exercise will do. Work up a sweat in an activity that you enjoy, and you’ll feel better.
5. Walk
• Walking gets you out of the house, and a change of scenery can lead to a change in mood. Get out of your neighborhood if you want the maximum impact. You might even take a short drive to find a great walking location.
6. Go to a museum
• Whether you like art, science, or ancient history, the right museum can inspire you. Your problems seem to melt away when you can experience a concentrated environment of the world’s best and most interesting.
7. Go out with a friend
• Time spent with a good friend can definitely alter your mood for the better. Pick something fun to do and get together.
8. Read a good book
• Like music or a good movie, a good book can transport you to another place. To maximize the positive effect on your mood, find something that amuses or inspires you.
9. Have a delicious snack
• What’s the fastest way to boost your mood? Your favorite snack. Avoid sacrificing your health, but a bite of chocolate or another favorite is hard to beat.
10. Write
• Writing can help to flush any negative emotions and thoughts from your mind. Try it for 10 minutes and see how you feel.
11. Drink a big glass of water
• Interestingly, a drink of water can uplift your mood and energy levels. Most of us are at least a little dehydrated, so drink up.
12. Take a nap
• When your day is going badly, start it over with a nap. Research shows that naps boost mood and increase energy levels. Keep your naps short to avoid feeling groggy
afterwards.
13. Contemplate the good things in your life
• Refocus your attention on the positive aspects of your life. Make a list of the things you can feel good about and your current perspective will change for the better.
14. Play with a pet
• Pets are soothing. Their unwavering love brings sunshine to a cloudy day.
15. Take 10 deep breaths
• Stand up straight and take 10 deep breaths. You’ll feel a difference in your mood and outlook very quickly.
There are many ways to elevate your mood quickly and easily.
You don’t have to endure a bad mood until something good randomly happens to improve it.
You can boost your mood whenever you choose.
When you notice your mood begin to darken, turn your day around with one of these tips or other activities that you enjoy.

A Busy Person’s Guide to Making Your Life More Fulfilling

If your life isn’t as fulfilling as you’d like, you probably aren’t making fulfillment a high priority. To maximize anything in your life, whether it be your health, income, or fun, it has to be a priority.

You can restructure your life and make fulfillment one of your most important objectives. Fulfillment might be a lot closer than you realize!

Get more of what you want out of each day with these strategies:

1. Identify the things that bring you fulfillment. It’s hard to have a life overflowing with fulfillment if you don’t even know what makes you feel fulfilled. What do you currently find fulfilling in your life? What have you found fulfilling in the past? What other things do you believe you would find fulfilling?

2. Identify the things in your life that don’t bring fulfillment. What are you currently spending time on regularly that doesn’t really matter to you? Most of our days aren’t particularly fulfilling, so your list of things might be quite long.

◦ Pay special attention to those things that are optional. If they aren’t fulfilling, ask yourself why you do them.

3. Eliminate as many maintenance activities as possible. Most of our lives are filled with maintenance activities. These are things that are necessary to keep our lives on track, but don’t necessarily create positive change. These items take a lot of time and typically aren’t fulfilling to the vast majority of people.

◦ Maintenance tasks include items like shopping for food and clothes, cooking, cleaning, laundry, and mowing the grass. These items need to be done, but they don’t necessarily need to be done by you.

◦ As your finances allow, consider paying others to do these tasks for you. Use the extra time to find something more fulfilling to do. Unless, of course, you find trimming your hedges fulfilling.

4. Scrap the unnecessary. Things you don’t need in your life take up time and space that could be better spent on other items and activities.

◦ Go through your house and your schedule and eliminate as many things as you can that you either don’t need or don’t love.

5. Make time each day for your passion. Everyone’s life gets shorter each day. Avoid believing that you’ll have time in the future to pursue your passions. Begin making time today for those meaningful activities and try to do them every single day.

6. Have goals for each day. Each day can be made more fulfilling just by making yourself feel like you made the most of it. Most people merely survive each day and have little to show for their time and effort. Have a plan for each day and strive to complete it. You’ll feel great at the end of the day.

7. Have longer term goals, too. Long-term goals are important, too. They provide an overall theme to your life. When your life is about something, and you’re diligently working toward it, you’ll feel more fulfilled. Most people lack short-term and long-term goals.

8. Surround yourself with the best people and avoid the worst. You’ll feel inspired, energized, and supported when you have great people in your life. You become a better version of yourself when you have wonderful people around you. Cut away the dead weight and make room for more great people.

To have more fulfillment, you must prioritize fulfillment. This simple fact escapes many people.

Does your life have a primary objective? Most people prioritize surviving, which is important, but rarely leads to fulfillment. Have a higher purpose and make your sense of fulfillment a daily goal. Make the most of each day.

Everything that happens is for my ultimate good.

I make the most of everything that happens to me. Whether it is something most people would consider to be positive or negative, I find a way to use it to my advantage.

I can take a negative situation and become more capable. I learn from my mistakes, errors, and bad luck. Everything can either make me stronger, teach me something, or both. Every situation has a hidden advantage that I can find and use.

I believe that each negative experience I face is designed to help me. It is a lesson created just for me and delivered at the perfect time. It is my responsibility to take the situation and extract the lesson from it.

Every experience is a gift when viewed in this manner. It is all for my ultimate good. I am grateful for all of my experiences.

By making the most of everything that happens, I am evolving into my best self. I become better from both my positive and negative experiences. I am determined to use everything that happens to me for my ultimate good.

Today, I am grateful for everything that happens in my life. I am accepting the good and the bad with open arms. I am enjoying the positive things that happen in my life today. I am using the negative things to my advantage. Everything that happens today is for my ultimate good.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. What is the worst thing happening in my life right now? What can I learn or gain from it?
2. If I did the best I could with everything that appears to be negative in my life, what would happen?
3. How can I leverage the resources and circumstances in my life to be more successful?

Special relationships enhance my happiness.

Amidst a world in turmoil, my relationships make me happy and brighten dull days.

My most special relationships are the ones with my family members. They are valuable to me. Knowing that my loved ones are taken care of gives me a sense of contentment. They are the core of my support system.

It is good to know that I can rely on my family members without condition. My family is my built-in defense team whenever my back is against the wall.

I also hold a few close friends dear. Having people with similar interests, tastes, and values is essential to a happy life. I love being able to bounce ideas off them without fear of judgment or criticism.

When I hang out with my friends, the hours pass by quickly. It is easy to make the most memorable experience out of the simplest activities that we do together.

Being happy in my work environment is in part possible due to the colleagues that I work with. Although it is important to love what I do, I get comfort in my job when the environment is positive and collaborative.

I enjoy having co-workers who are creative and driven as I am. They inspire me to give of my best and get good results in return.

Today, I salute the special people in my life. Their influence and support are part of my overall happiness. I am grateful for the role they play without even knowing the extent of their impact.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. How regularly do I take a friend’s advice into consideration?
2. How do I ensure my own happiness?
3. In what ways am I able to provide a good support system for my friends and family?

My heart fills with joy.

I feel happy and fulfilled. I make each day more joyful.

I cultivate mindfulness. I let go of judgements and broaden my perspective. I focus on the present moment instead of dwelling in the past or trying to predict the future.

I practice gratitude. I reflect upon the things that I am thankful for. I tell others how much they mean to me.

I meditate and pray. I honor my spiritual nature. My faith gives me comfort and encouragement.

I take care of my body and mind. I eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and go to bed early. Staying strong and fit helps me to manage stress and engage in the activities that I love.

I spend time with family and friends. I nurture close and supportive relationships. My family and friends encourage me to laugh and play. We share precious memories. We celebrate our victories and work through our struggles together.

I connect with nature. I notice the leaves changing colors and the sun shining through a cloud. I take time each day to walk or sit outdoors where I can feel the beauty and power that surround me.

I give generously. I share my money, time, and skills. I volunteer in my community and commit random acts of kindness.

Today, I choose to enjoy my life. I count my blessings and express my appreciation.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. How does slowing down help me to feel more joyful?
2. What kind of music puts me in a happy mood?
3. How can I be joyful in spite of my difficulties?

What Does It Really Take to be Happy?

What do you need to be happy? Is it a big house? A great career? The freedom to do whatever you want? Of course, the requirements for happiness will vary from one person to another.

However, there are many things common to most happy people. Since we all want to be happy, researchers have been busy on the topic.

Opinions vary, but these things are likely to add to your happiness:

1. Relatively few things that detract from your happiness. It’s easier to be happy if there are only a few things to prevent you from being happy. Just like it’s easier to get from Point A to Point B if there are few obstacles in your way.

◦ A good first step for increasing the amount of happiness in your life is to remove as many things as you can from your life that are making you unhappy.

◦ You don’t need a lot in order to feel happy, if you can minimize those things that detract from your happiness. If you need a lot to be happy, there are probably a lot of things in your life detracting from your happiness.

2. Control. You’ll struggle to be happy if you believe that you don’t have control over your life. People that feel powerless also tend to be unhappy. Regardless of your situation, there are things you could be controlling in your life but aren’t.

◦ Strive to build a life that gives you as much control as possible. For example, having financial resources provides a lot of control.

◦ Having a good social circle also provides a lot of options.

◦ Minimizing your dependence on others also gives you more control over your life.

3. Progress. Happy people are making progress in their lives. When you have a goal and make progress toward that goal, you’re going to feel pretty good.

◦ Life is dull when it stays the same. Life feels terrible when you’re losing ground. If you have a few goals and take steps to achieve them, you’re going to be happier.

4. A purpose. Having a purpose increases the amount of meaning in your life. The average person has never considered their purpose. That’s why their life is average.

◦ Take some time to consider the purpose of your life. You’re free to choose whatever you like. When you begin living with your purpose as a priority, you’ll experience more happiness.

◦ Your purpose could be living the most adventurous life possible, to master the piano, or to become a movie star. What do you want your life to be about?

5. People. There might be a few people that can truly be happy living a solitary life, but there aren’t many. Some people do well with a smaller, more intimate social circle. Others do well with a large social circle.

◦ But, it’s hard to be happy when you’re all alone. If you don’t have a couple of good friends, it’s worth the time to work on that part of your life.

6. Feeling needed. There are many ways to feel needed. Having children, volunteering, or even having a pet are great ways to feel that you have value to the world. When you feel needed, and you’re able to fulfill those needs, the level of happiness you experience in your life will increase.

If you had all of these things, would you be happier? What else do you think you would need?

Happiness seems to be elusive. You can’t just acquire happiness the way you would a slim waistline or a Bentley. Happiness arises from other things and situations. Think about what you need to be happy and make it happen!

I love waking up in the morning.

I greet each day with hope and enthusiasm.

The early hours set the tone for the day. I think positive thoughts and remember my strengths. I feel strong and energetic. I look at others with kindness and respect. I give thanks for my family, friends, and coworkers.

I meditate and pray. I turn to my faith for insights and wisdom. I treat each day as a precious gift.

I move my body. I go for a run on the treadmill or practice Tai Chi in the park. I stretch my muscles and strengthen my core.

I eat a nutritious breakfast. I fuel up on protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. I eat an omelet with spinach and mushrooms or drink a protein smoothie with Greek yogurt and berries.

I plan out my time. I clarify my priorities and focus my time and effort on the activities that are meaningful to me. I schedule refreshing breaks to restore my energy and collect my thoughts.

I start preparing the night before. I avoid rushing in the morning by getting an early start. I lay out my clothing and put my briefcase by the front door. I check to see that my children complete their homework and pack their school bags.

Today, I treasure the early morning hours. I set goals and take action. Each day is a fresh opportunity to learn and grow.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. What are the major advantages of being a morning person?
2. How can I make my morning commute more productive and enjoyable?
3. What is one thing I can do to express my love for others and myself this morning?

How to Turn a Bad Day Into an Amazing Day

Have you ever had a bad day and decided to throw in the towel? A bad day can make you feel like giving up and waiting for tomorrow to come. However, a bad day can be saved. You really don’t get that many days over the course of a lifetime, so make the most of each day.

With some effort and a little mental toughness, a bad day can be turned into a good day.

Learn to make a good day out of a bad day with these strategies:

1. Relax. Sure, your day is off to a terrible start, but it’s not over just yet. The first step is to take a deep breath and relax. Slow down your heart rate, think a few positive thoughts, and regain your composure. Put yourself in the right frame of mind to salvage the remainder of the day.

2. Accomplish something. Get one little thing accomplished that you can check off your list. If you’re at home, make your bed or clean the kitchen counters. If you’re at work, send that email you’ve been avoiding. Give yourself a small success and a little momentum.

3. Call a friend. Call a friend and share your bad day. You want to call someone that will be encouraging. Avoid calling someone that will do more harm than good.

4. Make a plan for the remainder of the day. If you want to salvage the day, you need a plan. Look at the time you have left in the day and decide what’s most important to accomplish. Make a reasonable plan to get the most important things completed before the day is over.

5. Be grateful. Gratitude can reset your attitude. When you feel grateful, you have a better perspective and can be more productive. You feel less hopeless when you experience gratitude.

6. Get some exercise. A bad day can create a lot of negative emotions. Those emotions create a lot of energy that needs to be burned off. Exercise is a great way to move toward feeling normal again. You can make wiser decisions when you’re less emotionally stimulated.

7. Be proud of yourself for turning your day around. Allow yourself to feel proud as soon as you make even a tiny bit of progress. This will provide a well-needed boost to your mood, self-esteem, and progress.

8. Determine how you contributed to having a bad day. Some bad days are just random events, but others are not. Consider the origin of your bad day and brainstorm ways of preventing a repeat occurrence. Not all bad days can be prevented, but many can.

9. Make a plan for tomorrow. Choose to make the most of tomorrow. You might have some catching up to do. Or, you might need to plan a night on the town with a few friends. Make up for having a bad day by having a magnificent day.

10. Get a good night of sleep. You survived! Do your best to recharge your batteries and prepare for tomorrow. Hopefully, tomorrow will be much better. You’ll certainly feel better after a good night of rest.

Bad days will happen, but you don’t have to give up and pray for tomorrow to arrive. You can turn your bad day around and have a great day.

If your day is off to a bad start, be determined to still get as much from that day as you can. This is a valuable skill for anyone to master. Clear your head, relax, and make a plan for the rest of your day.

Finding Joy in the Simplicity of Life

Since when did life get so complicated? What happened to the days of running wild and not having to worry about anything? Even as we’ve gotten older, it’s still fun to remember the good old days and the simplicity of life.

But truth be told, you can still have that feeling. With some daily effort, your life can be balanced between joy and simplicity.

What most people don’t realize is that their daily stressful lives are stressful because of themselves. They’ve booked themselves solid, ran themselves ragged, and planned too many “to-dos” to keep up.

Even though this might be you, you don’t have to accept it as your fate.

You can easily change your daily path and get back to the basic simplicities of life with just a few small changes.

Why spend your days catering to others when you can find your own joy first? Stop the madness of running yourself ragged and do yourself a favor.

Slow down and savor every single moment with these strategies:

1. Stop putting yourself on the backburner. Do you spend your time doing things for others and not doing anything for yourself?

● For just a few moments per day, do what you need to do for you. Smile at yourself in the mirror, tell yourself that you matter, and start off your day with your thoughts and feelings in mind.

2. Slow down and smell the roses. This means physically and mentally. It’s important to avoid rushing through your day and missing out on all the little moments in life.

● The moment that you stop rushing and start appreciating, you’ll begin to notice all the things that you’ve missed throughout the day. There are so many great things that you’re missing out on.

3. Read a book just for fun. Sometimes being an adult means that you have to read books and articles that you just don’t want to read.

● Instead, head to the local library and pick out a stack of books or magazines that you actually want to read. When you have a book in hand that you’re crazy about, reading becomes a whole new world.

4. Expand your family with a puppy. Having a puppy is a great way to have a loving animal greet you daily and make you feel as though everything you do is perfect. Plus, puppies give some of the best snuggles and kisses, too.

● If dogs are not your favorite, having a different pet can also bring many moments of simple joy to your life.

5. Allow yourself to say no. When you spend all day saying yes to others, it leaves nothing in your reserves left over for you. The time is now to start saying no and supporting your own needs.

● Your family and friends will get over this change and will actually more than likely understand.

Finding joy doesn’t have to take a ton of effort or time. You can easily make your life a better place with just a few simple changes.

Start by understanding what you’re missing in your life and then start factoring in the things that you need and want from there. Once you get a good grasp on it, you’re going to find self-love and happiness easily.

Allow yourself to fall in love with the idea that life is simple and wonderful. Your life holds so much joy if you let yourself see it.

I live a life that is free of regret.

I may make mistakes, but my life is free of regrets. I live my life on my own terms. I make decisions that take full advantage of my time on Earth. I spend my time and energy on the things and people that are most important to me.

I live my life boldly and take risks when necessary to ensure that I am free of regret. I would prefer to make a bad choice or two than to regret the things I failed to do.

I have a list of things I want to do and places I want to see. Each day, I spend some time taking action to ensure that these things happen. Even a little step each day adds up over time.

I am making great progress on checking off the items on these lists. I am happy with my progress so far. When I think of the items on these lists, I feel excited and motivated.

If I happen to feel regret over something I have done, I examine the situation and determine why I feel regret. I avoid making a similar mistake in the future.

Once I have learned from a mistake, and done what I can to counter its effects, I refuse to dwell on that mistake for another second.

Today, I live my life to the best of my ability. I make decisions that minimize the likelihood of feeling regret. I live a life free of regret.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. What has been my greatest regret? Was it something I did or something I failed to do?
2. Do I still allow my greatest regret to bother me? Why?
3. What can I do to minimize my chances of feeling regret?