One of my favorite songs is Bobby McFerrin’s refrain, "Don’t Worry, Be Happy". I recently had the opportunity to observe people’s reactions when a highway was closed because of an accident ahead. As we waited, I watched as some listened to radios, a few began calling on their handphones, other’s seemed to be working or reading, and some opted for 40 winks. But, there were also a handful who were clearly agitated and angry. Pacing about,HONKING, swearing, and upset, they decided that the best response to this event, which none of us could control, was to be very unhappy.
I was also about to get agitated because I know that I'll sure be late for work. Then by coincidence, I read this on a bumper sticker on a car in front of mine. Guess what it says? Here goes : 'Being angry is punishing yourself for the mistake of others.' Hemmm....then it got me thinking. Being unhappy is not going to change the situation or make it better So Just try to be happy. I was reminded of Abraham Lincoln’s comment that, "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."
The following are my Tips to increase happiness in your life:
1. Decide to be a happy person. As Lincoln observed, most people, most of the time, can choose how stressed or happy, how troubled or relaxed they want to be. Choose to be happy.
2. Watch and Read less news. As a recovering news addict, I know this can be difficult because the stock market fluctuates, politicians politic, and sports teams compete. But, most of the time, you don’t need the stress. So, just don’t watch. I think it was Henry Thoreau who noted that if you’ve ever read about a train wreck, you understand the principle and don’t need to know any more about it.
3. Practice the Attitude of Gratitude. We all have so much to be grateful for. Just thanking the many people who assist us, encourage us, teach us and open doors for us could take all day!
4. Laugh everyday. Hear a joke, tell a joke, laugh at yourself, laugh with your friends and family and co-workers. There are very few medicines as powerful as laughter, and I don’t think you can over-dose, although it is addicting!
5. Love well. Express your affection, appreciation, friendship and warmth to those around you, and they will almost always respond in the most amazing ways! Be generous…it pays great dividends!
6. Work hard. This one comes as a bit of a surprise, but there is tremendous satisfaction in being competent, and joy in completing our assigned tasks. One of the great sources of happiness is to do work that is worthy of you, and to do it well.
7. Learn something new, everyday. To be happy, most of us must also be growing, expanding, learning and challenging ourselves. Read, listen, adapt and stretch to accommodate new ideas and new information.
8. Use your body as it was designed. Walk and run, stretch, swim. Dance! Exercise is good. You have a body and it can be either a source of joy, or a source of aches and pains. The choice is yours.
9: Avoid toxins. I prefer writing positives (things to do) rather than negatives (things to fear), but reality says there are negative people and there are bad chemicals, stressful noises, and unsafe places. Don’t go there! Avoid poisons whenever possible. It seems to work out better that way.10. Don't get too stressed up. Take time in doing things. It is ironic isn't it for me to say this. (For those who know me) BUT really... I should be doing it myself. Hu hu Hu.!!!!!Getting stress up will only produce toxins in the body... kill cells.... shorten life.So, people, people.....what ever was said in the 'you know whose blogs' and the comments given....Don't get angry.... not worth it!!!In my opinion they are immature and insecure. Let them be. I was laughing when I read those comments.... YOU BE HAPPY!!!!! OK??
