5 Tips for True Happiness!

Recently, a friend told me that I’m one of the only people in his life with a positive attitude. At first, I was surprised. I mean, really; why is everyone so angry? But, to be fair, just 2 years ago, I was angry too. In fact, I was one of the angriest people I knew…even on the verge of suicide at one particular time.

I have completely remodeled my life and my perspective since that dark point and my friend was probably onto something when asking me about my life, because I truly am really happy these days. And this happiness isn’t just something that came over night; it is something I grew to know. Some basic principles I learned to incorporate into my thinking and perspective have made all of the difference.

BE GRATEFUL

No matter how bad things get in your life, you should always be able to step back and be grateful for what you’ve got. Even with the worst combination of tragic events, there are still people out there who have it worse than you do. When I wake up not feeling as happy as I’d like to, I make a point to start my day with a list of what I’m grateful for before everything else.

BE HEALTHY

Being healthy emotionally and mentally is very related to being physically healthy. In fact, the chemicals released through your body when you exercise are very similar to the chemicals in anti-depressants. I’m not always the healthiest person, but I certainly try to give my body what it needs and it has boosted my overall health and mood incredibly.

RELAX

My biggest problem, I’d say, in my ‘past’ life, was stress. I was one walking ball of anxiety. You have to alter your perspective to rid yourself of stress and anxiety. You have to remind yourself that there are billions of people on this earth and that your problems aren’t the end of the world. You have to be confident that you can get through everything…breakups, deaths, layoffs, etc.

SURRENDER CONTROL

I was a control freak, without a doubt. It’s amazing how much more fun life is when you learn to surrender control. You’ll never be able to control everything in your life; if you try to control your lovers, family, and friends they will abandon you. And that goes for every other aspect of your life, too. When you let yourself become obsessed with control, you imprison yourself to it. Understand that you can’t change another person and you can’t change every circumstance or situation that comes your way. Learn to ride the wave of life as it comes and you’ll find yourself much more capable of stopping to breathe and enjoy your life for once.

APPRECIATE THE SMALL THINGS

Maybe we can’t all agree on the big things in life that matter. However, most people will agree that delicious food is a good thing. So are gorgeous views and exciting adventures. I make a list every month or so to post to my bedroom’s bulletin board of small things I want to do. Climb a tree. Go to a roller rink. Make sushi. Whatever. Learn to make time for things that are new and exciting to you…and most importantly…FUN.

Don’t let yourself get consumed with the things someone else has told you that your life should be about. If you hate your job-QUIT. Find a job that makes you happy. If you’re in a relationship that you know is bad for you-END IT. Cut out the negativity in your life and start savoring life’s goodness. It worked for me and I really think it can work for you, too.

(Photo courtesy of observer.com)