Improving Ones Quality of Life - Series

#8 Recognize What Makes You Happy:

Many people use the new year resolution as a turning point for making their lives better, happier.  We know how that turns out virtually every time don't we.   

If you consider that happiness is a choice not a (New Year's) gift, that may be THE stumbling block to get over.  We all know someone who has everything (money, status, material things) a person could want and yet they are miserable.  We also know a person who has none of those things, and they are always happy.  How can that be?

Emotions can control you if you let them.  Emotions must be controlled.  Regardless of the situation, your emotions must be kept in check. Use optimistic words like; "I am annoyed at her." rather than "I'm so angry at her." 

Exercise: Studies have shown people who exercise regularly are generally happier.  Aerobics can be excellent for improving mood.

Retrieve a dream, an interest, a reason to get up every day.  Sure you are tired at the end of the day.  Push yourself to call a friend, or family member. You won't regret it.

Cultivate relationships with those who care about you.  We all make promises to keep in touch...then we don't.

Take reasonable risks.  Take a class.  Give a class in something you have a passion about.  When was the last time you said, 'I have always wanted to...?'  Then never make a plan and do what you want to do.  If it takes a class, take it.  Remember the old saying, you are never too old to learn.
 
People who are always unhappy set themselves up to be that way.  They set the bar for happiness so high there is no way they can ever really meet their own standard.  Make rules achievable.  Happiness will be yours much quicker.

If happiness is a choice, then think about the things that make you happy.  That's where happiness starts, in the mind.  You have the capacity to choose what you are going to dwell on so choose to think about happy things.