Five Thoughts on Being Happy
Five Thoughts on Being Happy
By Jackie Fletcher
Happiness can sometimes seem rather elusive. So here are some thoughts, based on borrowed wisdom, on how to feel happy – and how to realise you can actually be happy right now.
“In our minds, we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but rather gratefulness that makes us happy.” ~ Albert Clark.
Every day write down, or say out loud, ten things for which you are grateful. What we focus on expands, so focus on the good things. Acknowledge and be grateful for a whole range of things – your eyesight, health, friends and family, the sunshine, the clothes on your back, ability to drive. Life is good!
"Remember happiness doesn't depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely on what you think." ~ Dale Carnegie.
Monitor your thoughts for a few days. What self chatter is going on? Do those thoughts serve you, make you feel good? No? Then begin to say positive supportive things to yourself, and choose to stop paying attention to the negative thoughts that cross your mind. You wouldn’t say negative things to your best friend – treat yourself the same way.
"If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes." ~ Andrew Carnegie.
Have something specific to work towards – some purpose in life that really fires you up. Achieving it will feel fantastic and fulfilling – and working towards it will also feel great. Have some focus, some meaning in your life.
“Every day, the happy person does at least one difficult thing.” ~ Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.
Try something new, something that stretches and challenges you. Join an evening class, jog an extra mile, write to a long lost friend, achieve something different – surprise yourself!
"You wander from room to room hunting for the diamond necklace that is already around your neck!" ~ Jalal-Uddin Rumi.
Instead of thinking you will be happy when you change jobs, move house, or meet that new partner, realise that you can choose to accept and experience happiness now – it is not conditional on the external factors you are seeking, but is already inside you.
Copyright Jackie Fletcher 2005
Jackie Fletcher is a life satisfaction and mentor coach, working with busy professionals, small business owners and new coaches, helping them create and live the life they really want – balanced, successful and happy. Jackie has recently published an ebook collection of 2000 quotations. For more information visit http://www.transitionslifecoaching.co.uk/career.php
3 Comments:
Enjoyed reading your post. Thought I will share something. Cannot remember where I read this but found it very useful and a nice way to start the day.
First ask yourself "What am I happy about today?" Quite often first thing in the morning, it is difficult to answer that question with enthusiasm. The next question that really helps is "What CAN I be happy about today?". Really helps put things into perspective.
Regina
www.lifecoachingsecret.com
7:36 AM
Very true- It all depends on how you look at things. Let's take parents complaining about their teen. They are convinced that teenagers are "from another planet" and conflict is an everyday occurrence.
Well, that's wrong! You can have a great relationship with your teenager - I have.
Quite frankly, if I hear "I cannot wait until my teen moves out" one more time, I will blow my top.
You can end the arguing; you can have a really great relationship with your teen. Do something - you owe it to yourself as well as your child.
Christina Botto
Parenting your teenager doesn't have to be frustrating!
Parenting A Teenager
4:41 PM
Take Total Success Living Test Here!
http://www.marketerschoice.com/app/?af=667866
8:23 AM
Post a Comment
<< Home