Reflections on Happiness

1. Happiness is mostly about attitude. We can be as happy as we make up our minds to be. Happiness is a choice. Look for something positive in everything and everyone. Find things to be grateful for. “Thanks are the highest form of thought and gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder”- GK Chesterton. It is only our thoughts that can make us unhappy, not our circumstances. Control our thoughts and we control our happiness. Cleanse the mind with meditation, practice silence and commune with nature.

2. Our bodies produce happiness. Exercise relieves stress and makes us feel good. Feelings are influenced by posture. A good posture encourages a happy disposition. Drink more pure water and less alcohol, coffee and tea. Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, grains and pulses. Sunlight lifts mood. Gloom depresses it.

3. Live in the moment. Don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future. Get the most out of life by getting the most out of each moment. Memories are made up of special moments so collect as many good ones as you can every day. Living in the now dispels past regrets, overcomes anxiety about the future and reduces stress. Treat everyday as a new beginning.

4. A positive self-image produces happiness. We are what we think we are. To be happy with life we must first be happy with ourselves. Everyone is special and talented. Overcome negative self-images and complexes by first identifying where they come from and if they are true. If they are true, how do we intend to change them? Positively re-affirm very day the type of person we wish to be then start to act that way. Ask ourselves, “What do I really like and respect about myself? What have I done lately that I am really proud of? ”

5. Goals create happiness. Goals give our lives purpose and meaning. They give us a reason to get out of bed in the morning. Determine your long-term lifetime goals and your immediate short-term goals. Write them down and review them frequently.

6. Humor creates happiness. And humor eases stress and worry. Laughter improves concentration and problem solving. If we look for the funny side of life, we’ll probably find it. Remember, don’t worry about all the small issues and most things are small.

7. Forgiveness is fundamental to happiness.  We can’t be happy if we carry feelings of hatred or resentment towards others. No one suffers from bitterness but us. Mistakes and failures are life’s lessons. Forgive ourselves and forgive others. Practice non-judgment. “Today, I will judge no one.”

8. Giving produces happiness. Happiness is not found in acquiring more things for ourselves, rather it is found in giving to and helping others. The more joy and happiness we give to others, the more we will receive ourselves. We will create happiness in our own lives by looking for ways to create happiness for others. “How can I serve? How can I help? ” Happiness is not about having more, it is about being more.

9. Good personal relationships produce happiness. The quality of our lives is determined by the quality of our relationships. No one is an island. We all need good quality relationships. Relationships make the good times better and the bad times easier. A joy shared is a joy doubled. A problem shared is a problem halved. Treat everyone you care for as if you may never meet them again.

10. Faith is the foundation of happiness. Without faith there can be no lasting happiness. Faith creates trust and peace of mind. Faith liberates our souls from worry, anxiety and fear. True faith leads us into deeper reflection and away from the simple, easy certainties so many seek.
               Paul Griffin