Happiness: A simple truth

There is little correlation between the circumstances of people’s lives and how happy they are.

Happiness is largely under our control. It is a battle to be waged and not a feeling to be awaited. To achieve a happier life, it is necessary to overcome some stumbling blocks, three of which are:

1) comparison with others

2) Images of perfection

3) “Missing Tile” syndrome

We are each granted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year but why does it seem more people are living more fulfilled lives than others? Are you excited about your days? Your future? If most, then let us change that- every one of us deserves to be happy.

There are some tips for being happy

1) Great the day with a smile – each day, no matter how our day will go on – so do a favour and smile. This exercise does not need to take place in any specific place but it would be ideal if it is the first thing we do in the morning. Studies have shown that smiling has been known to significantly reduce stress and anxiety as well as strengthen the immune system and release endorphins.

Smile more worry less

2) Pursue your passion and interest- if we love what we do we will never work a day in our life, so they say. There are so many fulfilling aspects of work and also many facets of it. But the point is – we are a person with gifts, talents and passion. Identify them and see the results, they will take you far.

3) Commitment- Be it a promise or goal, we have set for ourselves , our careers or our loved ones- having commitments that excite us allow us to fully invest in a cause greater than ourselves. It feeds us in many positive ways mentally, physically and emotionally.

Most of us compare ourselves with anyone we think is happier- a relative, an acquaintance or often someone we barely know.

4) Be kind- Every day is a good day to be kind. Kindness has been shown to increase self-esteem, empathy and compassion. Kindness improves our mood. Kindness impacts the general level of positivity and boosts our mood. Always being kind, no matter the person or situation is simply a way to dramatically improve our world.

Being helpful is an easy to show kindness.

Almost all of us have images of how life should be. The problem is that only rarely do people ‘s jobs, spouses and children live up to these imagined ideals.

The belief that something permanent transcends us and that our existence has some larger meaning can help us be happier. We need a spiritual religious faith or a philosophy of life. If you find the positive in virtually every situation, you will be blessed and if you choose to find the awful, you will be cursed. As with happiness itself, this is largely your decision to make.