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actions, attitude, behaviors, change, Control, enjoy, enjoyment, get happy, happiness, happy, legacy, Life, meaning, mood, positive, yes, yes man
There was a common saying when I was growing up that went “Life is short, and then you die.” While this is true, it probably isn’t the best mind-set for a healthy, meaningful life. There are some pretty great moments to be relished along the way, some meaning to be found, and perhaps even a legacy to be left behind. I’m not saying that everyone’s goal should be to become a version of Ned Flanders from The Simpsons, or to create a rose colored “Stepford” existence, since that would be shallow, creepy and off-putting. I do think that more of life’s “awesomeness” should be tapped, channeled, enjoyed and passed along to others. It is far too short to continually be thinking about what sucks, what’s not working, whose bothering you, etc., and treating others like their in your way.
I have blogged in the past about things to do to ensure you “enjoy the ride”, and I follow a few other great blogs that serve as excellent reminders that there are things you can do to be more positive and happy (e.g. 5ThingsToDoToday). I just read a brief piece by Linda Wasmer Andrews from Yahoo!Health titled “How People Actually Get Happier.” It covers some resent research that surfaced 14 specific actions that you can do to improve your overall level of happiness and well being. The list includes:
- Doing acts of kindness for others
- Pursuing personally meaningful goals
- Expressing gratitude
- Being optimistic
- Doing physical exercise or sports
- Nurturing social relationships
- Savoring life’s joys
- Acting like a happy person
- Doing activities “in the moment”
- Forgiving others
- Practicing religion or spirituality
- Using strategies to manage stress
- Avoiding overthinking
- Practicing meditation
I’ll let you read Linda’s article for your self, but I have to note that a) taking steps 
to become more healthy is critical (#5), b) research has shown that behavior change can lead to lasting emotional change – - so by actually starting to do things a “happy person does” prior to feeling that way, you can actually actually change your mind-set and mood and begin to genuinely feel that way (watch “Yes Man” for a silly example of this), and c) add my personal #15 that includes “stop complaining.” I have Facebook Friends (and a few real ones) that can’t help complain about anything that’s a challenge, not in their plans, a pain-in-the-butt, etc., and I get it. However, this practice helps nudge your mood, disposition and journey to the dark side. The side that makes you post 20 different messages about “Life’s too short to be around negative people,” when really you’ve become one of them. Rather than complain, take action to be happy.
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Small steps add up!!!
Great post, but bad earworm!
Thanks! And you’re right about the earworm, but you kind of have to smile when you think of Keith Partridge kicking off that song with some bommmm… bommm… bommm’s
Great post! I’m re-reading “Who Moved my Cheese?” with a big smile on my face at the moment and your post reminded me to go back to the Dalai Lama’s list – some good ones here:
Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
When you lose, do not lose the lesson.
Follow the three Rs….Respect for self, Respect for others, and Responsibility for all your actions.
Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
Do not let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
When you realise you have made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
Spend some time alone every day.
Open your arms to change, but do not let go of your values.
Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
Live a good, honourable life. Then, when you get older and think back, you will be able to enjoy it a second time.
A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Do not bring up the past.
Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.
Be gentle with the earth.
Once a year, go someplace you have never been before.
Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
Approach love and cooking with reckless abandon.
Thanks Laura! “Who Moved My Cheese?” is a classic. Love it. What a great list by the way. I think the “the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other” line is pretty profound. There are a few there definitely worth thinking about and pursuing.
I tend to be someone who over thinks, stresses(obsesses), and is constantly worrying about something…my brief love affair with yoga has helped me to find a sense of calm every few days. It’s amazing how just focusing on breathing can make the most uncomfortable pose easier and I’m trying to apply that in my daily life. Cheers to being happy.
Yoga rocks!