>
> There are two types of people in the world: those who choose to be
> happy, and those who choose to be unhappy. Contrary to popular belief,
> happiness doesn’t come from fame, fortune, other people, or material
> possessions. Rather, it comes from within.
>
> The richest person in the world could be miserable while a homeless
> person could be right outside, smiling and content with their life.
> Happy people are happy because they make themselves happy. They
> maintain a positive outlook on life and remain at peace with themselves.
>
> The question is: How do they do that?"It’s quite simple. Happy people have good habits that enhance their
> lives. They do things differently. Ask any happy person, and they will
> tell you that they do…
>
> 1. Don’t hold grudges.
>
> Happy people understand that it’s better to forgive and forget than to
> let their negative feelings crowd out their positive feelings. Holding
> a grudge has a lot of detrimental effects on your well being, including
> increased depression, anxiety, and stress. Why let anyone who has
> wronged you have power over you? If you let go of all your grudges,
> you’ll gain a clear conscience and enough energy to enjoy the good
> things in life.
>
> 2. Treat everyone with kindness.
>
> Did you know that it has been scientifically proven that being kind
> makes you happier? Every time you perform a selfless act, your brain
> produces serotonin, a hormone that eases tension and lifts your
> spirits. Not only that, but treating people with love, dignity, and
> respect also allows you to build stronger relationships.
>
> 3. See problems as challenges.
>
> The word “problem” is never part of a happy person’s vocabulary. A
> problem is viewed as a drawback, a struggle, or an unstable situation
> while a challenge is viewed as something positive like an opportunity,
> a task, or a dare. Whenever you face an obstacle, try looking at it as
> a challenge.
>
> 4. Express gratitude for what they(I, You!) already have.
>
> There’s a popular saying that goes something like this: “The happiest
> people don’t have the best of everything; they just make the best of
> everything they have.” You will have a deeper sense of contentment if
> you count your blessings instead of yearning for what you don’t have.
>
> 5. Dream big.
>
> People who get into the habit of dreaming big are more likely to
> accomplish their goals than those who don’t. If you dare to dream big,
> your mind will put itself in a focused and positive state.
>
> 6. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
>
> Happy people ask themselves, “Will this problem matter a year from
> now?” They understand that life’s too short to get worked up over
> trivial situations. Letting things roll off your back will definitely
> put you at ease to enjoy the more important things in life.
>
> 7. Speak well of others.
>
> Being nice feels better than being mean. As fun as gossiping is, it
> usually leaves you feeling guilty and resentful. Saying nice things
> about other people encourages you to think positive, non-judgmental
> thoughts.
>
> 8. Never make excuses.
>
> Benjamin Franklin once said, “He that is good for making excuses is
> seldom good for anything else.” Happy people don’t make excuses or
> blame others for their own failures in life. Instead, they own up to
> their mistakes and, by doing so, they proactively try to change for the
> better.
>
> 9. Get absorbed into the present.
>
> Happy people don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future. They
> savor the present. They let themselves get immersed in whatever they’re
> doing at the moment. Stop and smell the roses.
>
> 10. Wake up at the same time every morning.
>
> Have you noticed that a lot of successful people tend to be early
> risers? Waking up at the same time every morning stabilizes your
> circadian rhythm, increases productivity, and puts you in a calm and
> centered state.
>
> 11. Avoid social comparison.
>
> Everyone works at his own pace, so why compare yourself to others? If
> you think you’re better than someone else, you gain an unhealthy sense
> of superiority. If you think someone else is better than you, you end
> up feeling bad about yourself. You’ll be happier if you focus on your
> own progress and praise others on theirs.
>
> 12. Choose friends wisely.
>
> Misery loves company. That’s why it’s important to surround yourself
> with optimistic people who will encourage you to achieve your goals.
> The more positive energy you have around you, the better you will feel
> about yourself.
>
> 13. Never seek approval from others.
>
> Happy people don’t care what others think of them. They follow their
> own hearts without letting naysayers discourage them. They understand
> that it’s impossible to please everyone. Listen to what people have to
> say, but never seek anyone’s approval but your own.
>
>
> 14. Take the time to listen.
>
> Talk less; listen more. Listening keeps your mind open to others’
> wisdom and outlook on the world. The more intensely you listen, the
> quieter your mind gets, and the more content you feel.
>
> 15. Nurture social relationships.
>
> A lonely person is a miserable person. Happy people understand how
> important it is to have strong, healthy relationships. Always take the
> time to see and talk to your family, friends, or significant other.
>
> 16. Meditate.
>
> Meditating silences your mind and helps you find inner peace. You don’t
> have to be a zen master to pull it off. Happy people know how to
> silence their minds anywhere and anytime they need to calm their nerves.
>
> 17. Eat well.
>
> Junk food makes you sluggish, and it’s difficult to be happy when
> you’re in that kind of state. Everything you eat directly affects your
> body’s ability to produce hormones, which will dictate your moods,
> energy, and mental focus. Be sure to eat foods that will keep your mind
> and body in good shape.
>
> 18. Exercise.
>
> Studies have shown that exercise raises happiness levels just as much
> as Zoloft does. Exercising also boosts your self-esteem and gives you a
> higher sense of self-accomplishment.
>
> 19. Live minimally.
>
> Happy people rarely keep clutter around the house because they know
> that extra belongings weigh them down and make them feel overwhelmed
> and stressed out. Some studies have concluded that Europeans are a lot
> happier than Americans are, which is interesting because they live in
> smaller homes, drive simpler cars, and own fewer items.
>
> 20. Tell the truth.
>
> Lying stresses you out, corrodes your self-esteem, and makes you
> unlikeable. The truth will set you free. Being honest improves your
> mental health and builds others’ trust in you. Always be truthful, and
> never apologize for it.
>
> 21. Establish personal control.
>
> Happy people have the ability to choose their own destinies. They don’t
> let others tell them how they should live their lives. Being in
> complete control of one’s own life brings positive feelings and a great
> sense of self-worth.
>
> 22. Accept what cannot be changed.
>
> Once you accept the fact that life is not fair, you’ll be more at peace
> with yourself. Instead of obsessing over how unfair life is, just focus
> on what you can control and change it for the better.
Note: This e-mail came from my web friend Nicasio Illescas; a noteworthy e-mail good for sharing to the public.
