What does it take to be happy?
This is question that many many people find themselves asking, and as we ramble through this journey called life we may need a little help to keep that smile on our face and that spring in our step. More than once I have asked myself what it takes to be happy and in all my searching I have found a few distinct truths that come alive and as simple as they may seem offer an opportunity to be happy with yourself all the time, even when the chips are down.
Here are 5 simple ways to get happy right now, and to stay that way, these aren't pump you up sorts of techniques, but they are real things you can do to change how you feel and make you feel much happier;
1-Do something nice for someone else
This is one of the fastest most effective ways to get happy fast, go out and do something kind for someone else, it can be as simple as giving a compliment or taking someone to lunch, or even stopping your car and helping that person on the side of the road. Service to others helps us remember that there are people everywhere have a need for something that you have got, and feeling needed is important to so many people.
2- Change your posture
This may seem a little ridiculous at first, but this has been one of the best ways for me to go from stress to happiness quickly, sit up straight, take a deep breath in and put a big old goofy smile on your face, you can literally feel the tension that is in your chest melt away, and it is replaced with a sense of well being and dare I say confidence that you can get through anything.
3- Read a good book, or even a few pages of something positive
If you are a religious person, turn to whatever religious text helps you to see things in a good way, two of my favorite passages come from The Bible, one is found in Proverbs 16:20 and reads "...whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he." And the other is found in Psalms 46:10 and says "Be still and know that I am God" These 2 short sayings help me know that I have a greater purpose, and that I am meant to be happy, not miserable. If you are not a believer in any religious texts I would suggest finding something that brings you peace of mind.
4- Tell someone that you love them
Now this may fall into the service category, but I think it merits its own section, think of someone you love, someone that you haven't told in a while that you love them. Give them a call, write them a letter, or go visit them and say the words "I Love You." The key point is to say those exact words, don't try and say anything else, just simply "I Love You." It's a little uncomfortable for a lot of people at first, but it will warm your heart immediately and help you feel happy.
5- Remember that happiness is first
This may seem the strange part, but often people will put qualifiers in front of what will make them feel happy, people will say things like, "when I get that promotion, I'll be happy" or "when I find my soul mate, Then I'll be happy" but that is not how it works at all. Happiness starts inside of you and then radiates out to the things that you do, a bold statement I often make to people is, "there is nothing in the world outside of you that can make you happy or sad." All that I mean by that is that you choose each moment of each day how you will respond to your life, and certainly you have the ability to choose happiness of all the negative emotions you often find yourself burdened down with. You have the ability to choose happiness and peace instead of anguish, it's a very simple concept that can seem very difficult, but give it a try, just try to choose happiness.
We are not powerless, we have the ability to master all of our emotions and that includes choosing happiness, you really have nothing to lose and everything to gain, why not give happiness a try?
Keith Callister Self Improvement Coach Visit my blog at
http://winningedge.wordpress.com
Free weekly self improvement articles and essays!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Callister
Keith Callister - EzineArticles Expert Author
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Ten Rules For Happiness
1. Your life must have a worthy purpose; meaning you intend to make a difference in this world. Unhappy people usually believe the purpose of life is to find enjoyment for oneself. Happiness is derived only when our life is filled with passion for something significant. As humans, we need a single aim that we enthusiastically want to pursue. Without this we will never feel contentment.
2. Savor the present. It is the best time to experience happiness. Most people put off enjoying life for the future. Delight in the fact that each day you get a fresh start to live your life in the way you enjoy. Make sure you have full control of your time. You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it. Enjoy every moment of it. Have a single focus when doing things. Stress is often a of trying to do more than one thing at a time. Your mind cannot be in the present if it is multi-tasking. Do one thing well, and when you finish, you can do another. It is far more efficient and enjoyable.
3. Accentuate the positive. Happiness is primarily an attitude that we create with our thoughts. If the way you look at something makes you unhappy, then you need to change the way you think about it. It takes the same amount of effort in your mind to be happy as unhappy.
4. Focus on having one or two intimate relationships. Most happiness in this world is derived from how good our social relationships are, and not how much money or how many things we have. Having one great friend is worth more than all the gold in the world.
5. Live simply so that you are unencumbered by the burdens of owning and desiring things. Frugality is one of the greatest sources of joy in the world. There is usually more happiness in not having things than having them.
6. Engage in active and stimulating activities and keep learning. Passive and vegetative activities like watching television are mind numbing and ultimately depressing.
7. Eat a healthy diet, exercise for 45 minutes at least five days a week, and keep your weight in an optimal range.
8. Express your appreciation sincerely to others and to God for all that you are able to enjoy. Delight in the beauty of the world and be grateful to those that make your life better, and for the good fortune you have.
9. Take at least ten minutes each day for reflection. Happiness resides in the mind, and you must be well connected to it to really experience happiness.
10. Spread joy and happiness to others. Your happiness will only grow if it is shared. Keep a smile on your face and regularly hug the people you care about.
http://www.informZoo.com -- Helping you become happier, healthier, better informed and more successful
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charly_Mann
2. Savor the present. It is the best time to experience happiness. Most people put off enjoying life for the future. Delight in the fact that each day you get a fresh start to live your life in the way you enjoy. Make sure you have full control of your time. You will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it. Enjoy every moment of it. Have a single focus when doing things. Stress is often a of trying to do more than one thing at a time. Your mind cannot be in the present if it is multi-tasking. Do one thing well, and when you finish, you can do another. It is far more efficient and enjoyable.
3. Accentuate the positive. Happiness is primarily an attitude that we create with our thoughts. If the way you look at something makes you unhappy, then you need to change the way you think about it. It takes the same amount of effort in your mind to be happy as unhappy.
4. Focus on having one or two intimate relationships. Most happiness in this world is derived from how good our social relationships are, and not how much money or how many things we have. Having one great friend is worth more than all the gold in the world.
5. Live simply so that you are unencumbered by the burdens of owning and desiring things. Frugality is one of the greatest sources of joy in the world. There is usually more happiness in not having things than having them.
6. Engage in active and stimulating activities and keep learning. Passive and vegetative activities like watching television are mind numbing and ultimately depressing.
7. Eat a healthy diet, exercise for 45 minutes at least five days a week, and keep your weight in an optimal range.
8. Express your appreciation sincerely to others and to God for all that you are able to enjoy. Delight in the beauty of the world and be grateful to those that make your life better, and for the good fortune you have.
9. Take at least ten minutes each day for reflection. Happiness resides in the mind, and you must be well connected to it to really experience happiness.
10. Spread joy and happiness to others. Your happiness will only grow if it is shared. Keep a smile on your face and regularly hug the people you care about.
http://www.informZoo.com -- Helping you become happier, healthier, better informed and more successful
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charly_Mann
3 Survival Tips to Achieve Happiness When You Are Living With Negativity
What do you do if your goal is to strive to be happy but you are living in a negative situation? Some examples of this might be that you are living with a chronic complainer, an alcoholic, or someone experiencing depression. How about all three? You might even be in an abusive situation which requires that you get help immediately. It is frustrating, confusing and you are probably wondering what you did to deserve such a plight. Here are 3 survival tips:
1. First, if you are in an abusive or dangerous situation, make sure to get help immediately anyway you can. There are people and groups out there who are willing and able to help you. Whatever your situation is, know that it is not your fault. You do not deserve that type of treatment and there is absolutely no reason to stay and endure more of it. The offending person has been working over a period of time to destroy every ounce of your self esteem. You must realize that you have the power to rebuild it.
2. Work to achieve your own happiness. If you are living with a person who is deeply unhappy, it is normal to want to help them to feel better about themselves. However, the only person who can truly help them is themselves. You can give them encouragement, positive affirmations, and support, but there is a fine line to helping them vs. enabling them. If you focus solely on them, you neglect your own needs. If that person refuses to get help for themselves, it is important for you to get help yourself. There are many programs out there such as 10 step programs geared for people living in your situation. They teach you how to achieve your own happiness and how to deal with your environment. There are also many positive mentors or groups who will keep you focusing in a positive direction. The more positive people you surround yourself with, the more positive your situation will become.
3. Work on your inner happiness. We have all heard the quote, What you think about, you bring about. Start a journal and write about things that make you happy and that you are grateful for in your life. Let your higher power guide you to happiness. Take moments of silence if you can to listen to your inner voice even if it is just for 5 minutes per day. Realize you have the choice and the power to be happy yourself.
And now I invite you to learn more about choosing happiness no matter what happens to you in your life and in the world by visiting http://www.choosehappinessforlife.com
Rebecca Olkowski has been a success and business mentor in the direct marketing field for 8 years. Learn the tools and develop habits to choose happiness for life. It's your choice and you have the power to control your own destiny.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebecca_Olkowski
1. First, if you are in an abusive or dangerous situation, make sure to get help immediately anyway you can. There are people and groups out there who are willing and able to help you. Whatever your situation is, know that it is not your fault. You do not deserve that type of treatment and there is absolutely no reason to stay and endure more of it. The offending person has been working over a period of time to destroy every ounce of your self esteem. You must realize that you have the power to rebuild it.
2. Work to achieve your own happiness. If you are living with a person who is deeply unhappy, it is normal to want to help them to feel better about themselves. However, the only person who can truly help them is themselves. You can give them encouragement, positive affirmations, and support, but there is a fine line to helping them vs. enabling them. If you focus solely on them, you neglect your own needs. If that person refuses to get help for themselves, it is important for you to get help yourself. There are many programs out there such as 10 step programs geared for people living in your situation. They teach you how to achieve your own happiness and how to deal with your environment. There are also many positive mentors or groups who will keep you focusing in a positive direction. The more positive people you surround yourself with, the more positive your situation will become.
3. Work on your inner happiness. We have all heard the quote, What you think about, you bring about. Start a journal and write about things that make you happy and that you are grateful for in your life. Let your higher power guide you to happiness. Take moments of silence if you can to listen to your inner voice even if it is just for 5 minutes per day. Realize you have the choice and the power to be happy yourself.
And now I invite you to learn more about choosing happiness no matter what happens to you in your life and in the world by visiting http://www.choosehappinessforlife.com
Rebecca Olkowski has been a success and business mentor in the direct marketing field for 8 years. Learn the tools and develop habits to choose happiness for life. It's your choice and you have the power to control your own destiny.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebecca_Olkowski
Simple Rule For a Peaceful and Happy Life
One of the best principles you can adopt in life, if you want to live peacefully, is the simple rule, don't fight with anyone. More than any other method, this rule is the absolute best way to enjoy harmonious living and brotherhood. The benefits of not fighting with people are really remarkable and here are just some of the ways it helps you and others.
Benefits of Peaceful Living:
1. Peace, Peace and more Peace. Mental, physical and emotional peace for everyone.
2. Prevents wastage of precious time and energy on negative thinking and negative emotions.
3. Many more friends, translates into many more opportunities and not to mention, more laughter, joy and kinship.
4. Less emphasis on ego and self-centered thinking helps promote spiritual growth, awareness and other mindedness.
5. Much better health, as the toxic effects of hate, anger, bitterness are reduced or altogether eliminated from your system.
Over the years, in my own attempt to observe this rule, I found several techniques very helpful in making me choose the path of peace over conflict, and I would like to share these with you below, as you too might find them useful.
Techniques for Peaceful Living:
1. Don't React: I can't emphasize enough the importance of this approach. For example, when at work the worst thing to do is fire off an email when you are emotional and upset over something. Allow yourself to calm down first, take a walk come back and then respond.
Similarly, at the home front, stop reacting to situations without being thoughtful, listening carefully or giving yourself a chance to digest what the other is saying. Remember also that if a situation, comment or event is upsetting you, look at it as an opportunity to learn how to observe the mind and learn how thoughts play havoc with your emotions and feelings.
2. Don't Fear: Fights and conflicts have their roots in the simple pleasure/pain principle. I am using the broadest definition of pleasure/pain here and including psychological pleasures and pains as well, such as security, power, compliments, insults, etc.
Conflicts tend to occur when you are trying to manipulate life to create satisfying conditions and others are coming in the way of this. To combat this try to go with the flow more and remember that the future is a great big unknown. Your worst fears are only in your mind, and you don't really know how life is going to turn out. Maybe that which you fear most as going to happen, is the best thing for you? Let go and see what happens.
3. Forgive: Undoubtedly if you want to avoid fights, you will have to forgive the trespasses of others. There is simply no way around this. That driver who cuts you off, the friend who forgets your birthday, the brother who wont share, etc, etc. Forgive, forgive, forgive, there is no other way.
4. Sacrifice: This is similar to practicing forgiveness, where you will simply have to at times carry the extra load which another cannot or will not do.
5. Meditate/Exercise/Diet: Very often irritation and the subsequent conflict takes place because of your physical condition and mood. You may simply have a headache, be hungry or tired and thus, be much more susceptible to anger. The best way to combat this is meditation, exercise and a healthy diet. This combo will really help boost your positive energy and help you maintain a good frame of mind, while at the same time helping you deal with stress effectively. Really it's easy to fight, but only the very strong are able not to.
Summary:
Now I know this is not an easy rule to live by and certainly there will be slip ups, but even just trying will be very beneficial to you. If you decide to challenge the opportunities to fight that inevitably arise in day to day life, you will learn a great deal about yourself and the ways of the ego. You will learn about your attachments, self-image, pleasures, identifications, fears, desires and much much more.
Anmol Mehta is a modern Yoga & Meditation master. His free website offers the ultimate Meditation Techniques guide, powerful Tantric Sexual Techniques and yoga techniques to Heal Chakra Centers
This article is available for reprint on your website and/or newsletter, provided it is not changed and you include the author's signature.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anmol_Mehta
Benefits of Peaceful Living:
1. Peace, Peace and more Peace. Mental, physical and emotional peace for everyone.
2. Prevents wastage of precious time and energy on negative thinking and negative emotions.
3. Many more friends, translates into many more opportunities and not to mention, more laughter, joy and kinship.
4. Less emphasis on ego and self-centered thinking helps promote spiritual growth, awareness and other mindedness.
5. Much better health, as the toxic effects of hate, anger, bitterness are reduced or altogether eliminated from your system.
Over the years, in my own attempt to observe this rule, I found several techniques very helpful in making me choose the path of peace over conflict, and I would like to share these with you below, as you too might find them useful.
Techniques for Peaceful Living:
1. Don't React: I can't emphasize enough the importance of this approach. For example, when at work the worst thing to do is fire off an email when you are emotional and upset over something. Allow yourself to calm down first, take a walk come back and then respond.
Similarly, at the home front, stop reacting to situations without being thoughtful, listening carefully or giving yourself a chance to digest what the other is saying. Remember also that if a situation, comment or event is upsetting you, look at it as an opportunity to learn how to observe the mind and learn how thoughts play havoc with your emotions and feelings.
2. Don't Fear: Fights and conflicts have their roots in the simple pleasure/pain principle. I am using the broadest definition of pleasure/pain here and including psychological pleasures and pains as well, such as security, power, compliments, insults, etc.
Conflicts tend to occur when you are trying to manipulate life to create satisfying conditions and others are coming in the way of this. To combat this try to go with the flow more and remember that the future is a great big unknown. Your worst fears are only in your mind, and you don't really know how life is going to turn out. Maybe that which you fear most as going to happen, is the best thing for you? Let go and see what happens.
3. Forgive: Undoubtedly if you want to avoid fights, you will have to forgive the trespasses of others. There is simply no way around this. That driver who cuts you off, the friend who forgets your birthday, the brother who wont share, etc, etc. Forgive, forgive, forgive, there is no other way.
4. Sacrifice: This is similar to practicing forgiveness, where you will simply have to at times carry the extra load which another cannot or will not do.
5. Meditate/Exercise/Diet: Very often irritation and the subsequent conflict takes place because of your physical condition and mood. You may simply have a headache, be hungry or tired and thus, be much more susceptible to anger. The best way to combat this is meditation, exercise and a healthy diet. This combo will really help boost your positive energy and help you maintain a good frame of mind, while at the same time helping you deal with stress effectively. Really it's easy to fight, but only the very strong are able not to.
Summary:
Now I know this is not an easy rule to live by and certainly there will be slip ups, but even just trying will be very beneficial to you. If you decide to challenge the opportunities to fight that inevitably arise in day to day life, you will learn a great deal about yourself and the ways of the ego. You will learn about your attachments, self-image, pleasures, identifications, fears, desires and much much more.
Anmol Mehta is a modern Yoga & Meditation master. His free website offers the ultimate Meditation Techniques guide, powerful Tantric Sexual Techniques and yoga techniques to Heal Chakra Centers
This article is available for reprint on your website and/or newsletter, provided it is not changed and you include the author's signature.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anmol_Mehta
The Number One Lesson We All Need to Learn
Forgiveness. We all have things we need to forgive, whether they are faults we find within ourselves or wrongs that were committed against us. Holding grudges is not only exhausting, it's pointless because anger only hurts you. No matter how mad you are at someone, that person goes about their life unaffected while you waste away, consumed by your anger. Buddha once said, "Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned."
For some reason, people have locked on to the idea that not forgiving somehow makes them stronger. That maybe rage will help them find the perfect solution to the problem. The truth, however, is that anger, guilt and blame do nothing to solve a problem. They only magnify the negativity you feel when you think about that person or situation. Forgiveness, on the other hand, releases all that pent up anger and hostility and enables you to be at ease with yourself and those who have harmed you. Living in forgiveness enables you to walk with a light heart and a sense of inner peace.
When Jesus spoke of turning the other cheek and forgiving those who trespass against you, he was giving very sound advice. It might seem weak or even foolish to not react, get angry or try to exact revenge but none of those things is going to help you. Releasing the negativity you feel, however, will.
Whom have you not forgiven in your life and why? What is it that compels you to hold on to the past hurt, guilt or blame? Is not forgiving this person helping you or hurting you? I think you will find that clutching to a hurtful past isn't doing you any favors.
Jason Hundley has studied various metaphysical concepts such as The Science of Mind, Conversations with God, many of Wayne Dyer's books and much of the Abraham-Hicks material.
To learn more about releasing negative feelings and beliefs that keep you trapped in negativity, visit http://www.5pointapproach.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Hundley
For some reason, people have locked on to the idea that not forgiving somehow makes them stronger. That maybe rage will help them find the perfect solution to the problem. The truth, however, is that anger, guilt and blame do nothing to solve a problem. They only magnify the negativity you feel when you think about that person or situation. Forgiveness, on the other hand, releases all that pent up anger and hostility and enables you to be at ease with yourself and those who have harmed you. Living in forgiveness enables you to walk with a light heart and a sense of inner peace.
When Jesus spoke of turning the other cheek and forgiving those who trespass against you, he was giving very sound advice. It might seem weak or even foolish to not react, get angry or try to exact revenge but none of those things is going to help you. Releasing the negativity you feel, however, will.
Whom have you not forgiven in your life and why? What is it that compels you to hold on to the past hurt, guilt or blame? Is not forgiving this person helping you or hurting you? I think you will find that clutching to a hurtful past isn't doing you any favors.
Jason Hundley has studied various metaphysical concepts such as The Science of Mind, Conversations with God, many of Wayne Dyer's books and much of the Abraham-Hicks material.
To learn more about releasing negative feelings and beliefs that keep you trapped in negativity, visit http://www.5pointapproach.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Hundley
How to Achieve Happiness and Contentment
Everybody wants to be happy and contented. Happiness is not difficult to attain. However, some people tend to think otherwise. Happiness means different things to different people. So what is happiness and how can we achieve it?
People seek happiness in a lot of different ways. For most it's in the pursuit of riches. Others just want to find that special someone. To someone else, good health is all the need to be happy.
In other cases, for one person to be happy it means depriving someone else of their happiness. This may give the impression that one's happiness is dependent on someone else, but this is not the case.
It does not necessarily take just one thing to make a person happy. It may take a variety of things to bring about happiness for someone. One of the things that can bring about happiness is contentment. If you are not contented with what you have or who you are, you'll never be happy. Happiness and contentment go together.
What is contentment? Satisfaction. If you are not satisfied, you are not happy. If you are not happy, then you are not satisfied. People who are greedy will never be happy because they are never satisfied.
The bible tells us in Luke 12:15: "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
Always give thanks for what you have. Focus on your blessings and not on what you don't have. Appreciate the little things in life - For waking up each morning, for food on your table, for family and friends. Pray everyday that you will remain blessed.
Consider the words of Benjamin Franklin:
"Content makes the poor rich; discontentment makes rich men poor."
Read my blog: How to Achieve Happiness for more tips on how to be happy
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Granger
People seek happiness in a lot of different ways. For most it's in the pursuit of riches. Others just want to find that special someone. To someone else, good health is all the need to be happy.
In other cases, for one person to be happy it means depriving someone else of their happiness. This may give the impression that one's happiness is dependent on someone else, but this is not the case.
It does not necessarily take just one thing to make a person happy. It may take a variety of things to bring about happiness for someone. One of the things that can bring about happiness is contentment. If you are not contented with what you have or who you are, you'll never be happy. Happiness and contentment go together.
What is contentment? Satisfaction. If you are not satisfied, you are not happy. If you are not happy, then you are not satisfied. People who are greedy will never be happy because they are never satisfied.
The bible tells us in Luke 12:15: "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
Always give thanks for what you have. Focus on your blessings and not on what you don't have. Appreciate the little things in life - For waking up each morning, for food on your table, for family and friends. Pray everyday that you will remain blessed.
Consider the words of Benjamin Franklin:
"Content makes the poor rich; discontentment makes rich men poor."
Read my blog: How to Achieve Happiness for more tips on how to be happy
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lisa_Granger
3 Habits to Make You Happy
There is probably nobody we are more jealous of than someone who is happy all the time. The worst punishment we can think of for someone we dislike, is that they will not be happy. We long to be happy. We strive for happiness, searching for all those things that we think will make us happy. But that is our first mistake. Happiness does not come from outside us; it won't come if and when we get something. It comes from inside us, and if we're always focused on what we think will bring us happiness, we will miss the happiness we can have right now when we focus on all the blessings that are already in our lives. There are several habits we can adopt that will help us focus on our happiness in this moment
The most basic happiness habit is to focus on the solutions, instead of all the problems. Stop blaming and complaining. It has been said that the average person complains 70 times a day. Instead of seeing yourself as a victim of circumstances, see yourself as a person who can and will find a solution to your problems. To focus on solutions, Marci Shimoff talks about a method in which you rate whatever is bothering you on a scale from 1 (very bad) to 10 (excellent). Lets say you rate it as 6. Then you find all the (good) reasons why this is a 6 instead of a 1, instead of finding all the (bad) reasons why it is a 6 instead of a 10.
Another habit is to not believe everything you think. It's one thing to question what other people say, but how often do you question your own beliefs. It has been said that 80% of most people's thoughts are negative; that works out to more than 45,000 negative thoughts every day. One practice you can do is to ask yourself the following questions about your negative thoughts and beliefs: Is it true? Can you absolutely know that it's true? How do you react when you believe that thought? Who would you be without the thought? Then you can create a "turnaround" statement which expresses the opposite of that thought or belief. When you start questioning your negative thoughts, over time they simply lose the power to upset you.
A third habit is to focus on gratitude for all the blessings in your life. Most of us take many things for granted. We focus on our problems or on the things we don't have instead of appreciating what we have right now. No matter how little you have in your life, there is always something you can be grateful for, even if it's just the gift of life itself. Gratitude is actually good for our health too. It creates a specific energy that affects our bodies positively. Marci Shimoff tells about an exercise to focus on gratitude. Every day, you can pick a "theme of the day". If today's theme is water, for example, then every time you wash your hands, brush your teeth, wash the dishes, shower etc you would notice and appreciate the water, and let it remind you to be present in the moment and purely grateful.
These are just a few things you can do to train yourself to be happy, no matter what is going on around you. If you can start practicing these three exercises you will be become increasingly happy. You will have what you have been longing for.
For more ideas about how to be happier and more successful, visit http://www.reachingmypotential.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tracy_Crowe
The most basic happiness habit is to focus on the solutions, instead of all the problems. Stop blaming and complaining. It has been said that the average person complains 70 times a day. Instead of seeing yourself as a victim of circumstances, see yourself as a person who can and will find a solution to your problems. To focus on solutions, Marci Shimoff talks about a method in which you rate whatever is bothering you on a scale from 1 (very bad) to 10 (excellent). Lets say you rate it as 6. Then you find all the (good) reasons why this is a 6 instead of a 1, instead of finding all the (bad) reasons why it is a 6 instead of a 10.
Another habit is to not believe everything you think. It's one thing to question what other people say, but how often do you question your own beliefs. It has been said that 80% of most people's thoughts are negative; that works out to more than 45,000 negative thoughts every day. One practice you can do is to ask yourself the following questions about your negative thoughts and beliefs: Is it true? Can you absolutely know that it's true? How do you react when you believe that thought? Who would you be without the thought? Then you can create a "turnaround" statement which expresses the opposite of that thought or belief. When you start questioning your negative thoughts, over time they simply lose the power to upset you.
A third habit is to focus on gratitude for all the blessings in your life. Most of us take many things for granted. We focus on our problems or on the things we don't have instead of appreciating what we have right now. No matter how little you have in your life, there is always something you can be grateful for, even if it's just the gift of life itself. Gratitude is actually good for our health too. It creates a specific energy that affects our bodies positively. Marci Shimoff tells about an exercise to focus on gratitude. Every day, you can pick a "theme of the day". If today's theme is water, for example, then every time you wash your hands, brush your teeth, wash the dishes, shower etc you would notice and appreciate the water, and let it remind you to be present in the moment and purely grateful.
These are just a few things you can do to train yourself to be happy, no matter what is going on around you. If you can start practicing these three exercises you will be become increasingly happy. You will have what you have been longing for.
For more ideas about how to be happier and more successful, visit http://www.reachingmypotential.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tracy_Crowe
100 Reasons to Be Happy!
his is an "antidote for complaint, worry, and for those who are depressed." It is not a foolproof or perfect answer by any means, but it works at least to some extent on everyone. It's the art of being grateful and the exercise is simply one of creating a list of one hundred (100) things we're grateful for.
My present gratitude list goes like this:
1. I have the most beautiful and gorgeous wife in the world.
2. My three daughters are healthy and happy.
3. My children are growing and developing so well.
4. My parents are still alive, and my brothers too.
5. My parents-in-law and my wife's family love me and I love them.
6. Overall, I have a wonderful family.
7. The house I live in has modern facilities and keeps me sheltered from the weather.
8. My wife likes spending time with me and I like spending time with her.
9. I know Jesus Christ.
10. I have hopes to have more children.
11. I am free to worship God in any way I wish to.
12. I can walk.
13. I can talk.
14. I can read and write.
15. I can think and have thoughts and time with myself.
16. My five senses work well still, unaided (presently).
17. I can see, not only through my eyes, but also through the eyes of my heart.
18. I live in relative luxury, in freedom, and in a just society.
19. I have two days off per week most weeks.
20. My employer is wonderful.
21. The job I have is both stimulating and varied, and I'm valued for my work.
22. I have good managers and co-workers.
23. I attend a church where people love me and I'm allowed to love them.
24. I have the time to write.
25. I can drive a car... I own a car.
26. I have many great tools that help me live my life.
27. My personal library is bliss; every book hand picked.
28. We have not one, but two computers in my family.
29. I have both the inclination and ability to plan ahead in my life.
30. We have access to seemingly unlimited electricity, water and food, and other resources.
31. I really don't mind washing dishes anymore; in fact, I love doing them!
32. I love Proverbs, Psalms, Ephesians and Ecclesiastes... actually, I love the whole Bible.
33. I can talk sensibly and sensitively to my teenage daughters (most of the time).
34. One day rolls into the next for me; Wednesday's are just as important as Sunday's.
35. I have been blessed to have the second chance at tertiary education.
36. Trade qualifications, knowledge and skill have always been handy.
37. I see my parents at least each fortnight and have a great relationship with them.
38. I've got three beautiful nieces and two handsome nephews.
39. I have a sense of humour (most of the time).
40. Even when things don't go my way, I usually see the good things out of it.
41. I have a wonderful view outside of my office window of a serene operational harbour.
42. I'm living in the present; at the very cusp of time. I'm not dead yet.
43. The part of the earth I live in is such an inhabitable place climate-wise (most of the time).
44. I have the ability and the inclination to love--people and living things and my experiences.
45. I have a telephone so I can talk to people a long way away.
46. I have pictures of my lovely family I can look at; at home, at work, in my wallet.
47. I get to meet interesting people almost every day.
48. Living near the beach--there's nothing quite like the white noise of the surf.
49. There is clean water available for me to drink right now.
50. There is a plant I am responsible for and it hasn't died yet!
51. I have fish oil tablets and other vitamins to complement my diet.
52. I have the powers of self-control most of the time and the drive to improve.
53. I'm a member of a gymnasium.
54. The academic qualifications I have and study I've done have helped form my character so I become the person I've always wanted to be.
55. I can make a unique contribution.
56. I have a positive self-image and I'm thankful I've worked on it.
57. There is work I can do to keep me stimulated.
58. I can feel pain; most of the time this is good for pain is generally a healthy sign.
59. I have a watch, it looks good and suits my style, and I can tell time.
60. I have over three (and nearly four) decades of memories of living; the good, the bad, and the ugly.
61. Being in a western-most place means the sun sets on the horizon with the water in the foreground--that's pretty special!
62. There are plans that I'm making and have made--therein lies hope.
63. I've met some famous people and high-achievers and been inspired.
64. Coffee. I love it, and I can drink great coffee every day if I want to.
65. I earn money enough to give some away to those less fortunate.
66. Music. I really appreciate it. (And I think I have good taste--I'm allowed to say that.)
67. Enthusiasm and zeal for life and learning; I have it most of the time. I'm still excitable.
68. I have suffered loss and have survived it--it's actually made me a better person!
69. People honour me at times when they come to me for help.
70. To have achieved forty years of age... the best is yet to come.
71. I live in times of (relative) peace.
72. I have a passion for cricket and Australian football and follow both ardently.
73. This time I live in is dynamic; excitement abounds.
74. I love pizza, seafood and ice cream plus many other good foods.
75. I see miracles occur most days. Most people would call these things 'normal.'
76. I can rest and take time out to smell the flowers almost whenever I want.
77. Words and their meanings excite me. Language and communication are art.
78. Freedom of choice is something I appreciate and try not to take for granted.
79. I've overcome dependency on substances, for instance, cigarettes.
80. 'Creativity of thought' is a gift I'm appreciative of.
81. I can travel in a modern train any day I want and see the sights.
82. There is a reliable public transport system in the place I live; I feel blessed almost every time I use it.
83. A wife's or daughter's smile... what more could I say.
84. My 'encouragement file' is growing; people encourage me almost every day.
85. Mentors who've invested their time and effort in me--I'll be eternally grateful.
86. Reminds me of Maxwell Smart. I can watch television because I have one.
87. Mathematics. The sense of numbers makes sense to me.
88. The desire to keep growing throughout my life pleases me.
89. Wisdom. I see it in others and others at times see it in me. I love its truth.
90. My family's safety thus far; I try not to take it for granted.
91. I get ongoing education through courses, seminars, conferences and workshops.
92. Science. I marvel at it. It's got be intelligent design.
93. My heart is saddened by some things I see--I'm glad about that.
94. Health. My overall health, whilst not perfect, pleases me.
95. Movies and dates: I can date my wife, and love watching movies with her.
96. The range of shopping centres at my disposal is amazing.
97. I get to be "me" for all of my life. Now that's not bad.
98. I can wear whatever clothes I own; I can also dress myself.
99. One day I might be blessed enough to have grandchildren and perhaps great-grandchildren.
100. I might make it to 100 years of age by God's grace. I'm "not out" so far.
Even though we can't all subscribe to every item on this particular list of mine, it illustrates the important point that each of us has specific and very detailed reasons to be extremely thankful. Where you perhaps cannot list certain items I have, I am sure you might have items I could not list.
There really is no limit to this list when we think about it.
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Steve Wickham is a safety and health professional (BSc) and a qualified lay Christian minister (GradDipDiv). His key passion is work / life balance and re-creating value for living, and an exploration of the person within us.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Wickham
My present gratitude list goes like this:
1. I have the most beautiful and gorgeous wife in the world.
2. My three daughters are healthy and happy.
3. My children are growing and developing so well.
4. My parents are still alive, and my brothers too.
5. My parents-in-law and my wife's family love me and I love them.
6. Overall, I have a wonderful family.
7. The house I live in has modern facilities and keeps me sheltered from the weather.
8. My wife likes spending time with me and I like spending time with her.
9. I know Jesus Christ.
10. I have hopes to have more children.
11. I am free to worship God in any way I wish to.
12. I can walk.
13. I can talk.
14. I can read and write.
15. I can think and have thoughts and time with myself.
16. My five senses work well still, unaided (presently).
17. I can see, not only through my eyes, but also through the eyes of my heart.
18. I live in relative luxury, in freedom, and in a just society.
19. I have two days off per week most weeks.
20. My employer is wonderful.
21. The job I have is both stimulating and varied, and I'm valued for my work.
22. I have good managers and co-workers.
23. I attend a church where people love me and I'm allowed to love them.
24. I have the time to write.
25. I can drive a car... I own a car.
26. I have many great tools that help me live my life.
27. My personal library is bliss; every book hand picked.
28. We have not one, but two computers in my family.
29. I have both the inclination and ability to plan ahead in my life.
30. We have access to seemingly unlimited electricity, water and food, and other resources.
31. I really don't mind washing dishes anymore; in fact, I love doing them!
32. I love Proverbs, Psalms, Ephesians and Ecclesiastes... actually, I love the whole Bible.
33. I can talk sensibly and sensitively to my teenage daughters (most of the time).
34. One day rolls into the next for me; Wednesday's are just as important as Sunday's.
35. I have been blessed to have the second chance at tertiary education.
36. Trade qualifications, knowledge and skill have always been handy.
37. I see my parents at least each fortnight and have a great relationship with them.
38. I've got three beautiful nieces and two handsome nephews.
39. I have a sense of humour (most of the time).
40. Even when things don't go my way, I usually see the good things out of it.
41. I have a wonderful view outside of my office window of a serene operational harbour.
42. I'm living in the present; at the very cusp of time. I'm not dead yet.
43. The part of the earth I live in is such an inhabitable place climate-wise (most of the time).
44. I have the ability and the inclination to love--people and living things and my experiences.
45. I have a telephone so I can talk to people a long way away.
46. I have pictures of my lovely family I can look at; at home, at work, in my wallet.
47. I get to meet interesting people almost every day.
48. Living near the beach--there's nothing quite like the white noise of the surf.
49. There is clean water available for me to drink right now.
50. There is a plant I am responsible for and it hasn't died yet!
51. I have fish oil tablets and other vitamins to complement my diet.
52. I have the powers of self-control most of the time and the drive to improve.
53. I'm a member of a gymnasium.
54. The academic qualifications I have and study I've done have helped form my character so I become the person I've always wanted to be.
55. I can make a unique contribution.
56. I have a positive self-image and I'm thankful I've worked on it.
57. There is work I can do to keep me stimulated.
58. I can feel pain; most of the time this is good for pain is generally a healthy sign.
59. I have a watch, it looks good and suits my style, and I can tell time.
60. I have over three (and nearly four) decades of memories of living; the good, the bad, and the ugly.
61. Being in a western-most place means the sun sets on the horizon with the water in the foreground--that's pretty special!
62. There are plans that I'm making and have made--therein lies hope.
63. I've met some famous people and high-achievers and been inspired.
64. Coffee. I love it, and I can drink great coffee every day if I want to.
65. I earn money enough to give some away to those less fortunate.
66. Music. I really appreciate it. (And I think I have good taste--I'm allowed to say that.)
67. Enthusiasm and zeal for life and learning; I have it most of the time. I'm still excitable.
68. I have suffered loss and have survived it--it's actually made me a better person!
69. People honour me at times when they come to me for help.
70. To have achieved forty years of age... the best is yet to come.
71. I live in times of (relative) peace.
72. I have a passion for cricket and Australian football and follow both ardently.
73. This time I live in is dynamic; excitement abounds.
74. I love pizza, seafood and ice cream plus many other good foods.
75. I see miracles occur most days. Most people would call these things 'normal.'
76. I can rest and take time out to smell the flowers almost whenever I want.
77. Words and their meanings excite me. Language and communication are art.
78. Freedom of choice is something I appreciate and try not to take for granted.
79. I've overcome dependency on substances, for instance, cigarettes.
80. 'Creativity of thought' is a gift I'm appreciative of.
81. I can travel in a modern train any day I want and see the sights.
82. There is a reliable public transport system in the place I live; I feel blessed almost every time I use it.
83. A wife's or daughter's smile... what more could I say.
84. My 'encouragement file' is growing; people encourage me almost every day.
85. Mentors who've invested their time and effort in me--I'll be eternally grateful.
86. Reminds me of Maxwell Smart. I can watch television because I have one.
87. Mathematics. The sense of numbers makes sense to me.
88. The desire to keep growing throughout my life pleases me.
89. Wisdom. I see it in others and others at times see it in me. I love its truth.
90. My family's safety thus far; I try not to take it for granted.
91. I get ongoing education through courses, seminars, conferences and workshops.
92. Science. I marvel at it. It's got be intelligent design.
93. My heart is saddened by some things I see--I'm glad about that.
94. Health. My overall health, whilst not perfect, pleases me.
95. Movies and dates: I can date my wife, and love watching movies with her.
96. The range of shopping centres at my disposal is amazing.
97. I get to be "me" for all of my life. Now that's not bad.
98. I can wear whatever clothes I own; I can also dress myself.
99. One day I might be blessed enough to have grandchildren and perhaps great-grandchildren.
100. I might make it to 100 years of age by God's grace. I'm "not out" so far.
Even though we can't all subscribe to every item on this particular list of mine, it illustrates the important point that each of us has specific and very detailed reasons to be extremely thankful. Where you perhaps cannot list certain items I have, I am sure you might have items I could not list.
There really is no limit to this list when we think about it.
Copyright © 2008, S. J. Wickham. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Steve Wickham is a safety and health professional (BSc) and a qualified lay Christian minister (GradDipDiv). His key passion is work / life balance and re-creating value for living, and an exploration of the person within us.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Wickham
5 Steps to Happiness
The best cure for loneliness is happiness. Such a small sentence makes the concept sound simple. On the contrary! Learning to be happy, especially after a life-changing event that has plunged you into the depths of loneliness may be one of the hardest things you have ever had to do. However, others have walked the same path and made it to a smile, which mean you can too. Here are 5 steps that should help you on that road to happiness:
1. Do not worry about the little things
2. Do not judge others
3. Think about the needs of others
4. Let go
5. Dwell on happy thoughts
One you have learned to master these 5 concepts, or at least put them into the practice of living, a smile will be at the ready.
Do not worry about the small things
As you already know, everyday life has plenty of challenges, even on a good day. Of course, you have to deal with everyday activities and events. However, do not let the small things throw you for a loop, bringing depression and loneliness descending like a black cloud.
For example, if you do not understand the conversation at a family gathering, do not let it bring you down. So what? Give yourself credit. You know plenty about other subjects. Besides, in the grand scheme of things, will it really make a big difference if you are knowledgeable in that area or not? Similarly, if something is not really going to adversely affect the outcome, or something else would work as well, do not worry about it.
Do not Judge Others
Some of the loneliest people are those that are quick to find fault with others. How can anyone find friends and happiness if they are always concentrating on the faults of others? Instead, do not forget other people are only human. Like you, no one is perfect. They may not always be understanding, might say the wrong thing unintentionally, or not always be around just when you think it is important. But, that does not mean they do not care, or would not be a good friend in a pinch.
Think about the needs of others
Part of the reason people sink into the depths of loneliness is because they are so self-absorbed in their own miseries. Of course, dwelling on unhappiness can only lead to further sadness. Instead, when people begin to concentrate on how they can help others and become a positive influence in their lives, the natural result is starting to feel good on a personal level. When other individuals' happiness becomes more important than self, loneliness will naturally diminish and be slowly replaced by your own happiness.
"If there were in the world today any large number of people who desired their own happiness more than they desired the unhappiness of others, we could have paradise in a few years" Bertrand Russell
Let go
How many people who have lost a loved one through death or divorce have spent countless hours asking the question: what if . . . .? Although natural, does it really do any good? No! Thus, after a period of morning, it is time to make the effort to let go.
No. It does not mean to forget the lost love or event that resulting in an overwhelming loneliness. However, it does mean to give it a proper place in life and start living for the present. Only when you can truly let go of the pain, leaving only memories, can you truly learn to smile again.
Dwell on Happy Thoughts
Finally, if you want to be happy, it only stands to reason that you will need to dwell on happy thoughts. Of course, it is not going to be easy. But, with practice, you can learn to keep the sad thoughts as bay, and learn to smile, even in the face of adversity.
Try this simple exercise: even on those days when a real smile seems a thousand miles away, put a smile on your face. Smile at everyone you meet throughout the day, even if it is a conscious effort. Chances are that by the end of the day, the smile will not be an effort. You may never know the positive affect a smile will have on others, but it will help you for sure.
Yes. I know none of these steps are trivial. In many cases, it will seem easier to sprout wings and fly. However, once anyone can learn to practice these five steps, happiness is within easy reach.
Paul Sutherland was an Accelerated Business Growth Coach but has now turned to a more personal line of coaching. After experiencing some major challenges himself, he felt more attuned to dealing with the problems and challenges most of us face in everyday life.
A significant challenge that came up in his own life has inspired a new book on dealing with loneliness and all of the related problems that this brings. A purpose built website http://www.overcomelonelinessnow.com is now online where you can learn more about Paul including his own true life story related to the trials of loneliness and how you can overcome them.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Sutherland
1. Do not worry about the little things
2. Do not judge others
3. Think about the needs of others
4. Let go
5. Dwell on happy thoughts
One you have learned to master these 5 concepts, or at least put them into the practice of living, a smile will be at the ready.
Do not worry about the small things
As you already know, everyday life has plenty of challenges, even on a good day. Of course, you have to deal with everyday activities and events. However, do not let the small things throw you for a loop, bringing depression and loneliness descending like a black cloud.
For example, if you do not understand the conversation at a family gathering, do not let it bring you down. So what? Give yourself credit. You know plenty about other subjects. Besides, in the grand scheme of things, will it really make a big difference if you are knowledgeable in that area or not? Similarly, if something is not really going to adversely affect the outcome, or something else would work as well, do not worry about it.
Do not Judge Others
Some of the loneliest people are those that are quick to find fault with others. How can anyone find friends and happiness if they are always concentrating on the faults of others? Instead, do not forget other people are only human. Like you, no one is perfect. They may not always be understanding, might say the wrong thing unintentionally, or not always be around just when you think it is important. But, that does not mean they do not care, or would not be a good friend in a pinch.
Think about the needs of others
Part of the reason people sink into the depths of loneliness is because they are so self-absorbed in their own miseries. Of course, dwelling on unhappiness can only lead to further sadness. Instead, when people begin to concentrate on how they can help others and become a positive influence in their lives, the natural result is starting to feel good on a personal level. When other individuals' happiness becomes more important than self, loneliness will naturally diminish and be slowly replaced by your own happiness.
"If there were in the world today any large number of people who desired their own happiness more than they desired the unhappiness of others, we could have paradise in a few years" Bertrand Russell
Let go
How many people who have lost a loved one through death or divorce have spent countless hours asking the question: what if . . . .? Although natural, does it really do any good? No! Thus, after a period of morning, it is time to make the effort to let go.
No. It does not mean to forget the lost love or event that resulting in an overwhelming loneliness. However, it does mean to give it a proper place in life and start living for the present. Only when you can truly let go of the pain, leaving only memories, can you truly learn to smile again.
Dwell on Happy Thoughts
Finally, if you want to be happy, it only stands to reason that you will need to dwell on happy thoughts. Of course, it is not going to be easy. But, with practice, you can learn to keep the sad thoughts as bay, and learn to smile, even in the face of adversity.
Try this simple exercise: even on those days when a real smile seems a thousand miles away, put a smile on your face. Smile at everyone you meet throughout the day, even if it is a conscious effort. Chances are that by the end of the day, the smile will not be an effort. You may never know the positive affect a smile will have on others, but it will help you for sure.
Yes. I know none of these steps are trivial. In many cases, it will seem easier to sprout wings and fly. However, once anyone can learn to practice these five steps, happiness is within easy reach.
Paul Sutherland was an Accelerated Business Growth Coach but has now turned to a more personal line of coaching. After experiencing some major challenges himself, he felt more attuned to dealing with the problems and challenges most of us face in everyday life.
A significant challenge that came up in his own life has inspired a new book on dealing with loneliness and all of the related problems that this brings. A purpose built website http://www.overcomelonelinessnow.com is now online where you can learn more about Paul including his own true life story related to the trials of loneliness and how you can overcome them.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Sutherland
5 Steps to Happiness
The best cure for loneliness is happiness. Such a small sentence makes the concept sound simple. On the contrary! Learning to be happy, especially after a life-changing event that has plunged you into the depths of loneliness may be one of the hardest things you have ever had to do. However, others have walked the same path and made it to a smile, which mean you can too. Here are 5 steps that should help you on that road to happiness:
1. Do not worry about the little things
2. Do not judge others
3. Think about the needs of others
4. Let go
5. Dwell on happy thoughts
One you have learned to master these 5 concepts, or at least put them into the practice of living, a smile will be at the ready.
Do not worry about the small things
As you already know, everyday life has plenty of challenges, even on a good day. Of course, you have to deal with everyday activities and events. However, do not let the small things throw you for a loop, bringing depression and loneliness descending like a black cloud.
For example, if you do not understand the conversation at a family gathering, do not let it bring you down. So what? Give yourself credit. You know plenty about other subjects. Besides, in the grand scheme of things, will it really make a big difference if you are knowledgeable in that area or not? Similarly, if something is not really going to adversely affect the outcome, or something else would work as well, do not worry about it.
Do not Judge Others
Some of the loneliest people are those that are quick to find fault with others. How can anyone find friends and happiness if they are always concentrating on the faults of others? Instead, do not forget other people are only human. Like you, no one is perfect. They may not always be understanding, might say the wrong thing unintentionally, or not always be around just when you think it is important. But, that does not mean they do not care, or would not be a good friend in a pinch.
Think about the needs of others
Part of the reason people sink into the depths of loneliness is because they are so self-absorbed in their own miseries. Of course, dwelling on unhappiness can only lead to further sadness. Instead, when people begin to concentrate on how they can help others and become a positive influence in their lives, the natural result is starting to feel good on a personal level. When other individuals' happiness becomes more important than self, loneliness will naturally diminish and be slowly replaced by your own happiness.
"If there were in the world today any large number of people who desired their own happiness more than they desired the unhappiness of others, we could have paradise in a few years" Bertrand Russell
Let go
How many people who have lost a loved one through death or divorce have spent countless hours asking the question: what if . . . .? Although natural, does it really do any good? No! Thus, after a period of morning, it is time to make the effort to let go.
No. It does not mean to forget the lost love or event that resulting in an overwhelming loneliness. However, it does mean to give it a proper place in life and start living for the present. Only when you can truly let go of the pain, leaving only memories, can you truly learn to smile again.
Dwell on Happy Thoughts
Finally, if you want to be happy, it only stands to reason that you will need to dwell on happy thoughts. Of course, it is not going to be easy. But, with practice, you can learn to keep the sad thoughts as bay, and learn to smile, even in the face of adversity.
Try this simple exercise: even on those days when a real smile seems a thousand miles away, put a smile on your face. Smile at everyone you meet throughout the day, even if it is a conscious effort. Chances are that by the end of the day, the smile will not be an effort. You may never know the positive affect a smile will have on others, but it will help you for sure.
Yes. I know none of these steps are trivial. In many cases, it will seem easier to sprout wings and fly. However, once anyone can learn to practice these five steps, happiness is within easy reach.
Paul Sutherland was an Accelerated Business Growth Coach but has now turned to a more personal line of coaching. After experiencing some major challenges himself, he felt more attuned to dealing with the problems and challenges most of us face in everyday life.
A significant challenge that came up in his own life has inspired a new book on dealing with loneliness and all of the related problems that this brings. A purpose built website http://www.overcomelonelinessnow.com is now online where you can learn more about Paul including his own true life story related to the trials of loneliness and how you can overcome them.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Sutherland
1. Do not worry about the little things
2. Do not judge others
3. Think about the needs of others
4. Let go
5. Dwell on happy thoughts
One you have learned to master these 5 concepts, or at least put them into the practice of living, a smile will be at the ready.
Do not worry about the small things
As you already know, everyday life has plenty of challenges, even on a good day. Of course, you have to deal with everyday activities and events. However, do not let the small things throw you for a loop, bringing depression and loneliness descending like a black cloud.
For example, if you do not understand the conversation at a family gathering, do not let it bring you down. So what? Give yourself credit. You know plenty about other subjects. Besides, in the grand scheme of things, will it really make a big difference if you are knowledgeable in that area or not? Similarly, if something is not really going to adversely affect the outcome, or something else would work as well, do not worry about it.
Do not Judge Others
Some of the loneliest people are those that are quick to find fault with others. How can anyone find friends and happiness if they are always concentrating on the faults of others? Instead, do not forget other people are only human. Like you, no one is perfect. They may not always be understanding, might say the wrong thing unintentionally, or not always be around just when you think it is important. But, that does not mean they do not care, or would not be a good friend in a pinch.
Think about the needs of others
Part of the reason people sink into the depths of loneliness is because they are so self-absorbed in their own miseries. Of course, dwelling on unhappiness can only lead to further sadness. Instead, when people begin to concentrate on how they can help others and become a positive influence in their lives, the natural result is starting to feel good on a personal level. When other individuals' happiness becomes more important than self, loneliness will naturally diminish and be slowly replaced by your own happiness.
"If there were in the world today any large number of people who desired their own happiness more than they desired the unhappiness of others, we could have paradise in a few years" Bertrand Russell
Let go
How many people who have lost a loved one through death or divorce have spent countless hours asking the question: what if . . . .? Although natural, does it really do any good? No! Thus, after a period of morning, it is time to make the effort to let go.
No. It does not mean to forget the lost love or event that resulting in an overwhelming loneliness. However, it does mean to give it a proper place in life and start living for the present. Only when you can truly let go of the pain, leaving only memories, can you truly learn to smile again.
Dwell on Happy Thoughts
Finally, if you want to be happy, it only stands to reason that you will need to dwell on happy thoughts. Of course, it is not going to be easy. But, with practice, you can learn to keep the sad thoughts as bay, and learn to smile, even in the face of adversity.
Try this simple exercise: even on those days when a real smile seems a thousand miles away, put a smile on your face. Smile at everyone you meet throughout the day, even if it is a conscious effort. Chances are that by the end of the day, the smile will not be an effort. You may never know the positive affect a smile will have on others, but it will help you for sure.
Yes. I know none of these steps are trivial. In many cases, it will seem easier to sprout wings and fly. However, once anyone can learn to practice these five steps, happiness is within easy reach.
Paul Sutherland was an Accelerated Business Growth Coach but has now turned to a more personal line of coaching. After experiencing some major challenges himself, he felt more attuned to dealing with the problems and challenges most of us face in everyday life.
A significant challenge that came up in his own life has inspired a new book on dealing with loneliness and all of the related problems that this brings. A purpose built website http://www.overcomelonelinessnow.com is now online where you can learn more about Paul including his own true life story related to the trials of loneliness and how you can overcome them.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Sutherland
The Nine-fold Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23. The fruit of the Spirit consist of nine characteristics. These nine characteristics are evidence that the Holy Spirit is working in a person, and that through Jesus, God has made that person righteous. Galatians 5:22-23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." These characteristics are the result (the fruit) that someone has accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and that the person has yielded to the Holy Spirit to let sin no longer dominate his or her life. A person cannot achieve the nine-fold fruit of the Spirit unless they accept Jesus' free gift of salvation and yield to the Holy Spirit in their lives. The Nine-Fold Fruit of the Spirit are described as follows:
1. Love - "Agape" love is unmerited favor. Love is something to share with everyone. Regardless of relationship, like and dislike, or situation.
2. Joy - Joy is delight in the hope and promises of Jesus Christ. No matter what the circumstances, a person can have joy in the hope of eternal life and being in right standing with God.
3. Peace - Peace is having eternal security by being in eternal relationship with God because of Jesus' act on the cross.
4. Long-Suffering - Long-suffering is having patient endurance to withstand all of life's trials. Long-suffering is possible because of hope and assurance in God's promises.
5. Gentleness - Gentleness is being kind to others and being unmoved by circumstances. By a person yielding to and being comforted by the Holy Spirit, he or she can be gentle in all situations.
6. Goodness - Goodness is acting like Jesus as He did when He walked on the Earth and doing the things of God. This is a Godly goodness that is defined by God through His Word, the Bible.
7. Faith - Faith is having the hope and assurance in the promises of God. This is a confident and a trust that is not moved by temporary circumstances.
8. Meekness - Meekness is a humility that seeks no revenge. Meekness comes from a person yielding to the Holy Spirit in all circumstances. It is a state of mind where God comes first, and self comes last.
9. Temperance - Temperance is self-control. With the Holy Spirit in a person, they have a higher purpose to serve God. Fleshly desires are secondary to serving God in all things.
GALATIANS 5 BIBLES SCRIPTURE Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
Randall McClure Sr. is author and publisher of http://www.access-jesus.com . Access-Jesus.com helps people learn about, love, and promote Jesus.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randall_McClure_Sr.
1. Love - "Agape" love is unmerited favor. Love is something to share with everyone. Regardless of relationship, like and dislike, or situation.
2. Joy - Joy is delight in the hope and promises of Jesus Christ. No matter what the circumstances, a person can have joy in the hope of eternal life and being in right standing with God.
3. Peace - Peace is having eternal security by being in eternal relationship with God because of Jesus' act on the cross.
4. Long-Suffering - Long-suffering is having patient endurance to withstand all of life's trials. Long-suffering is possible because of hope and assurance in God's promises.
5. Gentleness - Gentleness is being kind to others and being unmoved by circumstances. By a person yielding to and being comforted by the Holy Spirit, he or she can be gentle in all situations.
6. Goodness - Goodness is acting like Jesus as He did when He walked on the Earth and doing the things of God. This is a Godly goodness that is defined by God through His Word, the Bible.
7. Faith - Faith is having the hope and assurance in the promises of God. This is a confident and a trust that is not moved by temporary circumstances.
8. Meekness - Meekness is a humility that seeks no revenge. Meekness comes from a person yielding to the Holy Spirit in all circumstances. It is a state of mind where God comes first, and self comes last.
9. Temperance - Temperance is self-control. With the Holy Spirit in a person, they have a higher purpose to serve God. Fleshly desires are secondary to serving God in all things.
GALATIANS 5 BIBLES SCRIPTURE Galatians 5:22-23, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
Randall McClure Sr. is author and publisher of http://www.access-jesus.com . Access-Jesus.com helps people learn about, love, and promote Jesus.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Randall_McClure_Sr.
Gratitude - It's Important
ometimes that word, gratitude, just makes us gag. So what if there are starving people on the other side of the world and I just finished gorging myself on a meal that cost the equivalent of the annual wage of workers in most countries in Africa? How does that relate to me and my problems? Well... how does gratitude enter, or not enter into your life and why bother?
Okay, are you happier walking around...hmmm...maybe sitting around, counting your negatives or counting your positives? Whatever we focus on will get bigger. Feed either the good dog or the bad dog in your brain, whichever dog you want to grow...and eventually that one will eat the other dog. There is only so much room in your brain and if a large portion of it is occupied by gratitude and happiness, there is less to be invaded by negativity.
Brain chemistry changes with different activities and behavior. Every athlete knows that "runner's high" is a real thing. The endorphins created by exercise make us feel good. Same deal with doing nice things, even smiling, saying kind words, or holding a door open for someone. Brain chemistry changes for the better when we are behaving in a positive way. Recovering addicts have a saying: "We cannot always think our way into right acting, but we can act our way into right thinking." When we do something positive, it changes how we feel. Volunteering to do something to help others, working with the Salvation Army or Liftup or packing Christmas baskets at a church will make you feel good.
Your brain chemistry will change and the cycle of feeling good and changing behavior begins. Make the decision to be happy and grateful (It is a decision), do something helpful, feel better, have more energy to do something else nice, feel better, and so on, the upward spiral. Soon we are happy and have an "attitude of gratitude". Do it every day. You deserve to be happy and grateful every day. Wake up and make the decision each morning, then act on it. I repeat, happiness and gratitude are a choice.
Back to the "brain chemistry" thing...we train our brain to function in a certain way, promoting the flow of neurochemicals and electrical connections in either positive or negative directions, reacting and responding in the way it always has...until we change.
Solution? Change your behavior, change your thinking, change who you hang out with, get help if you need it and cannot do the above, repeat.
1. First try this: note how you feel when you are slumped over, looking down, not making eye contact with your friends and family. Then try this: look up, at the sky (do not try while driving, cycling, skiing, boarding, etc.). Look at the person you are talking with, look at the landscape. If you are in Steamboat, look at the mountain. Do not slump or look down. It is more difficult to "be down" if you are "looking up". Really, your physical presence affects your emotional and spiritual presence.
2. Then take action. Be kind and helpful to another human being (see suggestions above, but do something). Go to a school and ask if there are any children whose families are desperate and need food and presents for Christmas. How about visiting a nursing home and reading to a person who has lost his eyesight? The Universal Law of Service says: We always get more than we give.
3. Think gratitude...for something in your life. Complaining instead of being grateful for your blessings (yes, you do have some), becomes a downward spiral...around the drain pipe and on to self-hatred and separation from good, and separation from God. Many of us are so into our problems that we simply miss the cool stuff...we are feeding the bad dog in our brain. A popular refrain is, "Poor me, poor me, pour me another drink."
4. An alternative could be to pause, pretend to change your thinking, and try something different, feeding the good dog. I can"t change my height, age, or skin color, but I can change my attitude. I can change my insides and be a good human being. How does one do this? Change. Go back to number one. Pretending to be in gratitude is a way to turn the downward spiral upward, out of the sewer.
5. Try this: make a gratitude list! Can"t think of anything you are grateful for? Come on, are you hungry, cold, sick, diagnosed with cancer, or family member has terminal illness? Did a hurricane or tsunami just destroy your house. The reason to do this is for you. If all else fails, we can be grateful for living in the Colorado mountains!
6. Ditch the negative people in your life, at least temporarily, until you are strong enough to be a positive influence on them and not allow them to steal your joy. Hang out with happy, healthy people who represent the kind of person you want to be. Let them demonstrate what an emotionally and spiritually healthy person looks like. If you want what they have, do what they do.
7. Surrender the drugs and alcohol and live life clean, just for a while. See who you really are, out from under the cloud of being high. Get help if you need it.
Dr. Dawn Obrecht is the only MD addiction medicine specialist on the western slope of Colorado. She is a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and her office is in Steamboat Springs. She does consultations and referrals anywhere in the country and can be reached at 970-846-8479 or through http://www.docdawn.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dawn_Obrecht
Okay, are you happier walking around...hmmm...maybe sitting around, counting your negatives or counting your positives? Whatever we focus on will get bigger. Feed either the good dog or the bad dog in your brain, whichever dog you want to grow...and eventually that one will eat the other dog. There is only so much room in your brain and if a large portion of it is occupied by gratitude and happiness, there is less to be invaded by negativity.
Brain chemistry changes with different activities and behavior. Every athlete knows that "runner's high" is a real thing. The endorphins created by exercise make us feel good. Same deal with doing nice things, even smiling, saying kind words, or holding a door open for someone. Brain chemistry changes for the better when we are behaving in a positive way. Recovering addicts have a saying: "We cannot always think our way into right acting, but we can act our way into right thinking." When we do something positive, it changes how we feel. Volunteering to do something to help others, working with the Salvation Army or Liftup or packing Christmas baskets at a church will make you feel good.
Your brain chemistry will change and the cycle of feeling good and changing behavior begins. Make the decision to be happy and grateful (It is a decision), do something helpful, feel better, have more energy to do something else nice, feel better, and so on, the upward spiral. Soon we are happy and have an "attitude of gratitude". Do it every day. You deserve to be happy and grateful every day. Wake up and make the decision each morning, then act on it. I repeat, happiness and gratitude are a choice.
Back to the "brain chemistry" thing...we train our brain to function in a certain way, promoting the flow of neurochemicals and electrical connections in either positive or negative directions, reacting and responding in the way it always has...until we change.
Solution? Change your behavior, change your thinking, change who you hang out with, get help if you need it and cannot do the above, repeat.
1. First try this: note how you feel when you are slumped over, looking down, not making eye contact with your friends and family. Then try this: look up, at the sky (do not try while driving, cycling, skiing, boarding, etc.). Look at the person you are talking with, look at the landscape. If you are in Steamboat, look at the mountain. Do not slump or look down. It is more difficult to "be down" if you are "looking up". Really, your physical presence affects your emotional and spiritual presence.
2. Then take action. Be kind and helpful to another human being (see suggestions above, but do something). Go to a school and ask if there are any children whose families are desperate and need food and presents for Christmas. How about visiting a nursing home and reading to a person who has lost his eyesight? The Universal Law of Service says: We always get more than we give.
3. Think gratitude...for something in your life. Complaining instead of being grateful for your blessings (yes, you do have some), becomes a downward spiral...around the drain pipe and on to self-hatred and separation from good, and separation from God. Many of us are so into our problems that we simply miss the cool stuff...we are feeding the bad dog in our brain. A popular refrain is, "Poor me, poor me, pour me another drink."
4. An alternative could be to pause, pretend to change your thinking, and try something different, feeding the good dog. I can"t change my height, age, or skin color, but I can change my attitude. I can change my insides and be a good human being. How does one do this? Change. Go back to number one. Pretending to be in gratitude is a way to turn the downward spiral upward, out of the sewer.
5. Try this: make a gratitude list! Can"t think of anything you are grateful for? Come on, are you hungry, cold, sick, diagnosed with cancer, or family member has terminal illness? Did a hurricane or tsunami just destroy your house. The reason to do this is for you. If all else fails, we can be grateful for living in the Colorado mountains!
6. Ditch the negative people in your life, at least temporarily, until you are strong enough to be a positive influence on them and not allow them to steal your joy. Hang out with happy, healthy people who represent the kind of person you want to be. Let them demonstrate what an emotionally and spiritually healthy person looks like. If you want what they have, do what they do.
7. Surrender the drugs and alcohol and live life clean, just for a while. See who you really are, out from under the cloud of being high. Get help if you need it.
Dr. Dawn Obrecht is the only MD addiction medicine specialist on the western slope of Colorado. She is a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and her office is in Steamboat Springs. She does consultations and referrals anywhere in the country and can be reached at 970-846-8479 or through http://www.docdawn.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dawn_Obrecht
Healing With Laughter and Humor Using a Vision Board
Laughter and humor have been popular practices in healing our mind, body and spirit; there have even been medical tests and studies that have proven that this is a beneficial practice in getting and keeping well.
The power of thoughts and emotions can manifest good in our bodies as well as create what we don't want, just by what we are thinking. Studies have shown that a positive attitude or emotional state can boost your chances of surviving almost any kind of dis-ease, but what is mostly talked about is cancer.
Now it is even common for doctors to recommend different kinds of laughter and humor to their patients as a way of improving their immune systems and other serious diseases. Some of the doctors don't call it law of attraction, but stick with a more middle of the ground statement of, will to live and/or fighting spirit.
One of the best methods is to have a Laugher and Humor Vision Map Video that you can watch on a daily basis and in the privacy of your home, car or wherever you have an electrical device to watch videos. You can watch this as many times a day you want and create a daily habit of laughing and you can even watch it several times a day. They are fun to watch and they remind you to laugh and to have fun.
Another powerful emotion to use when dealing with illness and/or dis-ease is love and spirituality; these are great for a hopeful and optimistic attitude. Laughter helps overcome the trials of each day, and when you create a way of laughing in the midst of your illness, you automatically shift toward a frame of mind that invites a healing outlook and an intention that you can diminish the dis-ease.
Even though cancer always seems to come up when we are talking about healing ourselves there are many other instances that work well with laughter and humor, such as chronic pain, divorce, death, loss of a home, loss of a friend, credit card debit and I am sure you can think of more.
Work on making it your goal to find something to laugh at every day, and to practice taking yourself a little less seriously and what this will do is lighten the situation you are in to a level that comes with more joy.
When you laugh an enthusiastic laugh it can help to reduce stress, maintain the right blood pressure, elevate mood, boost immune system, improve brain functioning, protect the heart, it can foster instant relaxation, and the reason it does this is that it stimulates production of endorphins, a natural painkiller, and reduces levels of the stress hormone, which contributes to high blood pressure and other conditions.
They now have laughter clubs and groups which have a definite format to increase and teach people how to laugh, it is a great therapy and one of these groups would be a great thing for you to check into and see if you have one in your area. There are also laughter and yoga classes where they combine the two and this is also very effective.
Have you ever noticed that when you laugh really hard, you stop thinking? It puts you right in the present moment and there is nothing better than being in the NOW, as it leaves all of our pressing issues at rest for at least a little while. One way to do this is to learn how to, see funny instead of trying to be funny.
Watch the Vision Map Video first thing in the morning and get your day started right and for sure watch it last thing before going to bed to cleanse all the events that happened during the day.
Darlene has researched and practiced many spiritual and personal growth paths and now is presenting Vision Map Videos to further enlighten and enrich the life of others thru visual perceptions. These videos are personalized for the individual and/or business, they can be used from attracting abundance to advertising your new published book. Receive her f.ree Inspiration For Daily Lives Newsletter. This is where you can see her most current Vision Map Video Spirited Boutique
Darlene Siddons
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darlene_Siddons
The power of thoughts and emotions can manifest good in our bodies as well as create what we don't want, just by what we are thinking. Studies have shown that a positive attitude or emotional state can boost your chances of surviving almost any kind of dis-ease, but what is mostly talked about is cancer.
Now it is even common for doctors to recommend different kinds of laughter and humor to their patients as a way of improving their immune systems and other serious diseases. Some of the doctors don't call it law of attraction, but stick with a more middle of the ground statement of, will to live and/or fighting spirit.
One of the best methods is to have a Laugher and Humor Vision Map Video that you can watch on a daily basis and in the privacy of your home, car or wherever you have an electrical device to watch videos. You can watch this as many times a day you want and create a daily habit of laughing and you can even watch it several times a day. They are fun to watch and they remind you to laugh and to have fun.
Another powerful emotion to use when dealing with illness and/or dis-ease is love and spirituality; these are great for a hopeful and optimistic attitude. Laughter helps overcome the trials of each day, and when you create a way of laughing in the midst of your illness, you automatically shift toward a frame of mind that invites a healing outlook and an intention that you can diminish the dis-ease.
Even though cancer always seems to come up when we are talking about healing ourselves there are many other instances that work well with laughter and humor, such as chronic pain, divorce, death, loss of a home, loss of a friend, credit card debit and I am sure you can think of more.
Work on making it your goal to find something to laugh at every day, and to practice taking yourself a little less seriously and what this will do is lighten the situation you are in to a level that comes with more joy.
When you laugh an enthusiastic laugh it can help to reduce stress, maintain the right blood pressure, elevate mood, boost immune system, improve brain functioning, protect the heart, it can foster instant relaxation, and the reason it does this is that it stimulates production of endorphins, a natural painkiller, and reduces levels of the stress hormone, which contributes to high blood pressure and other conditions.
They now have laughter clubs and groups which have a definite format to increase and teach people how to laugh, it is a great therapy and one of these groups would be a great thing for you to check into and see if you have one in your area. There are also laughter and yoga classes where they combine the two and this is also very effective.
Have you ever noticed that when you laugh really hard, you stop thinking? It puts you right in the present moment and there is nothing better than being in the NOW, as it leaves all of our pressing issues at rest for at least a little while. One way to do this is to learn how to, see funny instead of trying to be funny.
Watch the Vision Map Video first thing in the morning and get your day started right and for sure watch it last thing before going to bed to cleanse all the events that happened during the day.
Darlene has researched and practiced many spiritual and personal growth paths and now is presenting Vision Map Videos to further enlighten and enrich the life of others thru visual perceptions. These videos are personalized for the individual and/or business, they can be used from attracting abundance to advertising your new published book. Receive her f.ree Inspiration For Daily Lives Newsletter. This is where you can see her most current Vision Map Video Spirited Boutique
Darlene Siddons
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darlene_Siddons
Healing With Laughter and Humor Using a Vision Board
Laughter and humor have been popular practices in healing our mind, body and spirit; there have even been medical tests and studies that have proven that this is a beneficial practice in getting and keeping well.
The power of thoughts and emotions can manifest good in our bodies as well as create what we don't want, just by what we are thinking. Studies have shown that a positive attitude or emotional state can boost your chances of surviving almost any kind of dis-ease, but what is mostly talked about is cancer.
Now it is even common for doctors to recommend different kinds of laughter and humor to their patients as a way of improving their immune systems and other serious diseases. Some of the doctors don't call it law of attraction, but stick with a more middle of the ground statement of, will to live and/or fighting spirit.
One of the best methods is to have a Laugher and Humor Vision Map Video that you can watch on a daily basis and in the privacy of your home, car or wherever you have an electrical device to watch videos. You can watch this as many times a day you want and create a daily habit of laughing and you can even watch it several times a day. They are fun to watch and they remind you to laugh and to have fun.
Another powerful emotion to use when dealing with illness and/or dis-ease is love and spirituality; these are great for a hopeful and optimistic attitude. Laughter helps overcome the trials of each day, and when you create a way of laughing in the midst of your illness, you automatically shift toward a frame of mind that invites a healing outlook and an intention that you can diminish the dis-ease.
Even though cancer always seems to come up when we are talking about healing ourselves there are many other instances that work well with laughter and humor, such as chronic pain, divorce, death, loss of a home, loss of a friend, credit card debit and I am sure you can think of more.
Work on making it your goal to find something to laugh at every day, and to practice taking yourself a little less seriously and what this will do is lighten the situation you are in to a level that comes with more joy.
When you laugh an enthusiastic laugh it can help to reduce stress, maintain the right blood pressure, elevate mood, boost immune system, improve brain functioning, protect the heart, it can foster instant relaxation, and the reason it does this is that it stimulates production of endorphins, a natural painkiller, and reduces levels of the stress hormone, which contributes to high blood pressure and other conditions.
They now have laughter clubs and groups which have a definite format to increase and teach people how to laugh, it is a great therapy and one of these groups would be a great thing for you to check into and see if you have one in your area. There are also laughter and yoga classes where they combine the two and this is also very effective.
Have you ever noticed that when you laugh really hard, you stop thinking? It puts you right in the present moment and there is nothing better than being in the NOW, as it leaves all of our pressing issues at rest for at least a little while. One way to do this is to learn how to, see funny instead of trying to be funny.
Watch the Vision Map Video first thing in the morning and get your day started right and for sure watch it last thing before going to bed to cleanse all the events that happened during the day.
Darlene has researched and practiced many spiritual and personal growth paths and now is presenting Vision Map Videos to further enlighten and enrich the life of others thru visual perceptions. These videos are personalized for the individual and/or business, they can be used from attracting abundance to advertising your new published book. Receive her f.ree Inspiration For Daily Lives Newsletter. This is where you can see her most current Vision Map Video Spirited Boutique
Darlene Siddons
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darlene_Siddons
The power of thoughts and emotions can manifest good in our bodies as well as create what we don't want, just by what we are thinking. Studies have shown that a positive attitude or emotional state can boost your chances of surviving almost any kind of dis-ease, but what is mostly talked about is cancer.
Now it is even common for doctors to recommend different kinds of laughter and humor to their patients as a way of improving their immune systems and other serious diseases. Some of the doctors don't call it law of attraction, but stick with a more middle of the ground statement of, will to live and/or fighting spirit.
One of the best methods is to have a Laugher and Humor Vision Map Video that you can watch on a daily basis and in the privacy of your home, car or wherever you have an electrical device to watch videos. You can watch this as many times a day you want and create a daily habit of laughing and you can even watch it several times a day. They are fun to watch and they remind you to laugh and to have fun.
Another powerful emotion to use when dealing with illness and/or dis-ease is love and spirituality; these are great for a hopeful and optimistic attitude. Laughter helps overcome the trials of each day, and when you create a way of laughing in the midst of your illness, you automatically shift toward a frame of mind that invites a healing outlook and an intention that you can diminish the dis-ease.
Even though cancer always seems to come up when we are talking about healing ourselves there are many other instances that work well with laughter and humor, such as chronic pain, divorce, death, loss of a home, loss of a friend, credit card debit and I am sure you can think of more.
Work on making it your goal to find something to laugh at every day, and to practice taking yourself a little less seriously and what this will do is lighten the situation you are in to a level that comes with more joy.
When you laugh an enthusiastic laugh it can help to reduce stress, maintain the right blood pressure, elevate mood, boost immune system, improve brain functioning, protect the heart, it can foster instant relaxation, and the reason it does this is that it stimulates production of endorphins, a natural painkiller, and reduces levels of the stress hormone, which contributes to high blood pressure and other conditions.
They now have laughter clubs and groups which have a definite format to increase and teach people how to laugh, it is a great therapy and one of these groups would be a great thing for you to check into and see if you have one in your area. There are also laughter and yoga classes where they combine the two and this is also very effective.
Have you ever noticed that when you laugh really hard, you stop thinking? It puts you right in the present moment and there is nothing better than being in the NOW, as it leaves all of our pressing issues at rest for at least a little while. One way to do this is to learn how to, see funny instead of trying to be funny.
Watch the Vision Map Video first thing in the morning and get your day started right and for sure watch it last thing before going to bed to cleanse all the events that happened during the day.
Darlene has researched and practiced many spiritual and personal growth paths and now is presenting Vision Map Videos to further enlighten and enrich the life of others thru visual perceptions. These videos are personalized for the individual and/or business, they can be used from attracting abundance to advertising your new published book. Receive her f.ree Inspiration For Daily Lives Newsletter. This is where you can see her most current Vision Map Video Spirited Boutique
Darlene Siddons
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Darlene_Siddons
Achieving Inner Peace
Earthly friendship with another becomes true in its meaning when we realize that it is bound to time in this life whereas friendship with yourself is something you have to face for the rest of your earthly existence. One thus faces the mastering of inner peace within yourself - and as everybody else is an extension of your personality, inner peace cannot be understood and applied without finding peace with the world's people - ALL OF THEM!
But more to the point, how does a person master inner peace? Let's break it down into three points:
• Get rid of survival mode
• Throw away the ego
• Pretend your gender doesn't matter
Three, seemingly, impossible tasks - all going against human nature.
Survival instinct is built into our cellular structure, but that does not mean that it cannot be changed. The use of survival instinct was to instill in the human mind that you were alone and that you had to do everything on your own. You had to clear your own path, because nobody was going to do it for you; and, therefore, you had to compete for space, food, love and money on this planet - you had to survive.
The only way to transcend innate survival instinct is to know that you represent ultimate survival - you are the definition of survival. You are a master of humanity. You are the Light.
Begin by trusting in inter-dimensional forces that you will not understand, but know are always there, opposed to survival instinct, which is an old energy that says you have to compete for everything.
You have to toss away ego before you can balance it. What is meant by that? Ego is part of our design - we cannot switch it off, but you will know that your old ego triggers are discarded and that your ego is balanced when you can sit in a situation where somebody is calling you names and not feel it. Even if they are right. Becoming detached from ego-drama, irrespective of the situation, does not indicate divorcing yourself from living. Can you do that? An experiment here would be to disengage when a situation like this crops up. Simply respect the person who may be abusing you for the fact that they too are part of Humanity - recognize to yourself that they are the ones out of balance and not you. Do not join them in their abuse by accepting their unconscious invitation to revel in their drama; because that is what they are wanting and are waiting for. That is how one would disengage without airing superiority. There is no need for sarcasm from your side - that is pure ego-drama. Disengage, Scotty! Disengage.
Get rid of gender bias. Let me put it this way: A male orientated society has proven itself not to work - in looooong gone history of this planet, a female orientated society was as miserable a failure. The actual point that Spirit is interested in seeing is a society that is equal and without considerations of gender.
Most of us have been both sexes at different times and places in our incarnations. None is better than the other and none is capable of realizing peace on earth on its own, regardless of what any macho male egotist or feminist has to say. There is only one thing that will harmonize the sexes; and that is in seeing each other as spiritual incarnations within the broader experience of universal consciousness.
Identifying with certain things just because you are a certain gender and/or even campaigning against the other is nothing less than survival of dramatic ego. Defining yourself on base of your gender (including whether one is heterosexual or homosexual or bi-sexual or a-sexual) only biases you to feel free to do certain things without expecting it to be questioned.
Just have a look at your favorite esoteric/spiritual masters, whether dead or alive - and if they have really achieved mastery you will find and see in them all three aspects that have been referred to above.
Now find and implement them in yourself. There is not really such a human as a "master" - it's just a descriptive word, mostly used by those that externalize responsibility onto other humans they see as superior, or by people themselves who feel that the title of "master" hides their own inadequacies...
...and the system that will guide you in discovering your own mastery? Divine intuition. It is something that will assist you in knowing how fast to go and which way to turn. It, however, will not happen in advance. And that is what keeps many people away from their own intuitive abilities - the insecurity of not definitely knowing future happenings.
Intuition is a language that is spoken through symbols. It is our innate capability to read our surroundings - through animals, people, radio, billboards and events in nature. Our own inner Divine being also "speaks" to us through the actions and words of our friends and family. Inspiration is often unknowingly given by someone you hardly know or have met in passing - and sometimes we just need the unwitting push of a really good friend who might just be in your life for a season.
Jacques - Holistic Life-Counselor / Trainer
- Life-Force Channeler (Symbology, Crystal Therapy, Polarity Balancing)
- Clairsentient / Empath
- Usui Reiki Master
- Motivational Speaker (Self-Empowerment) / Writer
Link to Articles/Writings Blog of Lilac Master - http://lilacmaster.blogspot.com (Discussions & comment..)
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacques_Ractliffe
But more to the point, how does a person master inner peace? Let's break it down into three points:
• Get rid of survival mode
• Throw away the ego
• Pretend your gender doesn't matter
Three, seemingly, impossible tasks - all going against human nature.
Survival instinct is built into our cellular structure, but that does not mean that it cannot be changed. The use of survival instinct was to instill in the human mind that you were alone and that you had to do everything on your own. You had to clear your own path, because nobody was going to do it for you; and, therefore, you had to compete for space, food, love and money on this planet - you had to survive.
The only way to transcend innate survival instinct is to know that you represent ultimate survival - you are the definition of survival. You are a master of humanity. You are the Light.
Begin by trusting in inter-dimensional forces that you will not understand, but know are always there, opposed to survival instinct, which is an old energy that says you have to compete for everything.
You have to toss away ego before you can balance it. What is meant by that? Ego is part of our design - we cannot switch it off, but you will know that your old ego triggers are discarded and that your ego is balanced when you can sit in a situation where somebody is calling you names and not feel it. Even if they are right. Becoming detached from ego-drama, irrespective of the situation, does not indicate divorcing yourself from living. Can you do that? An experiment here would be to disengage when a situation like this crops up. Simply respect the person who may be abusing you for the fact that they too are part of Humanity - recognize to yourself that they are the ones out of balance and not you. Do not join them in their abuse by accepting their unconscious invitation to revel in their drama; because that is what they are wanting and are waiting for. That is how one would disengage without airing superiority. There is no need for sarcasm from your side - that is pure ego-drama. Disengage, Scotty! Disengage.
Get rid of gender bias. Let me put it this way: A male orientated society has proven itself not to work - in looooong gone history of this planet, a female orientated society was as miserable a failure. The actual point that Spirit is interested in seeing is a society that is equal and without considerations of gender.
Most of us have been both sexes at different times and places in our incarnations. None is better than the other and none is capable of realizing peace on earth on its own, regardless of what any macho male egotist or feminist has to say. There is only one thing that will harmonize the sexes; and that is in seeing each other as spiritual incarnations within the broader experience of universal consciousness.
Identifying with certain things just because you are a certain gender and/or even campaigning against the other is nothing less than survival of dramatic ego. Defining yourself on base of your gender (including whether one is heterosexual or homosexual or bi-sexual or a-sexual) only biases you to feel free to do certain things without expecting it to be questioned.
Just have a look at your favorite esoteric/spiritual masters, whether dead or alive - and if they have really achieved mastery you will find and see in them all three aspects that have been referred to above.
Now find and implement them in yourself. There is not really such a human as a "master" - it's just a descriptive word, mostly used by those that externalize responsibility onto other humans they see as superior, or by people themselves who feel that the title of "master" hides their own inadequacies...
...and the system that will guide you in discovering your own mastery? Divine intuition. It is something that will assist you in knowing how fast to go and which way to turn. It, however, will not happen in advance. And that is what keeps many people away from their own intuitive abilities - the insecurity of not definitely knowing future happenings.
Intuition is a language that is spoken through symbols. It is our innate capability to read our surroundings - through animals, people, radio, billboards and events in nature. Our own inner Divine being also "speaks" to us through the actions and words of our friends and family. Inspiration is often unknowingly given by someone you hardly know or have met in passing - and sometimes we just need the unwitting push of a really good friend who might just be in your life for a season.
Jacques - Holistic Life-Counselor / Trainer
- Life-Force Channeler (Symbology, Crystal Therapy, Polarity Balancing)
- Clairsentient / Empath
- Usui Reiki Master
- Motivational Speaker (Self-Empowerment) / Writer
Link to Articles/Writings Blog of Lilac Master - http://lilacmaster.blogspot.com (Discussions & comment..)
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacques_Ractliffe
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