Happiness is available to you, whether or not you are practised at it. It is not something that external circumstances create. It is something that you allow. Here's how.
Emotionally:
* Think well of yourself. And give yourself plenty of reasons to do so. When you let yourself down, learn something, make the change that's needed - and move on.
* Pay attention to what's uplifting - and be uplifted!
* Regard your life as a gift.
* Value what you can give others.
* Discover and value all your strengths: intellectual, emotional, spiritual, social, creative and moral.
* Let go of resentments.
* Cultivate tolerance, patience and good humour.
* Practise forgiveness.
* Express gratitude. Find increasing reasons to be grateful.
Socially:
* Find and focus on the positive qualities of other people.
* Value simple pleasures.
* Discover what makes others happy. Do more of that.
* Give time and attention to your close relationships.
* Think and speak positively about yourself and others.
* Be the friend you would most like to have.
* Practise tolerance through deeper understanding.
* Try new things or do familiar things in a fresh way.
* Give something practical to your community.
* Choose work that supports your integrity.
* Be a peacemaker.
Physically:
* Sleep and eat well. (This has a dramatic effect on wellbeing.)
* Limit alcohol (or give it up entirely if you are irritable, angry or depressed) Abstain from recreational drugs.
* Exercise every day.
* Appreciate and relish the gifts of your health, body and senses.
* Take regular breaks.
* Cultivate beauty in all your environments.
Spiritually:
* Consider that you are a soul, a living spiritual eternal being.
* Consider that every other being is also a soul.
* Believe in something greater than yourself.
* Respect other people's paths.
* Practise kindness. Live kindly.
* See yourself in others and others in yourself.
* Focus on the present moment (that's where happiness is experienced)
* Spend time with people who inspire you.
* Celebrate and create beauty.
* Value silence.
* Learn to meditate and still your mind.
* Explore prayer - especially simple words of gratitude.
* Read what's uplifting. Listen to music that soothes.
* Recognise your interdependence with all living forms.
* On a daily basis, relish the wonders of nature.
Spread happiness
Dowrick, Stephanie. Choosing Happiness. Life & Soul Essentials. Allen & Unwin. Aust. 2005
