Achieving and Sustaining Personal Happiness
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By: GERRY HOPMAN
We live in a world that believes in postponing happiness exemplified by the following statements: I will be happy when I make $ 100,000 a year; I will be happy when I get my dream house; I will be happy when I have enough money to quit my job.
Happiness isn't associated with wealth or riches. In my travels to different parts of the world, I found that the happiest people were often the poorest. They were thankful for the little they had and were free of worries, stress and anxiety.
Many of us believe that health and happiness are the most important things in our lives. As parents we wish for health and happiness for our children. There is no denying that the two are closely connected to one another. Unless you have good health, happiness is not fulfilled.
Happiness may mean different things to different people. Certain people receive happiness from hard work, while others can be totally fulfilled sitting by a stream with a fishing rod, or by reading a good book.
It proves that we are all unique and that we function at different levels of satisfaction and happiness. There are some things I like to share with you that, if practiced, will make most of us happier.
Twelve things to increase personal happiness
Practice laughing every day. Remember, if you don't use it, you're liable to lose it.
Practice smiling every day. Your smile is your personal signature. It helps putting you in a happier frame of mind, as well as stimulating those around you to smile back.
Figure out what makes you happy and laugh. Make a list of things that trigger happiness and laughter for you. Keep the list handy and consult it when needed.
Hang out with happy people who enjoy laughing and can make you laugh. Happiness and laughter are contagious, so be sure to catch the wave.
Plan 'fun' and 'play,' in your 'day-timer' or on your calendar. Don't plan work and busy times only. If you don't plan for fun and play, it won't happen.
Be kind to yourself. Don't use up all your available time without any breaks. Learn to say 'No' once in a while. Believe me the universe will continue even if you stop and smell the roses now and then.
Learn to laugh at yourself and your mistakes. The world accommodates mistakes by putting erasers on pencils, with 'white-out,’ and of course the back spacer on your computer.
Look for humor around you, bumper stickers, funny signs etc. Become a 'Humor Spotter.'
Share your embarrassing experiences with others. What was totally devastating at the time it happened, can become hilarious after the fact.
Recall some of the funny things that happened to you at the end of the day. Write them down and look them up when you're feeling down in order to give yourself a lift.
Don't be afraid to do something silly now and then. Let the child, the clown escape from within and have some fun.
Practice optimism, because optimists are more successful and happier in life.
Gerry Hopman is a Humorist, Motivational Speaker and Author. He believes that humor, laughter and happiness are essential to finding balance in life and career.
To find out more about Gerry and his views on how humor and laughter impact on life and career, visit his web site at: http://www.humor-laughter.com
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