This is my new wallet, chosen not because I needed a new wallet, but because I loved that it said “Choose Happy!” It immediately made me think of my very favorite quote by one of my favorite presidents–Abraham Lincoln. He said that most people were as happy as they made up their minds to be. Considering that he reportedly suffered from depression most of his adult life, this sounds like a strange quote. However, President Lincoln also loved people and the give and take of life, so he kept his White House open to all. He was a special man and a great leader.
My husband likes to talk about the “gap” between stimulus and response. The gap is the time you have to reflect and react in a situation–how you choose to react–rather than just giving in to your first impulse.What makes us different from animals is this ability to choose our thoughts and actions. So here are five ideas for choosing happiness.
Pay Attention
Look beyond yourself and where you are…..
One of my favorite activities in an airport is people watching. Guess what their story is, smile at their happiness and just visit with total strangers who may make a positive impact on your life. Use this in the Emergency Room and watch your stress level drop!
Say It Out Loud
One of my personal favorites is so simple. If you are noticing how nice that color looks on that woman–tell her! If that dad’s kids are behaving well–say it! if a new acquaintance has beautiful eyes–say so. I guarantee no one has ever been angry at being complimented, and you may make their day, week or month!
Say No Sometimes
Just because you are a great organizer, baker, driver or the employee of the month doesn’t mean you have to always say yes. Recognizing your boundaries and meeting your own needs can cause happiness and lead to more energy. No, this doesn’t mean be selfish with your time and energy, just balance your time with others and your time alone.
Get In Touch with Mother Nature
Yep, I said it and I mean it–if you have ever stood under the stars or on a hilltop and had your breath taken away, you understand. Also, stop trolling YouTube for cute puppy and kitten videos and go hang out with a real one! The advantage of focusing on nature is that often you have loved ones with you, so it’s a twofer–nature and nurture (your soul is calling!).
Chat With Your Father
Yes, I mean Father with a capital F, as in God. You might have guessed from my blog title that I am a woman of faith and I find that God actually listens quite well. Here’s something even more astonishing–if you listen carefully, He will answer back! Not always clearly in your head, but often through others. I am a firm believer in angels among us–so pay attention!
If that doesn’t add to your happiness, I don’t know what will!
How do you choose happy? Let us know in the comment section….
Great blog Cheri Lynn!