Happiness seems like an easy chore but I believe that true happiness isn’t that simple. It’s a lot more complicated than the temporary happiness that you feel after a big, hearty meal or when you buy that item on your wish list. Happiness doesn’t mean a perfect and problem-free kind of life (hey, no one is elated 24/7. Are you kidding me?) It is a mental or emotional state of well-being defined by positive emotions. Happiness is a choice.
So if you want to be happier, learn from these 5 tips:
Step 1: Decide to be happy.
Like I said, happiness is a choice you make within yourself. Real and long-lasting happiness begins with you. This impelling desire to be happy will push you to do whatever it takes to earn that happiness. It is a conscious choice to make an effort to be joyful even in painful and hopeless times. Accept harsh experiences as learning opportunities and strive hard to real, improve and find solutions.
Step 2: Develop a happy outlook in life.
Once you’ve decided to choose and stay happy, it’s time to remove those negative thoughts in mind and focus on the positive side of life. By doing this, you get to train yourself to always see the bright side of any situation, even the bad ones.
Step 3: Be grateful.
Instead of focusing on what you lack, think about what you have and be grateful for it. Counting your blessings diminishes greed and bitterness. Gratitude doesn’t only promote happiness, but also help you become a better person and have a stronger relationship with the people around you; which in return, brings you even more happiness!
Step 4: Confront your problems.
When problems come, don’t just complain or become passive-aggressive. Don’t bottle up your feelings because it will just make you even feel more upset, annoyed and disappointed. Instead, face the problem or if it’s a person, confront and be open about it. Find a solution to the problem (although not all problems have immediate solutions) and move on. Things will pass, trust me. This approach is also applicable to past issues. When we hold grudges in hearts, you really can’t be truly happy. So forgive those who have wronged you, make amends with those you have conflicts with and let go of the hatred in your heart.
Step 5: Surround yourself with positive vibes.
Happiness is definitely contagious. So allow yourself to be lifted up and inspired with the positivity of others. Take a look at the people around you – do they make you happy? Or just stress you with their own negativity? Like what the famous quote says, “Who and what we surround ourselves with is who and what we become,” remember that.
