The father of positive psychology, Martin Seligman, suggests and research confirms that while 60 percent of happiness is determined by our genetics and environment, the remaining 40 percent is up to us. Optimum happiness is an inside job that requires a proactive choice.
According to Seligman, there are three different kinds ‘happy’. The first is a pleasant life, in which you fill your life with as many pleasures and material things as you can. Second is the life of engagement in your work, parenting, love and leisure. These two forms of happiness are more fleeting, less durable, and are dependent on outer circumstances.
The kind of ‘happy’ that is durable and possible regardless of your circumstances is yours by consciously choosing to make the most of that 40%. It calls for honoring your worth and well-being through a new found awareness of the importance of self-love, embracing and applying your innate magnificence, and using your strengths and gifts to belong to and in the service of something larger than you are.
Small and consistent conscious steps lead to a life that matters.
Here are a few…
Surround yourself with other happy, trustworthy people
Smile often
Be grateful
Look on the bright side of life
Notice, appreciate and celebrate simple things
Give AND receive wholeheartedly
Minimize small talk and enjoy deeper conversations
Let yourself loose track of time doing something you love
Shame less and joy full
Listen wholeheartedly
Unplug
Get to the heart of what matters quicker
Get still and breathe deep
Take your shoes off to connect with nature
Find an excuse to have a belly laugh
Sleep more and drink more water
Walk your walk by having words and actions match
Respond rather than react
Care less what other people think of you
Love yourself as much as you love others
Don’t go Lone Ranger
Say YES when you mean YES, and NO when you mean NO
Let NO be a complete sentence
Forgive quickly
Trust your gut
Because I’m happy,
If you feel this newsletter would make the road of life a bit easier for another, please pass along. Invite all your family and friends to sign up for my newsletter by visiting http://www.centerofhappiness.com.
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