1. Move your body. Get up and get physical. Or lie down and get physical. ;) Just do something to get your blood moving for just 15 or 20 minutes. And then do it again tomorrow. One of my favorite methods is also the easiest. Put on some music that you love and dance around your living room. Wave your hands and shake your bootie. It doesn’t matter if you look like a lunatic. You’ll feel better for it. Trust me.
Note- Dressing up as The Incredibles isn't entirely necessary, but it helps. ;)
2. Make a point to be happy for other peoples’ successes. When you find yourself about to criticize someone else for no reason other than the fact that they have achieved something you haven’t, just stop. Take a soft, deep breath. Imagine their success as your success, their happiness as your happiness. Practice this phrase, “Good for them”. And mean it. When they feel good, it does not take away from your ability to do so. Use them as inspiration and be grateful for the example.
3. Stop avoiding reality. Focus on the here and now. Feel into your body and notice where it is that you’re you, with your feet on the ground, your butt in your chair, whatever you’re doing, just be there with it for 3 long, soft breathes. Many habits interfere with your ability to really feel this moment of your life for what it is… fantasizing about the past (or future), television, constant busy-ness, obsessive worrying, drinking, drugs. What these things all have in common is that they pull your attention and your energy away from the present moment. The here and now is the only time in which you can actually live your life… one moment after another, one breath after the next. You don't want to miss it.
2. Make a point to be happy for other peoples’ successes. When you find yourself about to criticize someone else for no reason other than the fact that they have achieved something you haven’t, just stop. Take a soft, deep breath. Imagine their success as your success, their happiness as your happiness. Practice this phrase, “Good for them”. And mean it. When they feel good, it does not take away from your ability to do so. Use them as inspiration and be grateful for the example.
3. Stop avoiding reality. Focus on the here and now. Feel into your body and notice where it is that you’re you, with your feet on the ground, your butt in your chair, whatever you’re doing, just be there with it for 3 long, soft breathes. Many habits interfere with your ability to really feel this moment of your life for what it is… fantasizing about the past (or future), television, constant busy-ness, obsessive worrying, drinking, drugs. What these things all have in common is that they pull your attention and your energy away from the present moment. The here and now is the only time in which you can actually live your life… one moment after another, one breath after the next. You don't want to miss it.
So enough from me. What is it that you all do to grow the happiness in your life?
(1) play with and hug my grandkids; (2) watch my bluebirds; (3) dance to "crazy" by Gnarls Barkley; (4)read niece Wendy's blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you. That is lovely advice and *exactly* what I needed to hear today.
ReplyDeleteI have been walking everyday now for almost two weeks straight, and it feels sooooo great! Which takes me to #3 on your list, when I walk I listen to my breath and recognize each step. Oh the things in this wonderful world (in and outside of yourself) you notice when you are present!!!
ReplyDeleteLove your post and pic! Made me smile and that is another thing to make your life better, smile, smell, sit back and breathe.
ReplyDeleteI also like to enjoy good food, as in healthy organic choices, some great music that brings an image of a setting sun on a summer day give myself permission to not accomplish. Take a nap, relax. Be gentle...
Your post has inspired me for an idea on my blog today, thank you for inspiration~!
A picture of the Incredibles dancing just made my day brighter. Who would have thought.... lol Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGreat list! I've been venting to get the cranky thoughts out of my head, where they tend to rattle around and make me feel crankier. I'm working on actively seeking happiness since I was given a "DUH" moment from another blog. Spending time with the kiddos is high on the list but just being with my friends makes me feel lighter even when we're all too tired to hold much of a conversation!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for this....
ReplyDeleteAround 9:30 at night here lately, there has been a bird that starts in with the most beauitul song. Not sure what it is but the song last for about 30 min. I try to make time to stop and just sit on the deck or by an open window to listen to it ...and the silence that surrounds it.
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