Many people would love to feel more positive and live happier lives.  This can be done.  It takes some small changes and regular effort.  The rewards are worth both.

 Emotions, attitudes, and ways of thinking can become habits like many other things.  We get used to looking at and doing things a certain way and don't even consider that there may be better ways.  Below, try the tips on how to be more positive and increase your level of happiness:

   1.  Keep your expectations reasonable.  Too low or too high will disappoint every time. 

   2.  Try to avoid taking everything negative personally.  Reframe the negatives several ways to get some proper perspective on any given circumstance, remark, or event.

   3.  Develope the habit of recognizing negative "self talk."  Hush your inner critic by replacing those negatives with 5 positives, whether about yourself, life, a situation, or another person.

   4.  Allow yourself to experience and acknowledge each and every emotion.  Let's face it.  Some things DO hurt and some things ARE negative.  Giving a definite name to and reason for experiencing those things will help you move through them more quickly.

   5.  Learn to identify those things on which you focus most as negative or positive.  Make a deliberate choice to seek out the positive things in each day, even the bad days.

   6.  Keep a gratitude journal, and at the end of the day, record in it as many good things about yourself and that day as you can.

   7.   Do more of the things in life that you enjoy.  Learn even more things that will bring you pleasure.  Life is a big buffet!  Choose the good stuff.  Allow yourself to experience it.

   8.  Hang out with happy people, and avoid those who are chronically negative.  Moods and attitudes are catching.

   9.  Take good care of your body, mind, and spirit.  This sends you the message that you are a valuable human being worthy of time, attention, and care.  It is hard to be positive when you neglect yourself.

 10.  Do something nice each day for someone else, even if it is as small as smiling at a stranger.  Helping others makes us feel naturally better.

 11.  Laugh.  Out loud!  Watch a funny movie, read a humorous book, or join in with children who are having fun.  They are natural comedians.

 12.  Read inspirational and motivational material each day.  Place sticky notes of encouragement here and there about your home and workplace.

Practice each of these small steps every day.  While you may not be bouncing with joy every second, and who is, you will definitely develop the habit of being more positive.