Live Well, Be Happy
70
"Live well, be happy" has been my personal motto for more than a decade. This philosophy has radically turned my whole world around. Living well has improved the quality of my life and my health and, instilled in me a positive outlook on life. Happiness and contentment have been a natural consequence since that first day I'd decided to change the way I lived.
Living well begins with identifying the things that truly matter in life. Many of us are very concerned with the opinions that others have of us and we try to keep up a good impression. Some of us do this by lying to others and pretending to be that which we are not. But do we ever consider what we think of ourselves? How do we feel when we look at ourselves in the mirror every day? Do we feel that the opinions that others have of us are more important that our own opinions of ourselves?
The following principles are what have helped me to live a better life.
Live Well To Be Happy
The Concept Of Self Esteem
Self Esteem
What we think of ourselves affects the way in which we think about everything. We think well of ourselves when we do and say things that are true and that help others. By adopting a good attitude towards others, we truly feel that we deserve to be loved. By thinking and behaving well, our conscience is clear and there is an absence of fear, anger, and suspicion. When we choose to think well of others, we are more prone to behaving well and interacting with others in positive and constructive ways.
To the right is a video by Brian Tracy, a renowned author and international speaker who talks about the importance of self esteem. Brian presents this concept in a clear and unambiguous way and is a remarkably gifted person. His journey through life has revealed valuable insights that are more than worth considering.
The Greatest Love Of All
Learn To Love Yourself
Loving ourselves literally means taking care of our bodies, our minds, and our emotions. Ensuring that our bodies are kept healthy is the best way to physically love ourselves. Having good thoughts prevents confusion and mental stress and, promotes mental health. Good thoughts and actions nurture a giving spirit that promotes excellent emotional health. Loving ourselves enables us to love others.
An Act of Selfless Kindness
Benevolence
Benevolence is also known as loving kindness. This is where we not only love ourselves, but we also love our fellow man. By being benevolent towards others, we spread the message of loving kindness and promote a kindred spirit in our homes and our communities. The practice of "Paying-It-Forward" is a good example of how benevolence can effectively work for us.
Radical Honesty
Honesty
Honesty has to do with embracing the truth. In this case, we refer to individual truth. By being honest, we are able to acquaint ourselves with our own true nature and identity. When we embrace the truth, we are freed from the guilt of having to lie for the sake of keeping up appearences and the fear of others finding out that we have lied. The truth is a very humbling but liberating experience. Know the truth, and it will set you free.
Words To Live By - Trustworthiness
Trustworthiness
To be trustworthy is for people to be able to trust you. People can trust you when you keep your word by doing what you say you will do. By having a reputation for being a trustworthy person, people will generally behave positively towards you, new friendships can be established, and existing friendships will continue to flourish. Trustworthiness is one of the most important qualities that a person should have. To be trustworthy is to be both truthful and dependable.
Power Of Humility
Humility
Humility prevents pride from taking a controlling place of power within us. It reduces the size of our egos and allows us to accept ourselves for what we truly are, imperfections and all. Being humble also helps us to face the reality about ourselves and of our surroundings. It prevents us from coming into conflict with others, as well as making us more likeable. Humility promotes harmony and peace.
Deepak Chopra - Gratitude
Gratitude
Gratitude also prevents our egos from exerting their influence over us. The feeling of gratitude fills us with peace, love, and contentedness. It frees us of greed because our minds are no longer focussed on the things that we want but rather, the things that we are grateful to have. Gratefulness also reminds us never to take anyone or anything for granted. We can't be presumptuous and demanding when we remember to be grateful.
Patience, Not Haste
Patience
A patient attitude keeps our stress levels and blood pressure down. It makes us calm and more sensitive to the feelings of others. We are less likely to make mistakes when we are patient. And by not rushing in our thoughts and actions, we are less likely to be involved in accidents. Being patient ensures that we don't over-react in difficult situations and it enables us to be more caring people with whom others can easily talk to.
The Ripple Effect
Social Ethics
Social ethics play an important role in determining how we see ourselves and, also how our opinion of ourselves affects what we see in others. In short, we are prone to expect others to do what we are capable of in the first place. This is to say that if we subscribe to good ethical practices, it would be normal for us to assume the same of others.
The Ripple Effect illustrates how our actions "vibrate" outwards and affects people and situations that surround us. When we choose to say or do anything, our words and actions affect everything and everyone around us. Thus, the onus is on us to do our part to spread good vibrations as it will not only benefit us but also, the people around us. We have a responsibility for how we choose to behave in our homes, places of work, and our communities.
What goes around, comes around.
Is Your Job Worth It?
Overworking
Work Ethics
Work ethics form an important part of our everday lives because work is the one activity where we spend the most time on. Being able to do our jobs well and effectively working as a team gives us a sense of job satisfaction and worth. But what if we worked for companies that provided products or services that conflict with our conscience? The money might be good but would it be worth it?
I know of some people who are seen as successful in their careers. But because they spend so much time consumed in work, they have neglected the needs of their families. And though they had gained all the material comforts and privileges, it was at the expense of alienating themselves from their spouses and children. What are we willing to sacrifice for the sake of money?
A Relaxing Jacuzzi Session
Meditative Relaxation
Pets Are Therapeutic
Destressing
Destressing is very beneficial because it helps us to maintain a good level of health. Activities like sports, exercise and listening to music are very effective ways to destress. Other activities like volunteerism in religious or community organizations can also be excellent ways to destress ourselves. Anything that you enjoy doing can be a form of destressing.
Destressing is also referred to as "unwinding". Some people drink a bit of wine towards the end of each day. This is an ancient practice that is foreign to Asia. Other ways of unwinding after a hard days work also include dancing, martial arts and shopping. One of my favourite methods of destressing is going to a karaoke and singing my heart out.
Meditation has also been shown to be very beneficial in calming the mind and body. This form of destressing is especially appealing to those that prefer not to participate in any form of physical exertion. Meditating clears the mind of negative thoughts and emotions that can cause our bodies to be tensed up. For those that believe in the existence of God, praying and singing religious songs is a form of meditation. And for those that do not believe in God, there are also non-religious types of meditation that can be done in silence or with the aid of a soothing commentary from a compact or DVD disc.
Interacting with pets is also very therapeutic in managing stress. Research has concluded that physical contact with pets like dogs and cats does a lot to bring down our blood pressure and stress levels. People that own pets have also been observed to live longer lives and have relatively fewer instances of falling ill.
Living Well Makes Us Happy
Living well makes it so natural for me to be happy and contented. By adhering to the principles I have mentioned, I am more confident, competent, and successful in all that I aspire to achieve. And though I had lost some friends when I'd begun to be truthful about myself, I have also made some new friends that accept me for what I truly am.
I was born without money and possessions and I shall leave behind all that I have accumulated when it's time for me to leave this world. So, what is the real value of money and possessions if I can't take them with me when it's time for me to pass on? And if all I could take with me were my memories, then what sort of memories would I wish to create for myself in this short lifetime?
Useful Links
- Brian Tracy Quotes
This is a website called "Brainy Quotes". Many of the quotes that Brian Tracy is famous for having said can be easily found here. Brian has authored a series of books based on the lessons he's learnt from real the experiences of his life. - Brad Blanton, PHD
Brad Blanton is a psychologist possessing decades of experience with helping people confront their true identities. Often referred to as the "Truth Doctor", Brian has authored a number of books on the advantages of embracing our true identity. - Familydoctor.Org
This website is an excellent source of information on health issues. Particularly, it stresses on the correlation between the mind and the body and how the former dynamically impacts the latter. Emotional health issues are also addressed here. - Deepak Chopra
Dr. Deepak Chopra is one of the pioneers of modern mind body medicine. He is a world renowned author of many books on spiritual and psychological topics. He is presently the Director of Education at the Chopra Centre for Wellbeing in California. - Benevolence Today - Help for People in Need
This organization works in partnership with charitable causes by raising social awareness with the aid of media, companies and individuals. It provides financial and other forms of assistance to people facing health problems, crisis and catastrophy. - The Analytical Diagnosis of the Most Important Phrenological Faculties
Here, the workings of the human mind are studied from the branch of medical science referred to as Phrenology. Through experimentation, mental faculties have been divided into four major categories and further refined into topical sub categories.
PrintShare it! — Rate it: up down flag this hub
Comments
Hi Funride,
Thank you for taking the time to read these thoughts, my friend. May we always be blessed with the things that truly matter in this journey called life.
*smiles*
This is a timely reminder to slow down and take stock - also to recognise the limits of one's influence is helpful. Thanks for posting this.
Hi Paraglider,
Yes, my friend. These guidelines have helped me so much that I just felt I had to share it with everyone. Thanks for taking the time to be here, my friend.
*smiles*
Terence;
Way to go with another great hub. These are all good things to consider for happiness. I agree with all that you wrote.
I look at that if I can live the moment and help others, I will be happy. Your writings are similar to that, but in much greater detail. Thank you for your helpful ideas.
Excellent hub, Terence. These are great fundamentals for leading a fulfilling life. Fortunately, my parents are big advocates of positive thinking and made my sisters and I listen to Brian Tracy and other motivational speakers when we were growing up (as you can imagine, we weren't very happy about it at the time, but the advice has definitely paid off over the years).
If schools integrated these types of guidelines into their curricula, think of what a different world we'd be living in.
Hi Viralprospector,
Good to hear from you again, my friend. It's great to know that you feel the same way as I do. Being able to help others remains a privilege that I am always grateful for.
May happiness always be yours and never leave you, my friend
*smiles*
Hi Melissa,
You were indeed fortunate at having parents that advocated positive thinking. They gave you and your sister an excellent head start in life.
Yes, the world would be an incredible place if schools were to include lessons on positive thinking into their curricula.
*smiles*
Wonderful hub, terenceyap! If you should ever come to Amsterdam I know a place for karaoke. We should definitely go there :)
*smile*
Hi Terrence,
This is a wonderful hub, with some great guidelines for living well. I 'm a big believer in the power of positive thinking. We should all pay a little less attention to what others think about us, and a lot more attention to that inner guide which we all have, but which all too often gets drowned out by the noise and hubbub around us.
Thanks Ananta. I shall definitely look you up if ever I'm in Amsterdam. I look forward to sharing a good karaoke session with you, my friend.
*smiles*
Hi Amanda,
Thank you for your kind comments and much appreciated support, my friend. In times like these, it's all too easy to be swept away with the hustle and bustle of life.
*smiles*
Thanks for another great hub! Living in a world that sometimes seems like a sea of negativity, we need such reminders.
You're most welcome, Jerilee.
*smiles*
Just wanted to say that I loved this hub!! I have read through it several times already. Thank you!
Hi ANewton,
Thank you for your kind words and encouragement, my friend.
*smiles*
Terence,
Great hub! Always looking forward to your writing. Please don't make me too too long for your next great hub.
Si Fu!
You honour me with your visit, sir.
I have read with great interest the training programs you are conducting with Mediacorp Singapore. They are indeed privileged to be trained in SEO by Google's number 1 ranked SEO trainer.
*smiles*
You and I share a very similar thoughts about life; if we love ourselves, its easier to love those in our world. I have also simplified my life and I am grateful. Nice to have you around in Hubpages. :)
Hi Violet,
It's really nice for me to discover that both of us share similar thoughts on life, my friend. I didn't know that I had to love myself untill very late into my 30's. But as they say: better late than never.
*smiles*
Very uplifting and inspiring Hub. Well thought out advice. Thanks for sharing it. As you know, unfortunately many people get stuck on the negative and have a hard time changing. I think we need to learn new skills to control the negative. Please feel free to see how I try to help others in new ways. Sincerely: Gary Eby, author and therapist.
Wow, this is a jammed pack hub. THANK YOU.
I love all the utubes. I haven't figured out how to link one utube, let alone multiple videos.
Nicely done.
Dear Qlcoach,
Thank you for your encouraging comment, my friend. I had to learn these things through very hard lessons in my own personal life.
I agree that learning new skills would be beneficial to us in learning to percieve the other side of negatives. This is why I had placed so much emphasis on choosing a different point of perspective for myself. Re-orientating to this new perspective was also something I had to develop.
I have visited your hubs and admire the visualization techniques you use. Indeed, I can see much positivity in your approach to life, my friend.
*smiles*
Hi Die'Dre',
It's nice to see you again, my friend.
I believe that Darkside has written a comprehensive hub on how to link both Youtube and Google videos to hubs. Basicaly, the "video capsule" is selected from the top right menu in edit mode afterwhich, you fill up the "title", "url" or "code" and then save the capsule.
The "up" and "down" arrows determine where you want this video capsule to be placed, whie the "right" arrow minimizes the size of the video box and positions it to the right.
Also, you must remember to click onto the "done editing" button for your editing to be accepted by Hubpages.
*smiles*
I would say this is the best hub on how to live well and be happy, its inspirational and uplifting.
Hi Research Analyst,
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement, my friend. I hope that all is well with you and I have found your hubs very educational and useful. Keep up the good work!
*smiles*
Great hub. I agree with your principles. It can be tough to break old habbits but I believe once you begin to truly live well it will become the only way to live for you.
Hi Pcdriverupdate,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment here, my friend. And what you've said is so true: "once you begin to truly live well, it will become the only way to live for you". Wise words, indeed.
*smiles*
two thumbs up! thanks for sharing! when we live well, we begin to appreciate the beauty of life and how truly blessed we are to have it!
Dear Morrisonspeaks,
Thank you for your words of encouragement and for sharing your enthusiasm, my friend. Yes, we are truly so blessed when we can appreciate the beauty within us and around us.
*smiles*
Nice hub related to healthy living!!
Dear Dreena,
Thank you for your comment, my friend.
*smiles*
Great great hub.. its always uplifiting to read things like this and get tips on life to come back up when the going gets tough, thanks!
Hi My-hair-tools,
Thank you taking the time to read this hub, my friend, I'm glad that you found this hub useful.
*smiles*
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!
Hi Kristinmedved,
Thank you for your encouraging comment, my friend.
*smiles*
HI TERENCEYAP,
NICE TIP TO BE HAPPY
Hi Starcatchinfo,
It's nice of you to stop by and leave a comment, my friend.
*smiles*
Thank you.
we always get something when we are in search of it.
your voluntary work would be awarded.
Take Care.
Hi Tanvir,
You show optimism and resolve in your words, my friend. And though it would be nice to rewarded for our efforts, voluntary work remains what its description suggests.
Thank you for your encouragement. I look forward to reading more of your articles, my friend.
*smiles*
Hi Terrence, very nice tips to stay healthy and live happily..I too believe that to be happy in life you have to live it in healthy and realxed way..I would like to add one more thing that by reading inspiring and biographical books, one can also get motivation to live life in a better way.
Thanks
Dreena
Hi Dreena,
Welcome back, my friend. Thank you for your suggestion. Reading inspiring articles and books have been especially beneficial for me, too. And biographies can be a good source of inspiration, especially the life stories of people who overcame insurmountable odds and made it.
Thank you again for your contribution, my friend.
*smiles*
This is a beautiful message that I hope everyone reads. There are pointers for everyone!
Dear Godskid88,
Thank you for your kind comment, my friend. I hope that many more people read it, too.
*smiles*
Terence, your hubs are always inspiring and this is a perfect example. Thank u so much for this. :)
Hi Summer,
Thank you for your kind comment, my friend.
*smiles*
Nice inspiring hub to read on an overcast morning. Thanks for the happy thoughts.
Hi SweetiePie,
You're most welcome, my friend.
*smiles*
I like hubs with with a positive message. Great job.
Also the visual aspect of your hub is great.
Warm regards from Belgium,
Steve
Dear 1stevedw,
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement, my friend. And thank you for commenting on the visual aspect, too.
*smiles*
Hello Terence!
Your hub really strucks me! Very inspiring! It reminds me of my past experiences. I'm a Life Coach now for more than 10 years and I've been transforming People's lives positively. Your topic was really great! I can relate to it. I'm giving you a thumbs up for this!
Hi Betherickson,
It's very kind of you to leave such a comment, my friend. Thank you very much!
*smiles*
Terence,
As usual another great hub. I love reading so much positive energy on your hubs and comments. Certainly a thumbs up from me.
Hi Countrywomen,
You always leave such kind comments, my friend. You are indeed a bastion of positive energy. Thank you for reading this hub.
*smiles*
Fantastic hub! Each Monday I email the people I work with something inspiring to read. This week I sent a link to your hub, and I have received a lot of positive feedback. I find this information to be particularly important right now, when we are so bombarded with negative news...thank you for sharing!
Hi BizzyMuse,
Thank you for taking the time to not only read this hub but also to spread it around for others to read. You have my heart-felt appreciation, my friend.
*smiles*
All the best to you! Wish you everthing is fine!
Thank you Fang,
All the best to you, Johnny, Samantha and, Priscilla too.
*smiles*
Nice hubs. Thanks for the tips..Can I add CONTENTMENT?
Hi Kits,
Thank you for your comment, my friend. Contentedness is already mentioned under the sub heading "Gratitude" but maybe I should expand on it a little more.
Thanks for the feedback, my friend.
*smiles*
good points! better than all the advice that those life coaches with miserable personal lives give. hahaha. the kinda crap that they dish out is phenomenal. cheers to you. I really enjoyed going through your hubs.
Hi SOL,
Thank you for your comment, my friend. I don't know about the personal lives of those coaches you mentioned or even who they are. But I'm glad you enjoyed reading these hubs.
*smiles*
Hi Terence, this hub is inspirational. I've enjoyed reading this. :)
Hi BeatsMe,
Thank you for coming here, my friend. I'm glad you enjoyed this hub.
*smiles*
Beautiful thoughts from a beautiful man! I think Patience is one of the most important and under-valued of the virtues. Glad you mentioned it. :)
Hi Evenmurphy,
I am thankful that you have taken the time to leave a comment, but I am embarrassed by your kind words. While I have become more patient through the years, I still feel that there's a lot more work that needs to be done in this area (where I'm concerned), my friend.
*smiles*
For building my self-esteem I recite this affirmation, " I love and approve of myself the way I am". And it has helped me a lot. Great hub. Thank you.
Hi Kulsum,
Thank you commenting and sharing your affirmation, my friend. Self-acceptance is also a great way to living well and being happy!
*smiles*
The video AN ACT OF SELFLESS KINDNESS was a good video! This article could brighten up anybodys day. I see you know losts of things about life and the purpose, and how to treat it from the hubs are post.
That video was my favorite, too. I don't know as much as I would want to know about life, my friend. All I can do is share my experiences.
Thank you for taking the time to read this hub and comment on it.
*smiles*
This is some of the most inspiring information I've read in a while. Thank you!
Karen
Hi Karen,
That you had taken the time to read this article is thanks enough for me, my friend. Be happy always!
*smiles*
Very correct philosophy on living well. Personally I am over-worked and tied to my job. And I cannot do anything about it at present. Hope things will change soon for the better for me. I am going to bookmark this hub and read it often. Thank you for sharing terenceyap07.
This is a wonderful hub, I am starting a journey, losing weight improving my mind,,,,,,, little by little, I thoroughly appreciate the points you make and agree with them whole heartedly...
Nice hub
this sounds too good. all i ever get for my best is abuse and being taken for granted. many out there are just waiting for some goodhearted sucker to come along. the world is full of wolves and vultures. i wanna be good. but all i ever get is heartache and pain. so i am bad. ain't no mother badder than me. ain't nobody gonna take me for a ride ever again. tell me what's the use in being torn apart everytime you open the door to your heart. they just come in and take everything you got. then they tear at your heart till there's nothing left. nothing!
Kulsum Mehmood,
Thank you for leaving a comment. Sorry for this late reply.
All of us are given choices on how we want to schedule our daily lives. Some of us wish to be productive and squueze in as much as we can into each day. If we choose to squeeze too much into our schedules, we will feel drained.
Things shall improve when you choose to reschedule the way in which you wish to live your life, my friend.
*smiles*
Sunesra,
Thank you for your kind comment, my friend.
*smiles*
flayed & betrayed,
There shall be many people whom we meet in this lifetime. To each of these people, we offer an opportunity of friendship. Not everyone of these people shall accept our offer.
Do not focus on, or be discouraged by, those that do not value friendship. They mean you no harm.
Instead, focus on those that respond to you in kind.
*smiles*
I did that. I lied to keep up a good impression and I felt that what others think of me are more important than what I think of myself.
I read through all the text and watched the videos and please believe me when I'm saying I cried and stopped crying and then I cried again.
Thank you for what you wrote in my forum thread, because I found it very profound and it lead me here to this hub. I will be coming back to it in the future so, please, never take it down.
I'm at the hardest moment of my life and I find that these thoughts really help me see better and understand life better.
At least for the time I spent reading your hub I felt amazing and for that I thank you.
Pacal,
This hub shall not be taken down.
*smiles*
I enjoyed reading this hub very much! A great amount of truth has been written here.
Godslittlechild,
I'm glad you liked it, my friend.
*smiles*
funride says:
17 months ago
Very nice tips here. I couldn´t agree more with you: "Living well begins with identifying the things that truly matter in life."
Thanks for sharing such helpful thoughts.