Happiness and Optimism

Self Help and the search for Happiness.

“Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances.” — Benjamin Franklin

We all want to be happy, but then life happens. Between the news, the economy, the negative talk of others, our own regrets, the problems that confound us,our own anxieties, the daily grind, not having enough time to relax, ... well you get the idea.

The list is long and gets in the way of our smiles, and peace of mind, contentment, our abiitity to relax and to just feel happy. Some of us are just having a bad day, a bad week or a bad couple of years. So how do we change our tune and find the that happiness factor?

Here are some self help tips and strategies that might help to make you more contented and satisfied.

All around us bad news in the world is on the front page. In our personal lives we have real life issues that trouble us, and overwhelm us. Trying to deal with financial stresses, illnesses, relationship issues, and a myriad of personal hardships that make life difficult and create feelings of helplessness and hopelessness add to the negativity we may be feeling. We have all been there and we will all be there again, because life smacks us around. But there are things you can do with the tools you have within you. There are ways we can transform our thoughts on a daily basis that help to change our attitude that will help us go the distance. You can change your internal messages just a bit to think, behave and react differently. Believe it or not, it is the littlest of differences that can make the biggest of changes.

So let’s start by making a list of a few things that you wouldn’t change for the world. People and pets who are important to you, your talents, and other intrinsic gifts you possess can be on this list. You can also include material possessions that you are just so happy you have. It can be a book you read, food you just ate, clothes you like, etc. It can be a day that is a very special part of your memory, it can be a dream you want to achieve, or something that makes you proud. The list can be small or large, they can be trivial or gigantic, they can be special or ordinary. It’s is not what is on the list that is important. The most important thing you can do with the list is look it over everyday and take the time to appreciate what you value most. You can add to it every day, if you want, or keep using your same list. Take these small and big pleasures and joys and make them a priority of your thoughts for as many times in the day as you can. It takes a purposefulness and an intention to stay positive. Try it and let me know in the comments below if you started to feel even a little more positive about things after you made this list.

The difference between people who are happy and those who are not is basically about perception. Happy people try to look at the brighter side of things, even when they don’t go right. Happy people are not looking for perfection in a day, they tend to take what is and make the best of it. The best of “the positive thinkers” try to look for the good opportunities even in the negative situations. This can be hard to do, but the best way to start this way of thinking is with hope.

What is hope? Hope is a virtue we can embody. Hope is the belief that there will be a better tomorrow. Hope is today, and it is the future. It knows no boundaries or limitations. Hope can be everywhere and anywhere at any time. Hope helps us feel that something better will come. Hope is life, it is the sun, it is a power that gives us strength to keep going. Hope can take away distress and inspire us to forge ahead. Hope is universal, it has no barriers or obstacles. Hope exists for anyone who opens their arms and hearts and mind to its acceptance. Hope helps us continue where we might otherwise give up. Hope exists across time and space, around the globe and in our hearts. Hope is inspiration, bravery and encouragement.

Where there is life, there is hope. Where there is hope, there is belief. Where there is belief there is faith. Where there is faith, there is trust. Where there is trust, there is security. Where there is security, there is strength. Where there is strength, there is a way. Where there is a way, there is hope. Hope is a circle, a continuation of life, a way to think positive and a belief that positive things will come. Start your circle of hope with all the things that are good in your life. Continue your circle with the hope that all other things can and will be better in time.

Sometimes we need to remind ourselves of the treasures we have today. You have the ability to realize the positives that you possess right now. This realization can empower you and help to change your thinking, your attitude, and beliefs. Think positive and your actions will inevitably follow your thoughts. This is power. Keep your power, and the happiness you seek will be yours.

Throughout the rest of our days, we will ave hdifficult and turbulent times. We will also have enjoyable and wonderful times. In between this mix, give yourself the gifts of the things you value, the gift of hope, the power of self realization, your ability to make good choices, resilience, your energy within, and the treasure of who you are and what you can really do. Intentional happiness is not elusive, it exists for everyone who seeks it and works at it.

People, who by nature, are more contented, tend also to be healthier. Try to avoid the “why me” feelings. Studies show people who do not view themselves as victims had a better immune system. Resilience, the ability to bounce back from adversity is a strong ally to have to attain happiness and a positive attitude.

“Happiness consists more in the small conveniences of pleasures that occur every day, than in great pieces of good fortune that happen but seldom to a man in the course of his life.” ~ Ben Franklin

Try to avoid overwhelming yourself, and when this does happen seek help from a friend, a family member, or a professional counselor. Be aware of your fears and keep them at bay as best you can, so that you have room in your mind for good thoughts. Stay away from negative people. Life is too short to be around those who want to drag you down with them. Make good choices for yourself. Please yourself first, and don’t be afraid to say no! http://hubpages.com/hub/Importance-of-Saying-No

Try meditation. It will slow your thoughts down and turn your internal energy, back towards yourself. Meditation is believed to help change thought patterns and helps focus your attention where you need it most. People who meditate have showed in brain scans the same region of similarity to the brain scans of happy people. With meditation, people gain a better control over their mind, and this has shown a better ability to think positive. A simple way to start today is to, breathe rhythmically and deeply with a mantra, a simple word that you repeat to relieve your mind of those busy thoughts.

Another good exercise is to stop and take a few moments everyday to appreciate the everyday things you take for granted. Smell a flower, notice a picture, admire a person. Marvel at architecture, find the new in something old, and the old in something new. Be awed by nature. Get your mind thinking in a different way. Enjoy the company of someone special, watch a child, spend time with a pet. Help those thoughts that de-energize you, to re-energize you. And while you are at it, take the time to appreciate something very valuable … YOU!