How to Be Happy
In a December post I said that on New Year's day I would reveal my answer to the question that has tantalised mankind for all of recorded history. It was not a joke, but it was also only as serious as you are able to make it. Most people will reject it because most people seem to prefer their (known) misery, to the possibilities of (unknown) freedom. Like a lot of this wellbeing stuff, what you have to do to find happiness is simple, but that doesn't mean it will...
Your Mind is Your Own Affair
Your inner life is your own affair and even if you neglect it you cannot ignore how important it is. Like any exploration, it can be useful to find a guide, just be sure to pay them off after each trip. Unless married to them, nobody should make a long-term commitment to a mentor, counsellor or adviser. After all, if they are any good at what they do, you'll change and they'll become redundant.
7 Steps to a Happy New Year
'Happy New Year' can become a mantra. Saying it is one thing, meaning it another. Maybe a better reminder would be to wish each other a 'Purposeful New Year'. Have a good one, and however you say it, make sure you believe it.
Attention is the Secret Ingredient that Connects us to Ourselves
I have been trying to think of a way to say "Watch this inspiring video" and explaining it without sounding like one of those 'Thought for the day' type of things on the radio. After several false starts and going round in a circle or two I came up with "Watch this inspiring video if you want to have something you already know confirmed". Read more for a taster.
Empathy Gives High Returns
Our relationships are as essential to us as food and drink. When relationships are neglected they whither, and when a relationship dies a little bit of us does too. Maintaining and repairing relationships costs little, and done regularly it is effortless. We are all talented enough to do it, and gestures of empathy have a high interest rate, so the returns are good.
Happy 25th December
However you spend the time today, I'm sending my best wishes that you may look forward to growth, understanding, and personal fulfilment.
Going Over the Edge?
We are approaching a moment in the year that is known as a relationship black-spot. When tension is in the air we are more likely to fall out over little things, and these can rumble on and ignite bigger things. If you find yourself approaching a flash-point try this:
Learn to Count Successes Each Day
Everyone is so naturally successful at so much stuff it not only boggles the mind it also awes the spirit. Success is inescapable, unavoidable, inevitable and often imminent. Its all a question of what you choose to concentrate on.
Positive Thinking vs Thinking Positively
Positive thinking is well intended but often simplistic and misguided. At its worst it can seem dismissive and uncaring, at best it might orient the thinking in a flashy superficial way. Learning to think positively on the other hand is a life skill that reaches the parts the positive thinking cannot reach.
