Happiness! :)

I started wondering to myself today. Why is it that the older we get the more unhappy we are? When I was a little girl I remember the simplest things could just make my days so much brighter. Not only this but, the colors were richer, the sky's were bluer, the sun was brighter, and butterflies and bees were more magical. Now the colors have faded some, the sky is blue "big deal", the sun is bright "ouch it hurts my eyes.", and butterflies and bees seem to be more of an annoyance now rather than something magical.

I almost wonder if some of us have forgotten how to find simple joys out of life, and how to truly be happy as we were when we were young.

We spend a lot of time complaining about our jobs, our friends, our family, our place in life, our government, our health, and little things we used to love as children that we cant even see our good fortune.

We should be enjoying our life!!

Now...I'm not perfect (sigh) I can pretend all I want but at times I do also complain about my life, but tonight I've decided I'm going to look at the bright side of my life.

I've picked out 10 things I feel are important to achieve true happiness.

Feel free to add your own ideas!

#1: Surround yourself with happy people!


When you surround yourself with happy, more positive people you are more succesful in life, as well as in your personal relationships. You shouldn't waste your time with people drag you down, people who have negative thoughts and actions and words rub off on you.

#2: Healthy food, and exercise!

Eating healthier and getting at least 20 to 30 minutes of exercise a day can really improve your mood. You need to listen to your body and if you take care of your body by eating healthier foods and participating in exercise regularly your body will thank you! for exaple have you ever ate a combo meal at McDonalds and afterwards thought to yourself "I'm glad I ate that."?

#3: Treat yourself!

Wether it's taking time to relax or buying yourself a new pair of shoes, you have to think of yourself every once in a while. Don't forget about you! I know in life we niglect ourselves because we feel like everything that is going on with our families, our jobs, and our children is more importatnt than treating yourself to something. The truth is you need to remember yourself even if it's in the smallist way. If your having a bad day take some time alone to write in your journal, or read a book. You'll be suprised at how happy you could be just by treating yourself every once in a while.

#4: Turn off the t.v. turn up the music!! DANCE!!

So much time is wasted on t.v.! All of those commercals are trying to tell you your life isn't perfect until you buy our product which we all know isn't true! You are also sitting and after a while I'm sure your IQ feels like it has dropped after a good hour of t.v. Your body needs to move! You need to get into some pajamas or some cute sweat pants, grab one of your hair brushes, turn on your favorite tunes, and just dance! Dance like no one is watching you! Music is a fun way to melt off the stress you carry with you, it's also fun to prance around feeling like a rock star!

#5: Family + Friends = Cheerleaders!

Make time to visit with family and good friends. Your loved ones want you to do well and at times we all need those cheerleaders in our lives who tell us to keep going when it seems impossable. Visiting family and good friends is an amazing confidence booster because they are all cheering for you and it's nice to know when we don't always believe in ourselves we have got a wonderful team of people ready to pick us up when we fall!

#6: Laugh it off!

Ever had an embarressing moment you wish just didn't exist? Laugh about it. The best kind of people in this world are the ones who are confident enough with themselves to laugh about silly things they've done. We are all human and we all do stupid things. Just laugh about it and move on.

#7: Kindness begins with YOU!

Be kind, and thoughtful twards others. Do nice things like pay for someones meal behind you in the drive thru, or if you happen to see something at the store you think someone you know might like get it for them. You will feel great knowing that you made someone elses day a little brighter.

#8: Share your passion!

Everyone has a passion. It's something you would do every day of your life without being paid. It's important to share your passion with others in every aspect of life. Your passion doesn't have to be your career, it doesn't even have to be an obligation you have. All it is, is something that you could talk about for hours and never get tired of. Never be afraide to share your passion with others. By sharing your passion you are sharing the best part of you with the world.

#9: Don't let the little things get to you!

Problems people have with you are just that THEIR PROBLEM! don't make it your problem, just brush it off and walk away with your head held high.
Don't cause problems either if you let people get to you all you will be worried about all of your life is what everyone else is thinking, doing, and saying. In a nutshell worrying about other people who don't like you isn't going to make you happy at all!

#10: If you see someone without a smile, give them yours!

Share your happieness with others! Smile more and instead of judging someone compliment them. Through your positive thoughts, actions and, words you will attract more positive people.

You should always want to raise people up, not bring them down.