Happiness, the state of being happy, is often seen as fleeting moments in today's society. Moments that come too far and few between. I have finally realized happiness is directly related to my state of mind. If you go into each day with a positive outlook, positive events will start to infiltrate your life.
"The Secret" by Rhonda Bryne is a novel and documentary that explains how the universe sends back the energy, either positive or negative, that you give out into the world. After finishing this book recently, I attempted to change my usual attitude on a daily basis. Surprisingly, it worked. I'm not saying I magically found a million dollars, thus fulfilling my life's greatest dream, but my days did improve tremendously. I walked into work every day as upbeat as I could, because why not? I have an awesome job with great co-workers, so why have any other attitude? Once I vowed to change, I realized how glass-half-empty I really was.
I am not saying that this was an easy turnaround. There are millions of events that take place in one day, many of them are truly not so great. It took effort to reorientate myself after a rude customer or a 10-hour work day. It is so easy to let something ruin your good mood, and I believe that is such a huge problem in society. Everyone cares an astronomical amount about what everyone else is doing, and we take things too personally. Take a step back from the guy who cut you off on the way to work or from the woman who yelled at you for mistakenly confusing her coffee order. Remove yourself for the situation and breathe. We are all prone to making mistakes and so what? She can live with two sugars instead of three, and you can live without her tip. Don't let the bad moods of other's infect your own.
Wake up each morning with the realization that life could always be worse. Wake up with the desire to make those around you happy, and in turn, you will be too. Happiness is something that needs to be worked for in light of all the problems we face.
Here are some suggestions, created by my friends and I, to help you separate yourself from your bad days and change the way you take on the world.
1. Eat lots of ice cream.
This came up a couple times, and I really don't think I need to elaborate. Who can be sad while eating ice cream? No one.
2. Work out.
Some of the best moments are when you push your body to the limit, work every muscle and understand in the clearest way how awesome your body is. A good workout is the best stress reliever out there.
3. Go on a walk and enjoy nature.
It's hard to be miserable when you are surrounded by beauty. Taking a hike along the waterfront or through wooded trails opens your eyes to everything incredible nature encompasses. Work doesn't seem so important anymore, does it?
4. Open all your windows, and blast your favorite song.
I promise, your neighbors will forgive you. I bet they even love the song too.
5. Drink wine.
Again, do I need an explanation? It's like ice cream, wine is happiness in a glass bottle. If you really want to explode with bliss: try wine ice cream (Wegmans!!!).
6. Make time for friends.
Friends are the best. Plain and simple.
7. Soak up the sun.
It is clinically proven the sun improves your mood. Get outside!
8. Watch the sad people on "Grey's Anatomy."
Do we all remember George (007)? May his quirky, lovable, character rest in peace. At least you were not hit by a bus.
9. Get lost in a book.
There's no better way to escape reality than to dive into someone else's. Let the characters take you away.
10. Eat great food.
Happiness starts in the kitchen. Good meals fix everything.
11. Make time for you.
Take a personal health day once and awhile. Everyone needs a break, even you.
