Happiness is in Your Hands

The meaning of life can be summed up in one simple yet profound word—happiness. Yet, it may surprise you to know that a rather small number of people consider themselves to be truly happy.

Scientific polls place the average percentage of happy people to be less than 20%. When asked about happiness most people will tell you they're "generally happy" while others will freely admit they seldom experience much happiness at all. Less than 20% confidently define their lives as fulfilling or flourishing. That's less than one in five! These basic stats raise the question: How do I become one of the 20-per centers?

Happiness is relative. In other words, it is personally defined. Yet, there are certain fundamentals that support a foundational premise that can help you find (and maintain) a state of happiness in your life. I've gathered a few of these simple principles you may wish to consider as you search for your own true version of happiness. These principles, along with many others, have worked well for me. And I suspect they will work for you as well.

Gratitude - Known as one of the most profound and powerful happiness boosters, gratitude will immerse your entire being with the goodness of life. Gratitude reveals the precious nature of life and the sincerities of mankind in a way that can often be awe-inspiring. Gratitude can make you happier. It can make you see life differently, and it can change your entire state of being.

Gratitude exercise - Every day think of three things you are grateful for. Do it for two weeks without skipping a day. At the end of two weeks determine whether or not you feel happier. My bet is that you surely will.

Passion - Each and every one of us is good at something. Operating in the lane of passion supports happiness and gives us a sense of accomplishment and contribution.

Passion exercise - Think about the best version of yourself and move toward that. Learn something, connect with someone, and act on something that supports your passion.

Time - Spending time with the right people speaks to our sense of belonging and our basic social nature. The happiest people are generally social and have strong relationships.

Time exercise - Interact with people. Discover the true value of human interaction with other like-minded people. If you tend to be more of a social introvert, try stepping outside your lane of familiarity and see the kinds of things being social can provide. Happiness is more contagious than unhappiness, so a bit of exposure may actually open up a whole new world for you.

Give - There's just no doubt about it, giving makes us happier than receiving. Giving creates a perpetuate cycle of happiness that's difficult to describe. Experience giving and you'll quickly know the power of this concept.

Giving exercise - Volunteer. Do something nice for someone as you discover a need. It can be the most selfless way of being selfish while creating a sense of personal joy that is difficult to top.

Savor - There's nothing wrong with savoring fond memories of the past or anticipating an exciting event. However, to truly tap into the strongest aspect of happiness, we should focus as much as we possibly can on the present moment. Doing so allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the magic of the moment as it unfolds before us. Savoring such moments are an important aspect to the basic tenets of happiness.

Savor exercise - Stop what you're doing right now and savor the things that are going on around you. Draw a deep breath and savor the fresh sense of life that enters your lungs. Listen to the sounds, savor the voices, the sights, the experiences and the power of right now. Smile knowing that these things are the essence of life and a true reason to be happy.

Avoid regrets - We all know the story of the person who lies on their deathbed looking back upon life with regrets. "I wish I had the courage to live life differently," "I wish I hadn't worked so hard," "I wish I had allowed myself to be happier," "I wish I had..." The last thing any of us want is for this scenario to play out in our own lives. But it will unless you realize that you have the power to be happy right now. You control your own state of happiness and it isn't as difficult as it may first appear.

So...smile, savor the goodness of life, and discover reasons to be happy. The power to do so is in your hands. 

Until next time...

-G-

"Happiness is an inside job."
~ William Arthur Ward

We're proud to announce Gary's next book, set to be released this summer. FEAR is a Thief is the first in a self-empowerment series that is written to help people get past fear using five fundamental truths as a basis for understanding and taking action for a better life.

Also be sure to check out: KEY HORIZON, the second novel in the G. Weston spy series. This thriller is receiving rave reviews across the spectrum and has captivated a new following of "spy-fi" readers. 

Get your copy of Westfal's first novel Dream Operative.

Order your copy of these exciting novels today at Amazon.com.

For a comprehensive perspective on the diversity of Gary Westfal, please visit his website (www.gwestfal.com).
 
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