Tips on happiness

Do you know what makes you happy?

Well, that’s not an easy question to answer. Neither is this one: Is happiness closer than you think?

To some, maybe it’s a loving family, spending time with friends, or a walk in the park; to others maybe its money, position and power, and all the materialistic things that this world can offer.

Of course if you know the secret to happiness that’s a real advantage. You’ll be one of the luckiest person alive if you know what I mean.

There is really no magical formula to be happy and because we are all made differently I think one size doesn’t fit all. Surprisingly on this issue, there are social scientists who beg to differ. See this rather interesting BBC report.

Anyway here are some tips on happiness which I believe everyone can take up, either to do or to be. Worth trying if you’re not already there.

1. Live simply.

2. Don’t carry debts.

3. Be content and don’t envy others.

4. Connect with God (i.e. make peace with God).

5. Connect with Nature too (e.g. have your regular walks in the park, see and take time to appreciate the flowers, the birds and the trees; travel, go to places you’ve never been before).

6. Smile often and laugh much.

7. Accept change.

8. Be positive and self reliant.

9. Cultivate a passion, a hobby. Be part of something bigger than yourself.

10. Help needy people; volunteer your service in charitable works.

11. Give more and expect less.

12. Read a good book and listen to your favorite music often.

Indeed a good book stimulates and enriches the mind and music soothes the soul. And we all need these often to live life happy, don’t we?

The above are just a few, there are probably many more than I care to list. But it is enough; all you need to do is to make the effort to cultivate at least some of the above, the more the better and I am quite sure the happiness in your life will increase.

However, don’t worry even if you don’t get there. None of us can be happy all the time. God made us this way so that we’d know whom we might to turn to when we’re down in the doldrums.

There is a Jewish Proverb that says, "God is closest to those with broken hearts." Yes hearts, those that are most broken and contrite. Seek him and be surprised by what you’ll find.

We all know there are no guarantees in life. So my advice is this, “Do the best you can and trust in Almighty God to do the rest,” believing always in this that it’s going to be alright when God is on our side.

There is a season and a reason for everything. When things don’t go right, just ask your good-selves in the end will it all matter?

Someone did say, “You only live once, but if you work it right, once is enough!”

Cheers!

Here's a beautiful song for you. It's entitled "It's a Miracle" sung by Debbie Reynolds in the 1966 oscar-winning movie, "The Singing Nun". Thanks to "Camiletc" for sharing. Enjoy.