Five Principles for Happiness in 2007

Many people believe that having more money in life (being millionaires, billionaires) would make them happy - at least fix their present problems. However, the truth is that your life could be better without having so much money.

It is a new year and many see it as the beginning of a new phase of life or at least, time for new beginnings. We are all making resolutions, renewing commitments, or making new decisions to lead a better life. If you are reading this article and expecting of me to tell you how to lead a happier life, you should close it right now, because only YOU know how to make yourself happy. The writer of the article above states: "I believe each of us has the power to discover our purpose and become joyful in the process of journeying toward that purpose. It's not easy, however. Nothing important and meaningful ever is." And I truly follow his way of thinking because only we could look at ourselves and see what needs to be fixed to make ourselves happier. Some people go on for days, not even thinking about their happiness (I for one was one of them last year). They put their heads up and just go through life without taking notice of anything around them (that could potentially make you happy), while at the same time making themselves miserable, without even realizing it. However, you want to know who are the luckiest people in this world? People who find the purpose that leads them to joy. My grandfather used to tell me to find joy in everything that I do: whether it is cleaning up the garbage, studying, or being in that miserable job position. This quote got me through the two days that would have been miserable but I made them the happiest days of my life. So, you don't need money to be rich: you need joy and happiness. What are the five principles for happiness? 1. Give yourself a break. Are thinking about your past? What you shoulda - coulda- woulda done last year? Stop doing it! The past is past and you cannot change it. We must admit that it would be wonderful if we could rewind the time and fix the mistakes we have made in our past. I, for one, would fix tons of them. However, we must understand that past cannot be changed and that whatever your past might be (good or bad), you shold face it and move on. If it was good, look at it and think how you accomplished it. However, if it was bad, try not to repeat it in the future. That is the greatest pleasure. Not repeating something you regret. If it is hard for you to do this, write up a "regret list". For example, putting down things such as "I wish I hadn't quit the job; got fired from the job; studied more, etc." And then burn it (safely). This is the way to get rid of that awful past that has been haunting you. 2. Get connected with your truth. The hardest thing is to be honest with yourself. I can't remember the last time I sat down and asked myself:"What are you doing?!" and hadn't answered it without lying. The writer of article above suggests writing answers to these questions: What makes you happy at work?

What makes you happy at home?

What makes you happy with your friends and family?

What makes you happy when you're by yourself?

What do you love to do?

What would you do with your life today if you weren't afraid of failure?

What's not working in your life?

What are you currently doing that prevents you from experiencing joy?

What's working in your life?

Who's not working in your life?

Who in your life is subtracting value from and adding misery to it?

Can you fix any of these relationships, or should you let them go from your life?

What relationships are working in your life?

If we were getting together one year from today, what would have to happen for you to be able to tell me that you now have more joy in your life?

What's the single most important thing you've learned about yourself as a result of answering these questions? 3. Stop judging yourself. Many people talk about themselves in a way they would never accept from a stranger, friend, or a loved one. If you've met someone recently, and talked about yourself in negative terms, do you think that person thinks your personality is attractive or that you are an interesting person? Most likely no. I caught myself saying bad things about me in front of others. I did not notice it until I met others who did the same thing and I did not like it. When my friends told me I was pessimistic and confronted me about it, I decided to change and look at the world optmistically. You are probably better than you think you are. In eyes of others, you probably shine. So, don't let the dark cover your eyes. Be happy about youself and accomplishments. Lift your head up and talk positively. For one week, simply commit yourself to saying "Stop it!" every time you start talking negatively about yourself. Every time you catch yourself thinking negatively about yourself or talking negatively about yourself, make a slash in you notepad and count it at the end of the day. Try to reduce the number of slashes as you go along. You'll find that after a while you will start thinking positively and the world will change. 4. Stop judging others. If you are juding yourself, you're the last person to judge others. Furthermore, it is hard to be joyful when you are constantly judging others. Judging others will create huge amounts of stress in your life. Think about it! We're not here to judge one another. We are here to accomplish something better. There's a saying:"Look at yourself before you judge others" and if you are going to judge someone, make sure that you are perfect (but always remember: no one is perfect). Try to stop judging others and next time you get frustrated at your boss or your co-worker ask yourself:"Am I judging them?" and try to stop. 5. Pursue fun. Take a moment during your day to have fun. Whether it is with your kids, your husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend, friends, family, etc. it does not matter. When you come to work, try to make your boss laugh if he/she is always serious. It might relieve tension. Fun is not only for kids. It is also for adults. So, every day, at least for an hour, take your time and do something fun. Something that cheers you up and makes you smile. Trust me, it will make your day better! These are some tips to get you through a happier 2007! Try it! So far it has worked for me. P.S. Next time you pass by a flower store, stop and smell the flowers. Cheers!