{"id":1117,"date":"2014-07-18T00:34:27","date_gmt":"2014-07-18T00:34:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/everydayinspiration\/?p=1117"},"modified":"2015-12-02T21:03:10","modified_gmt":"2015-12-02T21:03:10","slug":"the-essentials-for-a-happier-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/everydayinspiration\/2014\/07\/the-essentials-for-a-happier-life.html","title":{"rendered":"The Essentials for a Happier Life"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"essentials<\/a><\/p>\n

“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” – Marcus Aurelius <\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Your passions, life experiences, and even your personality all contribute to your happiness. You may find happiness in your career, or in your relationships \u2013 or both.<\/p>\n

But no matter what makes you happy, there are certain time-proven essentials that really work. These essentials will bring more joy and peace and of course, happiness, into your life.<\/strong>
\n
\nNotice What\u2019s Right<\/strong>
\nTake all the problems, obstacles and disappointment life throws at you and reframe it with what\u2019s right about the situation. At the end of the day, you will more content, at peace and happy. Take the time to begin to notice what\u2019s right and see the world change in front of your eyes.
\n
\nBe Grateful<\/strong>
\nHow many times do you say the words \u201cthank you,\u201d in a day? How many times do you hear these same words? If you are doing the first thing, saying the \u201cthank yous,\u201d the latter will naturally happen. Learn to be grateful and you will be open to receive an abundance of joy and happiness.<\/p>\n

Remember the Kid You Were<\/strong>
\nDo you remember how to play? I\u2019m not referring to playing a round of golf or a set of tennis. I\u2019m talking about playing like you did when you were a child \u2013 a game of tag; leap frog, or street baseball when the bat is a broken broom handle and the bases are the parked cars. One way to find or maintain your happiness is to remember the kid you were and play!<\/p>\n

Be Kind<\/strong>
\nThere\u2019s no question that by merely watching acts of kindness creates a significant elevation in your mood and increases the desire to perform good deeds as well. Kindness is indeed contagious and when you make a commitment to be kind to you<\/em>, and to others, you can experience new heights of joy, happiness and enthusiasm.<\/p>\n

Spend Time with Your Friends<\/strong>
\nAlthough an abundant social and romantic life does not itself guarantee joy, it does have a huge impact on your happiness. Learn to spend time with your friends and make the friendships a priority in your life.<\/p>\n

Savor Every Moment<\/strong>
\nTo be in the moment is to live in the moment. Too often we are thinking ahead or looking ahead to the next event or circumstance in our lives, not appreciating the \u201chere and now.\u201d But when you savor every moment, you are savoring the happiness in your life.<\/p>\n

Move!<\/strong>
\nThe expression a \u201crunner\u2019s high\u201d does not infer an addiction, but a feeling or a state of mind \u2013 a state of euphoria. There is no question exercise, or any physical exertion, elevates your mood and enhances a more positive attitude as well as fosters better personal self-esteem and confidence. Indeed, one way to increase your happiness is to move!<\/p>\n

Finding Your Calling<\/strong>
\nSome find meaning in religion or spirituality while others find purpose in their work or relationships. Finding your calling may be much more than accomplishing one simple strategy for increasing your happiness, but having a sense of purpose \u2013 of feeling like you are here for a reason \u2013 can perhaps bring the greatest joy of all.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t Overdo It<\/strong>
\nKnow when to say when. What gives you joy and happiness the first time may not work the second time. Too much of a good thing may begin not to feel as good if the \u201cthing\u201d becomes more of a routine, or an expectation. Set healthy and reasonable boundaries for yourself and don\u2019t overdo it.<\/p>\n

About Alex Blackwell<\/a><\/strong>
\nAlex Blackwell is a father, husband and writer<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” – Marcus Aurelius Your passions, life experiences, and even your personality all contribute to your happiness. You may find happiness in your career, or in your relationships \u2013 or both. But no matter what makes you…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":554,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1117","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\nThe Essentials for a Happier Life - Everyday Inspiration<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/Inspiration\/Galleries\/8-Essentials-for-a-Happier-Life.aspx\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Essentials for a Happier Life - Everyday Inspiration\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” – Marcus Aurelius Your passions, life experiences, and even your personality all contribute to your happiness. 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