{"id":246,"date":"2013-11-18T19:49:59","date_gmt":"2013-11-18T19:49:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/happiness\/?p=246"},"modified":"2013-11-18T19:49:59","modified_gmt":"2013-11-18T19:49:59","slug":"surround-yourself-with-happier-people","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/happiness\/2013\/11\/18\/surround-yourself-with-happier-people\/","title":{"rendered":"Surround Yourself with HAPPIER people"},"content":{"rendered":"

Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher.
\nOprah Winfrey<\/p>\n

Surrounding yourself with uplifting people is essential to your happiness. Of course, it sounds like a no-brainer but it\u2019s not always easy. Everyone gets comfortable in relationships and some of which aren\u2019t adding to your happiness quotient. My point is that it is a WHOLE lot easier to feel good about yourself and to develop habits of happiness when the people around you are already feeling happier. It\u2019s actually a bit contagious.<\/p>\n

\"download<\/a>Lifting Unhappiness<\/b><\/p>\n

So my suggestion is really two-fold. First, I suggest you come up with a list of things that help you feel happier when you are all alone. My list is something like this:<\/p>\n

– Have a Good Cry<\/p>\n

– Go Swimming (Or yoga, walk on beach)<\/p>\n

– Meditate<\/p>\n

– Eat Super Healthy Meal<\/p>\n

– Watch Funny Movie<\/p>\n

– Read Spiritual Text (inspiring)<\/p>\n

– Be Creative (write, paint, decorate)<\/p>\n

All of the things above make me happier almost instantly when I am alone. I also periodically call one of my best friends who is wise and experienced — she\u2019s a happiness mentor that can always give me a wider perspective. So my main happiness boosters are creativity, exercise, self-care and laughter. They move me from feeling the funk to seeing things differently and helping me begin again.<\/p>\n

And from this stronger perspective then I can feel solid enough to surround myself consciously with happier people. I can attend spiritual services (this works for me) and enjoy the company of like-minded people that have the happiness thing down. Because as I really feel supported, loved and nurtured by happier people they not only lift me up but allow me to shine my light brighter.<\/p>\n

Happiness \u201cAh-Ha\u201d<\/b><\/p>\n

Not long ago I had this amazing \u201cAh-ha\u201d when I was participating in a spiritual community that they needed me as much as I needed them. And it is this idea of interconnectedness that is where happiness can happen easier. Specifically someone asked me about their son who just lost his best friend in a tragic car accident and what they can do for him while he grieves. I shared my thoughts and this dad thanked me profusely for the spot-on advice. I felt better too.<\/p>\n

So another key to happiness besides surrounding yourself with happier people is thinking less about yourself — and more about others. Of course, that can only happen when you stop inwardly focusing and look around your life asking really important questions like: How can I serve? What makes me happy? Can I share those gifts with others today? \u00a0So surrounding yourself with others is a key step to happiness but in that process you can capitalize on the chance to helping them become happier too. Give it a try.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By Maureen Dawn Healy<\/p>\n

Maureen is a popular author, speaker and healer working with parents and children globally. Her last books include: Growing Happy Kids<\/em><\/a>, and The Energetic Keys to Indigo Kids<\/em><\/a>, along with her well-regarded blog on Psychology Today. More info: www.growinghappykids.com<\/a> and www.twitter.com\/mdhealy<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher. Oprah Winfrey Surrounding yourself with uplifting people is essential to your happiness. Of course, it sounds like a no-brainer but it\u2019s not always easy. Everyone gets comfortable in relationships and some of which aren\u2019t adding to your happiness quotient. 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