Double bows by Nicholas_T
These are things everyone wants to know, especially around Christmas and New Year. How do I add more peace and joy to my life? How can I be less stressed and more serene? How can I be less upset and sad and more joyful and happy?
My answer is “You have to work at it.” That’s it. That’s the key. If you take the idea of adding more joy and peace to your life seriously, if you think of them as a skill and follow through with some action, you can become more blissful and calm in every day of your life.
It’s not as simple as 1-2-3. It’s not the easiest thing you’ve ever done. Change is hard, even when you’re changing for the better. But it’s totally worth it! Imagine the satisfaction and pleasure of beginning and ending each day on a positive note. Think of the joy you’ll feel as you brush off criticism and negative people because you’ve added more humor and laughter to your day. Picture rejuvenating yourself at the end of a hectic work day with a ritual of relaxation when you get home.
These things and more can happen when you make peace and joy your goal. Happiness is more than an emotion or state of mind. It’s a way of living. It’s a skill. And like any other skill – computer savvy, athletic prowess, or financial success, you can learn tools, techniques and new ways of thinking and being to help begin a more calm, soothing and harmonious life.
Just like there are natural artists, or natural athletes, there are some people who are naturally happy, optimistic and fun-loving. Those happy-go-lucky people who seem to never let the trials and tribulations of life bring them down. Use them as an example of where you want to be and what your life can be like. Recognize that sadness, worry and stress are habits, and as such they can be changed with a little hard work.
Anyone can add more tranquility and delight to their lives. The good news is that there is no one path to happiness and success. What brings you enjoyment and bliss may be totally different than what makes another person contented and happy. Luckily there are many different books, blogs, theories and ideas to get you started on ways to become give you insight into what makes people happy.
I admit, I’m no super-genius when it comes to happiness. I still get upset, angry and mad. And feel sad and upset when events don’t go my way. But the time I spend with these feelings is getting shorter and shorter. I spend much more time feeling happy and smiling. It’s easier for me to find solutions to get out of a bad mood, or to find the good part of a bad situation. And overall, my satisfaction of life is higher than it was before.
Don’t put off your ecstasy and joy. Start working today. Here are a few tips and links to get you started:
Tips:
1. Make a list of your top 10 ways to relax. Get all the supplies you need for this – music, exercise DVD’s, bubble bath, comedies, inspirational books, etc. Start with 15 minutes a day and work on finding an hour just for you.
2. Gratitude list. Make a list of all the things about your life you appreciate. Your spouse, children, pets, health, wealth, luxuries like big-screen TV, video game system, computer, cell phone, etc. Write as many things as you can. Refer to and update the list often.
3. Quiet time. Try to plan 15 minutes a day of doing nothing each day. Just sit in the quiet and relax. Silence is soothing to the soul. Start with 5 minutes at work if you have too (some people find it easier to find a quiet room there). Do this every day for a week and watch your grow calmer and more centered each day.
4. Fun. Go to a movie, take a nap, play some golf or get those roses planted. Whatever activities you enjoy doing, make time to do it this week. Add doses of laughter and humor to your day wherever possible.
Links and Blog Sites:
Relaxation techniques – Mayo Clinic
Brighter Days for you and me! 