Two Things You Can Do to Increase Your Happiness

“Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections.”

This is one of those great quotes that reminds us to do what our moms always told us to do, "count our blessings." It is human nature to quickly become unsatisfied with what we have and to always want more. If that means going out and bettering ourselves, then fine...but often it seems to just make us unsettled. Sometimes you'll hear someone say, "I'll be happy when (fill in the blank), I get married, I have kids, I get a new job, finish school, my kids are grown, I lose weight, I make more money -- and on and on.


But as the Daughtry song says, "what about now"? What do you really appreciate in your life? What makes you happy? Do you savor those times? Maybe it's just spending time with your family or that someone special, could be getting together with great friends, going somewhere new (across town or across the world), taking on a new challenge at work, participating in a club, your church, having a hobby, playing a sport, playing an instrument, going on a hike, climbing a mountain...or just reading a great book...where ever and what ever those happy times mean for you. So, that's #1--doing more of those things you love and appreciating all that you have. What about #2?

Well, now that we've counted our blessings, let's remember NOT to count those "imperfections" (otherwise known as annoyances or offenses). Did you have to wait in line a a grocery store, get caught behind a slow driver on the freeway, have to deal with a rude co-worker? Every day, there are many opportunities for things and people to steal our joy.  The more we can blow these things off, the happier we can stay. That takes practice and patience, which brings me to another one of those mom classics: "patience is a virtue".

Of course, no one is happy all the time--that might be a little weird, but if we keep these things in mind, we can increase our happiness. Who doesn't want that? And to quote another great song...don't worry...be happy!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9K4BKkLaCI