Happiness Is for Hippies?

Ok, so the title was little more than a cheap ploy to draw your attention. But, the truth of the matter is that we should all be happy and enjoy life, not just those embedded in the hippy culture, living life on their own terms.

Recently, I've been thinking a lot about life balance, happiness, joy and what's important in life. Yeah, I know, money is important but it doesn't buy you happiness.

If that were the case, the United States would be one of the happiest countries on the face of the earth: we have one of the wealthiest populations on the planet.

In fact, when compared to other countries, we don't rank anywhere near the top in happiness: the U.S. is #23.

I found this really cool article called "The World Map of Happiness" on Guy Kawasaki's blog.

Here's who made the top 20:

1. Denmark
   
2. Switzerland
   
3. Austria
   
4. Iceland
   
5. The Bahamas
   
6. Finland
   
7. Sweden
   
8. Bhutan
   
9. Brunei
   
10. Canada
    
11. Ireland
    
12. Luxembourg
    
13. Costa Rica
    
14. Malta
    
15. The Netherlands
    
16. Antigua and Barbuda
    
17. Malaysia
    
18. New Zealand
    
19. Norway
    
20. The Seychelles
    

Here's the actual World Map of Happiness Map

So, with all that being said:

• What is happiness?
• How can you be content, regardless of your circumstances?
• How do you find joy whether something good or bad happens to you?
• What does life-balance and quality living have to do with happiness?

I'll address these questions in a future post...

What Difference Does It Make?

Did you take the test? What did you think? What were your TRUE COLORS?

What I've found the more I've explored my personality and what makes me tick is that the better I know myself, generally the more happy, content and productive I am. It may sound strange, but it can have more of an impact than you think.

Now, if you don't like the test, no sweat, there are many more out there, many of which can be found on the internet or in the "Cool Books" listed on the left hand column of the page.

Here's how understanding your personality make-up may help you:

• with accepting yourself as the unique individual that you are
• in finding a career that matches your personality and brings you joy, energy and purpose
• communicate with others in a way that is meaningful and productive, both socially and at work
• find your "ideal mate," someone who respects you for who you are and enjoys your company

If you want to find out more about your colors, go here:
http://www.truecolors.org/color_meanings.html

So, if you haven't already, here's where you can take the test:

http://www.truecolorstest.com/True-Colors-Personality-Test.html

Let me know what you find out and how it works for you.

“Goal Getting” breakthrough for those who are sick and tired of the same goal-setting crap on the market that never works for you anyway

If you’re anything like me, by now you’re long over your New Year’s resolutions. They’re probably long forgotten or embarrassingly shoved in the corner. After all, “out of sight is out of mind.”

Let’s face it: most people never fulfill their resolutions, much less put together a program for getting them where they want to go in life.

And for those that do (put together goals, that is), most of the time they fall far short. It’s been my experience that for those who never reach their goals (despite writing them down), it’s not their fault.

You can breathe a sigh of relief. Honestly, much of the achievement/goal setting stuff on the market is utterly worthless, in my opinion. That’s largely because these goal setting programs depend on willpower and sheer effort just to get something done, and this runs contrary to human nature.

Anytime you’ve got to force something, chances are, it’s not going that well for you. And that applies to reaching your goals.


What if I could turn you on to a system so radically different that it could literally change your mind about going after your dreams and believing that it’s possible for you to reach them?

Last year I discovered an incredible new system that felt so natural to me that I got really excited. And the funny thing? I’m actually using it on a weekly basis, and for the first time, I not only believe I’m achieving my dreams and goals, but I actually am!

Here’s the resource:

“Double your income doing what you love” by Raymond Aaron

It’s a book you can pick up on Amazon.com. Once you’ve finished the book, you can go to the author’s website and download, and then complete his intuitive, easy-to-complete forms.

Good luck and let me know what you think!

Inspirational Videos on Achieving Your Dreams

Despite the world being in a recession or depression, and gloomy circumstances all around, you can still choose to be happy.

Perhaps you – like me – have taken a negative circumstance (think job loss, losing your home, pay reduction, etc) and turned it around.

Now is an especially perfect time to consider doing what you’ve always wanted to do.


Think about your passions, dreams and desires.

•    What are they?
•    What could you do now that would move you in that direction?
•    What lemons in your life could you turn into lemonade?



Hopefully, these videos will encourage you and get your juices flowing…


How to be happy all the time (or at least as much as is reasonable!):




Believe in yourself (even if no one else will):





Follow your dreams:




Never, never, never quit (even if you feel like giving up)

Perfectly Positive Pollyanna Get's Real

Last night I was thinking about the big disconnect between my desires and where I really am. For me there's this huge gaping valley that at times seems impossible to traverse.

Here's what I mean:

• I want to be positive but I tend to be critical and judgemental.
• I want to be happy but don't always seem to have the best attitude.
• I want to be unaffected by my circumstances, but tend toward frustration.

Now I understand that life isn't perfect and that we are all our own biggest critics, yet it would be wise to include a lot of grace in the mix. Not only when dealing with others, but also when dealing with ourselves. I think it would go a long way.

Anyway, I found this great article by David Leonhardt entitled simply "Happiness" that really encouraged my heart-it adjusted my perspective in a way that I desperately needed.

His website is: www.thehappyguy.com and you can get his "Daily Dose of Happiness" email, where I got this piece. I've taken the liberty of emphasizing key points.


"Happiness
Are you happy every day? Are you happy every hour? Are you happy every minute? Me neither.

Happiness is not about wearing a 24/7 grin across your face. Happiness is about being comfortable with who you are and where you are, and feeling that your life is good.

There is room for frustration in happiness.
There is no room for being ruled by frustration.

There is room for sadness in happiness.
There is no room for being ruled by sadness.

There is room for anger in happiness.
There is no room for being ruled by anger."
What a refreshing perspective!

Choices That Change Your Life, Guaranteed

Years ago I kind of just floated through life, without a whole lot of direction. It was commonplace for me to be swayed by my circumstances, and my attitude reflected what I was going through. My outlook was generally pessimistic and the words out of my mouth usually reflected a cynical disposition.

More recently, though, I have realized that:

• I can't CONTROL my circumstances.
• However, I can control HOW I RESPOND to circumstances.
• My attitude and outlook on life shape my circumstances.
• So, I can make choices that shape my attitude that gets me THROUGH circumstances.

My desire is to be joyful, happy and peaceful at all times. You, too, can make these choices that will change your life.

Though I'm not perfect and no one is, you can strive toward these ideals and watch your life be transformed. (I know this sounds simplistic and borderline "cheesy," but I encourage you to try it).

Daily, in everything you do, as difficult as it is, choose:

1) Gratitude. Keep your heart open and be thankful for everything that comes your way. That doesn't mean you have to like it, only accept it and stop forcing things to go the way you want. You'll find that life is a lot easier.

2) To be happy. Regardless of your circumstances, make a decision to remain happy. No one or nothing can steal your happiness unless YOU ALLOW IT TO HAPPEN.

3) To be joyful. Make a decision to focus on what is good and right with the world, instead of being obsessed with the bad, evil or wrong in society. This doesn't mean ignoring these things or becoming a positive pollyanna, but what you focus on is usually what you get.

4) To operate out of rest: Strive to function out of a place of contentment and acceptance, peace & faith, knowing that all things are working for your good. Repeat to yourself, "I no longer struggle but naturally attract those things in life that I want and need, and walk in the miraculous daily."

Gratitude Attitude Works Wonders

I call it "5 I'M T4." What it is: every day I spend just a few minutes writing out 5 things I'm thankful for. Now, it doesn't have to be anything earth-shattering. The key is just to get into the habit of doing it--in order to generate the attitude of THANKSGIVING in your heart.

I know it sounds weird, but little else has helped me with my attitude to this extent. Not affirmations, positive books or much else.

I've been doing it now (again) for almost a month. Every time I stop, then start, I'm literally amazed at what a difference it makes in my life.

Here's what happens with me:

• I have a better outlook on life, when my nature is to be sceptical and cynical.
• I am more open to receiving good things or blessings, from both people and in circumstances.
• I expect good things to happen and they just "naturally" work out.
• I am more positive and confident.
• I am less focused on my insecurities and more interested in helping others.

I encourage you to give it a whirl. Try it for three weeks, on weekdays (give yourself a break on the weekends so you look forward to it). That way you'll establish a habit that may radically change your life for the best!