I like to just grab books off the shelf at the library that look interesting to me. Sometimes I read the whole book when I get home, sometimes I just browse thru it. I picked up this book called "The Experts Guide to Life at Home" created by Samanthe Ettus.
It gives lots of information that would be good for a first time home buyer or someone who might need something light to read and still learn something. I was suprised that they had a section on How to Lead a Happy Life. It is the very last section of the book and I wanted to share some of what it said because it really made sense to me and feel it can make sense to anyone. Maybe it can steer me, and maybe you, in the right direction towards happiness.
Every section of the book is written by a different expert in the subject that is being presented. The section on lead a happy life , is written by Alexandra Stoddard who has written twenty four books. On of which is called Choosing Happiness.
The first part says "Happiness can be self diagnosed. ...you can increase your set point of happiness by 50%. Here's how:
1. Live in the Moment. ...Focus your energy on what is true and positive in all that you think, say, and do.
2. Take responsibility for your personal happiness. Begin today to never blame anyone for your sadness....Don't make excuses...Outside circumstances should not define you.
*This one really hit home with me. It made me think about all the times I say "well so and so did this to me, so and so did that to me." Well, that shouldn't define my mood. Whatever the situation is or was, doesn't mean that I have to blame them for my mood. I am in control of my own happiness and my thoughts. Why should they be to blame for how I am feeling? I do understand feeling hurt in a situation, but you can move beyond that and learn from it.
3. Value your lasting happiness as your greatest accomplishment. Happiness comes first-everything else follows. Ask yourself what will elevate your mood. It could be more sleep...reading more, take a class, or go on a spiritual retreat. Do what feels good. A happy life must include a careful balance between serving the needs of other and taking time to nurtue your own mind, heart, body, and spirit.
4. Identify what you love. Write down words that make you smile. Record what you enjoy doing, food you like to eat, your favorite music, colors, places to visit, people you love, writers, and poets who inspire you....Incorporate more of them into your life every day.
5. Be inner directed What makes you happy could make someone else miserable. Don't look around at what others are thinking or doing to help yourself become happy.
6. Never feel guilty. ...Guilt is easy to feel but useless and negative. Postive thinkers are clear thinkers.
*This is one that I will definantly have to work on. Being a stay at home mom you are always doing for others. So when I take time for something for myself, in my mind, that is taking time away from the others in my life. But in reality how can I be happy when I am always doing for others and never nourishing my own spirit?
7. Choose happiness. Choice by choice, step by step, you can walk toward a greater awareness of what truly creates your genuine happiness. By making a commitment to lead a a happy life now, you will light your path...Look for the good....always seek sunlight.
The time and place to lead a happy life is now and here. Say yes to the invitation and you will be rewarded with personal transformation.
I will leave with these words that are part of my mantra lately. To me it is about the energy we surround ourselves with.
Positive energy in, Positive energy out. Negative energy in, Negative energy out.
These words will be a starting point for me. I am going to copy this and read it as much as possible to remind myself of the steps I should be taking to become a happier me. If these words have helped you. I would love to hear about it.
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