Three Inspirations For Happiness

The following three inspirations were adapted from A Daily Dose of Happiness, and they represent three key ways to increase our happiness. I hope you find them of some benefit, as the world needs more happiness, and an increase in world happiness starts with each one of us.


1. FORGIVING FOR HAPPINESS
We like to think we are better than our friends below us in the food chain, such as the octopus and the snail. After all, we have love. We feel happiness. We have empathy. We have a conscience. We can reason.
We can also hold onto grudges.
Grudges are, in fact, prickly little creatures that worm their way into our hearts. Holding onto them is a self-defeating exercise.
Fortunately, forgiveness is also uniquely human. Forgiveness cleanses the spirit. Forgiveness let's us get on with enjoying our lives instead of being preoccupied with someone else's. Forgiveness opens the door to happiness.


2. SUPPORTING FOR HAPPINESS
When things seem to be very bleak, it does not take much to lift someone's spirits. Sometimes all it takes is to let somebody know they are not alone.
That is why it is so important to smile at people, especially if they look down. And if you know what is weighing the person down, let them know they are not alone. Don't go burdening them with all your miseries, but let them know you have been there.
Guess what? You will feel happiness for having helped them, too.


3. ACCEPTING FOR HAPPINESS
There is no such thing as happiness if you are not at peace with yourself. Too many people just don't know how to make peace with themselves.
Peace begins with acceptance. Whether we agree with everything we do (like the environmentalist who sometimes throws out a recyclable container), it is important to accept what we do.
Do we always make the best choices? No. But they are the choices we make.
Do we always treat people with the most respect? No. But it is how we treat people.
Can we improve? Yes, and we should. But that is a project for the future. First we must accept who we are now, rather than condemning ourselves. Then we can move to improve the person we will be tomorrow. Both acceptance today and improvements tomorrow will increase our happiness. .

In Your Mind's Eye..

There's a saying that goes,  "Only a blind man can see the truth."

So what truth do you see in your minds eye? Do you see negativity, problems, anger, loathing, envy, jealousy? Or do you see Love, forgiveness, compassion, joy, friendship or oneness?

What we think (or see in our thoughts) reflects into our consciousness to become our reality. If we constantly have negative thoughts, we'll lead a predominantly negative life. If we see positive ones...you guessed it..a happier more positive life.

Now, lets look at those negative thoughts you've been having.

Now, it's a strange question I know, but those thoughts are usually related to people or events in your life 'caused' by people. So, will these thoughts you have, that you feel so strongly about, matter to anyone, anywhere in 100 years time? Will history record them? Unless it affects the whole world (Like 9/11)...I don't think so..

Those thoughts matter to you now, you go over them, brood on them, swearing to get even or get one up on someone...I've news for you..Don't bother! If you give someone or something your attention, you give it meaning and reality in your life. I'm sure you don't want negativity in your life..so don't give negativity the chance to become your reality.

The secret is to watch your thoughts..'step back' from yourself occasionally and say "Is this the way I want to be?".....

If you catch yourself with anything negative, replace it with a positive. As long as you can live a 51% positive thought life (but preferably more!) ..you'll be going to where you want to go. Your thoughts are your prelude to your reality, watching them well is one way to improving your life....