Saturday, April 14, 2018

In Pursuit of Happiness

by Cindy Pitts Gilbert for April 2018 Gwinnett Citizen 
Dear Sister Knowitall,
Is the pursuit of happiness just that always something we are pursuing and never achieving?  I want to be happy, but life just keeps getting in the way.  Any words of wisdom? 
Sincerely; Downward Smile
Dear Downward Smile,
First, let me start by saying that you should start with turning that downward smile into an upward grin.  There is a physical change that occurs when you smile and smiling is contagious.  Try smiling to a complete stranger as you walk through a store you will be surprised how many smiles you get back.  I can tell you that the old saying, “fake it till you make it,” applies here.  When you put on a happy face, it can be the beginning of a whole new you.  In the meantime, I am going to share some of my favorite happiness sayings I have applied to my own life over the years. I hope some of them help you as they have helped me.

#1. Do what you can with what you have where you are.  Everyone is doing the best with the circumstances they have been given.

#2. Overthinking is the biggest cause of unhappiness.
#3. The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.

#4. Happiness isn’t having what you want; it is wanting what you have.

#5. Stop letting “It” bother you, just let it go.

#6. Don’t let negative and toxic people rent space in your head. Raise the rent to kick them out.

#7. Letting toxic people go is not an act of cruelty. It’s an act of self-care

#8. Walk yourself out of a bad mood. Even 10 minutes immediately increases brain chemistry to increase happiness.

#9. No one ever injured their eyesight by looking on the bright side.
#10.  #HappinessHabitsHacks

• Wake up early and make your bed every day.
Ignore nonsense.
Talk Less.
Learn New Skills.
Help Less Fortunate.
Watch funny movies. Laugh- It is a great internal belly massage.
• Yawn, It releases cortisol (stress hormone).
• Look at pictures and videos of babies and puppies. It increases Oxytocin (relaxation/love hormone). 
Published: 2018-04-14 19:15