Developing the right habits can eliminate a lot of frustration and tension in life and thus lead to more room for happiness.
Examine your spiritual life. Getting that right can make all the difference.
Enjoy natural beauty. The spring months make this one easy with green grass popping up, spring peepers singing, flowers blooming, trees budding, and warmer breezes blowing.
Look forward to the positive. My husbands aunt liked to remind her family that with every season of life you gain some things and lose some things. If you concentrate on the good things you gain, youll be a happier person. She certainly seemed to be living proof.
Practice thankfulness. If you catch yourself complaining, or worse, someone mentions it, meditate on your blessings instead. The negative issues of life my not change, but refocusing your attitude will improve your mood and help you deal with the situation. Sometimes, a bad attitude is just a bad habit.
Make room in your plans for interruptions. This one is definitely not my strong point. But, I know the unexpected, good and bad, will happen. Things always go better when Im open to it.
Forgive regularly. Harboring ill feelings to others always hurts you the most.
If you blow it, say you are sorry quickly and make amends as soon as possible.
When tensions are high, take a minute to breathe or pray. A quiet answer turns away wrath.
Help others when you can. We recently found ourselves with only one vehicle running. When the brakes went out on it, we were greatly relieved when a friend showed up to drive us to the parts store and help install the new master cylinder. Well find a way to return the favor.
Keep things in perspective. Our vehicle troubles and some minor illnesses had our family feeling rather beat up recently. But, perspective can make a big difference. Our issues werent even worth mentioning compared to things people have survived during wars or more recent attacks such as those at the Boston Marathon.
Make time to pursue your interests. Keeping up on old ones and challenging yourself with new ones will enliven your days.
Keep up with friends. Youll be glad you did.
Always hug your spouse and kids when youre heading out. It puts a positive spin on the day. And, you never know when it may be the last time.
Tidy the house before you leave. You never know who may be waiting in the driveway when you return.
Avoid clutter. It makes cleaning easier.
Have a place for each thing and put it in its place. If you got it out, put it back.
Write to do lists for yourself and your children. Youll save a lot of arguments over who forgot what, or who didnt tell whom.
Make meal plans. Youll save a lot of headaches.
Prepare lunch items the night before.
Set the table for breakfast the night before too.
Keep up with laundry. Iron before you have to.
Have a budget and stick to it. Balance your checkbook the day you get the statement.
Exercise. You know you should. So, as Nike says, Just Do It. Your body, mind, and family will thank you.
Take on establishing one new habit at a time so you dont become overwhelmed. Then, watch as more happiness creeps into your days.
