Depression, stress, anxiety, rejection, difficult people, financial problems, insomnia, secret to happiness

Research suggests that happy people have a simple mental outlook in life. When they think about good things that happened to them, they think of how they personally contributed to that good feeling & feel happy themselves.

Others put criteria or conditions to consider them happy. They might say, if I just get this then I am happy. Putting conditions on your happiness means you cannot be happy until your conditions are met. The problem is that even if the criteria or conditions are met, you tend to set new ones, then another one after another. Happiness should start from within. No matter what you have attained or achieve, if you are not contended with what you have, you can never be truly happy. For example, a young boy was happy playing with his new toy car, until he sees somebody having a much bigger and expensive toy car.

So what are the necessary ingredients to be happy? As I mentioned earlier happiness is a state of mind. Along this line, you must first define what makes you happy since it differs from person to person. Also, you must learn to accept those things that you cannot change, like the weather or your age. You might not like being old, but since you cannot do anything about it, then learn to accept it. However, there are a lot of ways that you can do to make the situation change into your favor.

Learn to look to the present, drop the future worries and the past regrets. No matter how bad things appear you can always find a positive side. Try adding "at least" to the end of your sentences when you start to hear yourself complain. For example, if you fail to be at the top 10 of the class, you can say… I have failed to get into the top ten of my class, but at least I pass.

Stop comparing yourself with those that are more fortunate than you are. Remember that there are thousands of people dying of hunger every day or others who are less fortunate than you are, in some way or another. I have heard of a story about a young boy who was crying about the shoes that his parents bought for him. He wants the more expensive one but his parents could only afford the cheaper brand. To make the story short while they are on their way to the church, wearing his newly bought shoes, he met another boy whose feet were cut-off. If you encountered problems in your life, try to use the "at least" that I have mentioned before.

Learn to appreciate what is working in your life right now. In every areas of your life, such as your work, love life, health, friends, family, finances; what is going well? Make a list of everything that you are thankful now. Focus on the positives and not on negatives. Review your list. Soon you will find out that there are a lot of things to be thankful for.

Keep on dreaming and do not quit trying. But you have to keep your side of the bargain. When I was about 15 years old, I have to quit school because we don't have enough money to pay for the expenses. But I keep on dreaming that someday I will be able to finish college. After some time, with much diligence, patience and hard work I was able to finish my degree. I have to go to a night school in order to finish my high school. I have to study hard to be able to maintain my scholarship. I have to forego a lot of things to be able to reach my dream. I did keep my side of the bargain and I was able to reach my goal. I never stop dreaming from then on. A few years ago, I wanted to shift my career to another field and here I am enjoying the fruit of my sacrifices. This Internet site was a dream comes true for me. Keep on dreaming, be positive of your ambitions and keep your side of the bargain.

Here's a trick that I have learned from a friend. Whenever he is having a serious problem, he always tells himself like this. "This problem is nothing compared to what I have encountered before. If I was able solved my previous problem which was more serious than this, I can surely pass this one". Giving himself this very strong affirmative statement gives him the extra energy and assurance. Always remember that nothing is given to us by God that we cannot handle. We are only as strong as what we want to be.

Follow a good healthy diet. Everything you eat and drink can affect your performance and how you feel. Eat wisely and with moderation. Also, make sure that you have sufficient rest. This is necessary for your body to rejuvenate. Well rested and rejuvenated body thinks well, affects your performance and mood.

It may sound absurd but you can decide to be happy or to be unhappy. It's your choice. What it's gonna be? Decide to change what you can, accept what you can't and decide to be happy and be more positive. By doing so, you will weaken the grip that depression has over you. Bring back the joy that you once have. Decide that from now on, you will be happy and you shall be.

I believe that another good ingredient to be happy is to be true not only to yourself but to everyone. One way or the other, the truth has to come out and if you are on the right side you don't have anything to worry. The future is safe if you are always truthful and you will be free from worry. Haven't you heard of the phrase "the truth shall set you free"?

Do the best you can to help others. Have you imagined what a nice and happy place this world would be if everybody is helping others? Let this world be a happier place to live in. Let us help each other, the ball is rolling and it starts with you.

When all else fails, talk to God. He is always waiting for you to come and talk to Him about your troubles. You are a child of God and our Father is always willing to lend a helping hand, just like any good father. Have you talk to Him yet?

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