ARE YOU HAPPY?

Last week I came across and article I have seen before. It lists eleven qualities of remarkably happy people. Considering the general malaise that permeates our national consciousness these days, now seems a good time to place this reminder in front of readers.

The 11 habits of remarkably happy people:

1. They are respectful of themselves and everyone else in their lives
2. They believe in themselves and their capacity to achieve good in their lives
3. They are grateful for the people and things in their lives
4. They intentionally hang around other happy people
5. They watch far less TV than their peers as they engage with other people more
6. They don’t settle for mediocre, either in their own behavior or in others’
7. They flourish in maintaining positive, meaningful personal relationships
8. They try new activities and different routines to keep their lives fresh and interesting
9. They don’t hang on to grudges or wounds, releasing all that doesn’t serve them
10. They are forgiving of others and themselves, and are resilient
11. They are comfortable with themselves, and don’t seek the approval of others

We could also say that people holding these traits are content and satisfied with life. Their internal gyroscope functions perfectly to keep them grounded and balanced.

Often, the term “happy” denotes a temporary and a “getting” sort of condition. However, true happiness is a permanent condition, an internal state of being that isn’t dependent on any outward condition or situation. It is actually a decision we make.

I often pray that every single soul on earth be happy. Were that the case – don’t hold your breath for it – virtually all difficulties would disappear for everyone on the planet. Material equality wouldn’t necessarily be universal, but charity, compassion, kindness, patience, understanding, mentorship, volunteerism, altruism, forgiveness and benevolence would run rampant over the planet. Happy people generally can’t resist the urge to help others. Happy people want to help others be happy, too.

We know that large numbers of dissatisfied people today could be very happy if they only had some guidance. Even many who revel in their anger and disgust with others could uproot and eliminate those dreadful emotions. Oh, this isn’t fantasy. We see it every day in our coaching work. We encounter people all the time who seem sure they can’t be happy…until suddenly a shift occurs in them, and they find happiness.

If you are curious about this possibility, we would enjoy a discussion about it. Contact Us.