Who doesn’t want to be happy, right? Yesterday, Yahoo had an “article” (can we call those articles?) on 8 ways to be happy. I really don’t think this is rocket science but I’m always up for new ideas!
The article was based on a book by S. Lyubomirsky who believes that we all set our own happiness level (Yep, get that … totally agree, it’s a choice). One of her 8 ways was that renters are happier than homeowners. So, essentially, home owners that are unhappy should sell their houses and rent? Yea, ok – I’m thinking that’s a weird one (this is Yahoo after all!).
Let’s just look at the 4 that I thought we could use as a reminder today:
Perform random acts of kindness: I agree with this and really try to do something every day. Yesterday’s act was to help an old(er) woman at the gas station pump her gas. She was having trouble with the pump and I went over and did it for her. She was so grateful and it took me all of 3 minutes. It doesn’t have to be big or random. It just needs to be something. Here’s something cool: She cited to a recent study which showed that when 9 to 11 year old kids were asked to do good deeds for several weeks, they not only got happier, but became more popular with their peers. Love that one!
Count your blessings: Practicing gratefulness is critical. I do it by saying it out loud every day to someone (sometimes to strangers, much to my kids chagrin). I did it last night. I told someone how thankful I was for the experiences my children were having at school. Sometimes at dinner I ask everyone to share one thing they are thankful for. It’s habit-forming.
Savor positive experiences: I love to savor the positive things that happen in my life. I noted in the movie My Sister’s Keeper, that the young girl who was dying made a book for her mother of all the things in life that made her happy. That’s the way to live … and to die.
Happiness peaks at age 65: Seriously, this is the one that caught my (aging) eyes! The author quoted a study of veterans from World War II and the Korean War, which revealed that life satisfaction increased over the course of these men’s lives and peaked at age 65. Actually, it really didn’t start to decline until 75. I’m going to extend that age for woman (Why? Because no one is going to stop me) and I’m going to say that women’s happiness levels won’t actually decline until 85+. Hey! I’ve got 35+ of my happiest years left!
So, go out there and feel happy! It’s a choice — and one that you won’t regret!
Have a great day and enjoy this last summer snow!
theyearof50 