12 Things to Always Remember

It's that time of the year once more... that's right, the turning of the year... from 2015, it's now page 3 of 366 days of 2016. I hope you welcomed the year with a big bang! I meant that in a good way though. 

So, here I am again, looking for something inspiring and motivating as the new year starts. I do want to update this blog as much as I can, but at times, the inspiration escapes me. So I just grab it whenever it hits, like right now...

I found the above image somewhere on my Facebook feed, and I thought it worthy of sharing with as many people as possible. Why? Because I truly believe in these 12 things. 

We find people who are in constant search for happiness. More often than not, the answer lies within each and every one of us... if only we take the time to really see it! >.< 

The past cannot be changed. There's no sense in dwelling on it. Just keep moving forward. Tomorrow is another day!

Opinions don't define your reality. How many times have we heard that 'other people's opinion of you is none of your business?' I know it's too tempting sometimes to lash back... but is it really worth it?

Everyone's journey is different. I try and focus more on my own journey. I try not to dwell on other people's dramas. Life is simpler that way.

Things always get better with time. You simply need to believe. Because it really does.

Judgments are a confession of character. Are you in a habit of judging others? Do know that it says more about you than the person you are judging. Just saying.

Overthinking will lead to sadness. It's one bad habit I'm still working on. Sometimes, I overthink too much. Then one sad thought leads to another... and another... and another... so STOP!

Happiness is found within. No amount of external happiness can make one truly happy, esp. if happiness isn't in your heart. Reflect and meditate more on what makes you truly happy, then focus on that. I sure hope it isn't anything material, or you're in deep trouble! >.<

Positive thoughts create positive things. They say the mind is a powerful thing. We create what we think. Imagine attracting whatever it is your mind is thinking. I doubt you'd want to think negatively once you've realized that.

Smiles are contagious. ^_^ This is one reason why I enjoy watching and doing funny stuff more. Being around positive people also helps. Surround yourself with anything that makes you smile. 

Kindness is free. Just imagine what the world will be like if everyone is kind. At times, it takes a lot of effort just to be kind. Do it anyway.

You only fail if you quit. So true indeed. Keep trying... until you succeed. 

What goes around, comes around. Some folks simply do not believe in karma. No matter what, I believe in it. It's also one reason to always be kind. It comes around. >.<

And remember, HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE. So, always choose to be happy, no matter what! Till next update... have a truly joyful life! ^_^

Happy Thanksgiving

I truly believe that there are lots of reasons to be thankful for. Have you tried making a list? It truly helps...

Happy thanksgiving!

Rule #18 -- Laugh, Dance, Smile!

“A friendly look, a kindly smile, one good act, and life's worthwhile.” - Unknown

Well, I finally got to the last of the 18 Rules of Happiness by Karl Moore. I admit that I did take a few weeks' break from posting here. No, I did not stop being happy. On the contrary, I just practiced it. I discovered a writing site (user-generated content site) called Squidoo. I've been busy a while writing on the site and creating lenses for a variety of topics that interest me. If you do have a passion for writing, I invite you to join me there too!

Going back to the 18th rule, Karl Moore talks about how true happiness comes from within and it can be expressed externally in your happy face, big smile and frequent laughter. I don't know if you've noticed it too, but happy people tend to look better. They have this aura that radiates a bright and happy glow. Stress can indeed make one look older. 

One good tip is to surround yourself with happiness. Oh, and that includes happy people too! I'm sure no one wants to be around someone who does nothing but gripe and complain a lot about life. 

Karl Moore's tips include 1.) get dancing, 2.) listen to feel-great music all the time, 3.) cover your wall with uplifting pictures, 4.) watch more comedy movies, 5.) laugh at life itself, just to name a few examples.

I love to dance! It's exhilarating and makes you feel free. It is definitely a way to make yourself feel better. Listen to happy music all the time. It's uplifting for sure. Plus, of course, put up inspiring and lovely photos all around. There's nothing better than surrounding yourself with happiness. 

Most of all, strive to have a positive attitude towards life and you will be happier.

Laugh, dance, and smile often -- and you will be happy!

Rule #17 -- Zoom Out and Don't Sweat

"If you do not raise your eyes you will think that you are the highest point." -- Antonio Porchia

Are you ruled by the goals you have set in your life? Do you run by the clock? Do you have time to stop and smell the roses? In this 17th rule of the 18 Rules of Happiness by Karl Moore, he talks about zooming out and not sweating the details. 

Sometimes, we need to step back and take a look at what's important in our life. This happens to me once in a while. I get overwhelmed by the tasks I need to accomplish. I want so much to accomplish my goals that I sometimes get irritated when something happens to take my time away from my set schedule. But I've realized that if it's family that demands my time, I need to make time for them. They're the main reason for my being, for my working hard and for striving to achieve success. 

Life is short. We all know that. We don't know when we will breathe our last breath. So we need to enjoy every moment that we can have and spend with what's important in our lives.

I had to take a long hard look at my own life when my dad passed on two years ago. Somehow, I had to change plans. Things that mattered before didn't seem that important anymore. When you've experienced losing a loved one or even having that close call, it enables you to zoom out and not sweat the minor things in life. 

Remember to zoom out regularly and don't sweat the small stuff -- and you will be happy. 

Here's another happy song suggestion from Karl Moore... Fascination by Alphabeat! ^_^

Rule # 16 -- Exercise and Eat Well

"If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world." -- J.R.R. Tolkien

Contrary to more philosophical and theoretical rules, the 16th part of the 18 Rules of Happiness by Karl Moore is pretty practical. A good body somehow contributes to a good perspective in life.

I will admit that I do need to work on this aspect of the rules. You see, for most of my life, I have been almost completely vain. I never did want to gain those extra pounds. However, in the past few years, I have somehow gained a different perspective.

True, I need to exercise more and shed more pounds and fats. But I am not without exercise. I get a dose of my daily walk and during this time is when I get a lot of my great ideas for writing and blogging. So yes I would agree that exercising adds to your happiness. 

The thing is find what works for you best. I'm sure there are many ways by which to exercise and keep fit. Whatever you like most is likely to work out fine.

Ah, eating well is indeed necessary. We need to do away with more junk food and go organic. Easier said than done, however. But if one is truly committed to being healthy, nothing is impossible.

Refresh and nourish yourself. Increase intake of fruits and vegetables as well because they are healthy for the body. I previously wrote an article on "Why Fruit Smoothies Are the Best for Your Health."

Next time around, I will share some ideas for feel good food.

And just for some extra happiness, Karl Moore suggests this song from The Boo Radleys... Wake Up Boo! ^_^

Remember, exercise and eat well and you will be happy.

Rule #12 - Have a Dream

"A person starts dying when they stop dreaming." - Brian Williams


In this 12th part of the 18 Rules of Happiness, Karl Moore says it's important to have a dream in life. It's the driving force to keep you moving forward.

Everything starts with a vision, a hope, a goal, a dream.

Ask yourself, what do you dream of?

Would you like to travel? Would you like to perform on stage? Would you like to write a book? Perhaps you dream of being your own boss?

Dreams are truly important. Without them, life becomes boring and meaningless. What direction will you be headed if you don't have a dream?

Set aside time to jot down your dreams. It doesn't even matter how you record them -- a scrapbook, a journal, a portfolio, etc.

Have a dream -- and you will be happy. 

Rule #11 -- Love More!

"Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. The bless the ones who receive them, and they bless you, the giver." - Barbara De Angelis


Karl Moore, in this 11th part of the 18 Rules of Happiness, states that in order to be happy, you need to love more. It's not the clingy, relationship love that most people might have in mind. Instead, the kind of love that a mother gives to her child, or the kind that a child gives for his/her puppy or kitten.

Love your life as it is.

Love your family, even if at times, it is easier to hate them.

Love nature and the beauty that surrounds you daily.

Love your friends for all their good and bad points.

Love both sides of the coin.

Just simply love more -- and you will be happy.

Rule #10 -- Be More Social

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. " -- Marcel Proust


In the 10th part of the 18 Rules of Happiness, Karl Moore says that the happiest and most successful people in society have a large social network.

One has to have lots of friends, lots of colleagues, lots of people you can call just to banter with for 10 minutes. One shortcut to becoming happier is to make more friends.

You need to be proactive about it. You can't wait for interesting people to stumble into your life. Join local clubs, take classes, or just be friendly and chat with neighbors. In this computer age, social networking sites are in! You can join Facebook and similar sites and join groups with people of the same interests. Making friends isn't difficult if you make the effort.

Be a friend with a positive attitude. No one wants to be around people who spend their time moaning and complaining. Sometimes you need to exert a little more effort. Some people take time to warm up and open up. Keep making friends and expand your social circle.

Be more social -- and you will be happy.

Rule #9 -- Appreciate Both Sides of the Coin

 

"You don't know when you've hit a peak until you're coming down. And you don't know when you've hit a trough until you're climbing out. It's all good." - David Brent


In this 9th part of the 18 Rules of Happiness, Karl Moore talks about the duality that exists in life. Indeed, can you truly know what happiness is if you have not experienced sadness at all?

Life is full of opposites. This concept is one of the things we learn early on in school. When there's up, there's down. When there's hot, there's cold. In order to appreciate light, you must experience dark.

Opposites, right? But they exist as pairs. How can you indeed know one without the other?

Indeed, how many people want to experience only the good, the positive, and the happy. To be truly happy, you will need to embrace the duality of life experiences.

Perhaps it's time to stop judging individual experiences as good or bad. Simply accept them as part of your life adventures. When negative things seem to happen, just accept that it's the other side of the coin. It's part of the equation.

So, appreciate the other side of the coin -- and you will be happy.

Rule #8 -- Experience, Don't Hoard!

"When you're curious, you find lots of interesting things to do." - Walt Disney

Karl Moore talks about living and truly experiencing life in this 8th part of the 18 Rules of Happiness. He says that when you experience life, you feel more whole, fulfilled and authentic.

I would generally agree. However, there are times when you are limited by your financial capacity to do what you want. Having the material resources, on the other hand, doesn't guarantee lasting happiness.

So instead of indulging in material goods, how about creating mini life adventures? Why don't you learn a new skill, like a new language or a new dance step? Or you can have a "tour" of your local neighborhood, taking time out to admire everything around you.

It can be anything.. doesn't have to be big or expensive. It's something that you can do on your own. Maybe you want to set up your own blog and write about your experiences. Or you can dine in a new restaurant every day for a week. Just try to experience life.

Experience - don't hoard - and you will be happy.

Rule #6 -- Do Random Acts of Kindness

"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." - Dalai Lama


In this 6th installment of the 18 Rules of Happiness, Karl Moore talks about doing random acts of kindness. Have you ever tried doing it?

In my views, it's pretty easy to just be a kind person -- generally speaking that is. I'm sure that's not so hard to do. Just be kind with everyone you meet. Be a pleasant being that anyone won't mind hanging around with.

So what is this random act of kindness? It's a small act of kindness that you grant to someone else -- even if you don't know them -- and for absolutely no reason; that is you're not expecting to be repaid.

It's like when you hold the elevator door open for someone who's trying to run for it. Or holding the door for an elderly who has quite her hands full.

I do believe I like this rule. A little act of kindness goes a long way. And 'coz you've been kind to someone, there's a bigger chance that he/she will pass it on. It's what the world needs today.

Do random acts of kindness -- and you will be happy.

Rule #5 -- Learn to Let Go

"By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try, the world is beyong the winning." - Lao Tzu

Emotions make all of us humans. In this 5th rule of the 18 Rules of Happiness, Karl Moore talks about emotions and how sometimes they need reining in.

True, we can't help but feel emotions 'coz we are after all humans. We feel as much as we think or do. Not all emotions are bad, but not all are good either. You have to remember that you are NOT your emotions.

Emotions are a by-product of how we react to what happens to us. Sometimes we're happy. Other times we're sad. We experience being angry, upset, or even scared. That's part and parcel of being human.

However, there are emotions that limit us. Perhaps you can't do that company presentation 'coz you too scared to talk in front of strangers. Or you haven't made up with a friend 'coz you're still too mad. Even just as bad is you stay in a damaging relationship 'coz you're emotionally addicted to having someone in your life.

Karl talks about releasing -- the ability to let go.

It's interesting that I've personally been doing this in my life since I've discovered that letting go actually makes me feel better. I can say that I know the difference between myself and my emotions. And so there are situations wherein I get a better grasp of things 'coz I can separate myself from what I feel. I didn't know till I'm doing this series that I've actually been on the right track all along.

Releasing involves letting go of negative emotions. It's an exercise that you can learn and develop with enough practice. Karl Moore has a mini-course on "Releasing." Perhaps next time around I'll share it as well.

Remember, learn to let go -- and you will be happy.

Rule #4 -- Follow Your Bliss

"When you follow your bliss, doors will open where you would not have thought there would be doors; and where there wouldn't be a door for anyone else." - Joseph Campbell

In the 4th rule of the 18 Rules of Happiness, Karl Moore talks about finding what you truly love to do and taking the courage to jump right in. It's about being immersed in something that you truly love doing. You're wrapped up in the moment. And time doesn't really matter.

Indeed, how many people can truly claim that they're living the life they've always dreamed of? I know there are some who do the job they hate, but feel stuck 'coz they do need the money. I do admit it isn't easy.. to take the courage to pursue what you want in life.

Sometimes, the problem is you haven't found what you truly love to do. Karl, however, believes that everyone in life knows what he/she needs to do to be happy. Most times it just takes courage to follow your bliss.

Follow your bliss -- and you will be happy.

Rule #3 -- Say Yes More

"I will say yes to every favour, request, suggestion and invitation. I will swear to say yes where once I would say no." -- Danny Wallace


How many times have we actually been advised to say no? Indeed for most of us, it is a way to lessen stress in our life. In this third part of The 18 Rules of Happiness, Karl Moore tells us to SAY YES MORE.

Perhaps it needs a little explanation here. You see, "No!" is a powerful word that everyone understands. It stops anything to get through to us. But there are times when saying "No" actually holds us back in life. It's like trying to swim against the current, instead of the easier task of swimming with it.

From what I understand, what Karl is trying to say has something to do on one end with acceptance. Take the case of when you're having a bad day and someone accidentally spills some juice or coffee on you. Instead of blowing your top and shouting "No!", it could be attributed to one of life's funny randomness.

Then there are times when we refuse to deal with grief or sadness, like when our favorite pet dies. Or when you don't get that promotion you've been working hard to achieve. Saying "No!" and refusing to accept these things won't change anything. Instead, say "Yes!" more to life and accept things you can't control or have any hold over. It does make life easier and you get to move on faster.

Think about this... how about saying "Yes!" to inject a little more excitement in your life? Like perhaps taking that vacation you've been wanting to? Or going out with friends once in a while? Or accepting a party invitation sometimes? Give it a shot! You might find that it'll change your world.

Say yes more -- and you will be happy.

Rule #2 -- Be Grateful

"If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough." - Meister Eckhardt

In this second part of The 18 Rules of Happiness, Karl Moore tells us that one way to be happy is to be grateful. Let's face it, how often do you say thanks for all the good things that come your way? Or better yet, how often have you been thankful that a difficult or challenging ordeal has been dealt with?

In the fast-paced world of today, it seems we sometimes forget to be grateful for all the nice things and the conveniences that we enjoy. And yet, if you truly want to be happy, you need to appreciate the things that you have in your life right now. 

Ask yourself this question.. have you said your thanks today? Start from there.. then make it a daily habit. Being grateful for all the blessings that you have right now, no matter how small, makes a whole world of difference. Don't find yourself complaining about the things that you don't have. Instead, focus on the blessings that you have with you right here, right now.. it could be friends, family, pets, wealth and abundance in any form. Try it! It works! I know 'coz I've tried it a long time ago. And since I've done so, I find that there is less to complain about in life.

Be grateful -- and you will be happy.

8 Habits of Very Joyful People

1 - Decide to be happy.

Happiness is a state of mind. If you want to be happy, think happy.  And  yes, it's a choice -- your choice.

2 - Apply the power of positive thinking.

Being positive doesn't mean you're only counting on the good things to happen. It  really means believing that no matter what happens, it is for the best.

3 - Maintain emotional wellness.

Nothing beats emotional wellness. How do you maintain it? Find time to reflect and meditate.  When things get a bit overwhelming, step back, detach yourself, take a walk and see the good things in life.

4 - Have an attitude of gratitude.

When you wake up in the morning, say thanks. Be thankful for another day, another chance to make a difference. In a values enhancement camp I attended some years back, we were made to chant "Today is better than yesterday. Success!"

5 - Live in the present.

There is no point in dwelling in the past. Even if you had a sad childhood, face it, it's over. Live in the now. Today is a gift, that's why it's called present. 

I remember reading a short cartoon strip of Winnie the Pooh and Piglet. Pooh asked Piglet, "What day is it?" Piglet replied, "It is today." To which Pooh remarked, "Ah, my favorite day."

6 - Love what you do and do what you love.

Find the meaning and purpose in what you do. Then you won't have reason to complain or wish you're doing something else. Life is short. Spend your time wisely. Doing what you love and loving what you do makes waking up mornings super fantastic!

7 - Approach life with humor and laughter.

Laughter is the best medicine. No, you don't need to be a clown or to act as silly as one in order to find humor in every day situations. Enjoy life! After all, it is great to be alive. 

8 - Observe a healthy spirituality.

For me, it helps a lot that I have faith. For whenever I find myself lost, troubled or weary, I pray.  

Have a joyful life! :-)