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.