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.

The 18 Rules of Happiness by Karl Moore

I came across this book some months back. It came with a free opt-in to some list I signed up for. Come to think of it, I can't remember which list it was. LOL! Still I'm glad to have received a copy of this e-book by Karl Moore.. The 18 Rules of Happiness.

It just strikes me as I wonder is there really a list of rules on how one can become happy? And why is this happiness concept rather elusive? Isn't happiness simply a state of mind? I mean, if you believe and know that you are happy, then you are happy. Apparently, it's not that simple for a lot of people.

Anyhow, I really enjoyed reading the e-book and thought of sharing bits of it with my own insights. Read on to rediscover your own happiness. It may be a lot closer than you think.

Rule #1 -- Stop Feeling Sorry for Yourself!

"Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything wise in this world." - Helen Keller

I think the quote I borrowed says it all. After all, we all tend to wallow in self-pity once in a while. Sometimes, we even tend to blame everything or everyone else for things that have happened or are still happening to us. We take pleasure in blaming the weather, the government, and most everything else we have no control over.

Totally foolish and ineffective.

You may not have all the riches in the world. You may not have all the talents. Yet it's no reason to feel self-pity. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. You can do so much more if you start there.

Believe that you are  a wonderful being. You were created for a reason and purpose. That should be more than enough to make you feel good.

If you truly want to be happy, stop feeling sorry for yourself.


(to be continued...)