Rule #7 -- Happiness Is Only Ever Now

"Few of us ever live in the present, we are forever anticipating what is to come or remembering what has gone." - Louis L'Armor


In the 7th part of the 18 Rules of Happiness, Karl Moore talks about being happy in the present moment. He mentions that most people are either dreaming of the future or caught up in the past.

"I'll be happier once I've lost 20 pounds."

"I wished I took that vacation I wanted."

Sound familiar? Which one are you? Try to look at the way you think. Are you happy in this moment? As in right now, perhaps while reading this blog? Or is there something that you'd rather be doing -- like fly a kite somewhere or take that relaxing walk? If so, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and do just that!

Well, of course, we only have the present time to be happy. It's the only time that exists for us. The past is gone. The future has not yet arrived. So why not make the most of right here, right now. If you want to sing or dance, go ahead and do so. You know you'll be happy once you've done so.

Do take note that the present time (RIGHT NOW) is the only time that you can do what you want or change anything in your life. So, are you happy right now? If not, make the decision to be happy. NOW.

Remember, make that simple decision -- to be happy NOW.

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.