25 Tips for a Happy Life

Happiness is surely meant to be the purpose of life and every moment spent living it. We often believe that some people are just happier than other people, but the truth is that the pursuit of happiness is an everyday activity. Happiness is achieved by small actions, through positive thinking and being grateful for the simple things.

Here are my 25 Tips for a Happy Life:

1. LOVE

   This is the most obvious, but top of the list for a reason. Love others as well as yourself.

2. Be Grateful

   Appreciate your family, your friends, your life – and say thank you!

3. Laugh

   Engage in activities and spend time with people you know will make you laugh. Laugh as much as you can, and learn to laugh at yourself. When people are laughing with you and not at you; it changes your perceptions completely.

4. Prioritise

   Respect yourself and the way you use your time by prioritising.

5. Balance

   Simplify your life, live in moderation and balance work vs leisure.

6. Listen

   Talk less and listen more, to others and to music; and you’ll be inspired.

7. Read

   Keep learning and expanding your knowledge and you’ll have something substantial to contribute in conversation.

8. Be brave

   Do the things you fear and perhaps you will no longer be afraid; have faith.
   “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” ~ Franklin D. Roosevelt.

9. Meditate

   Breathe, be calm, self reflect, enjoy the silence. Free yourself from the chains that tie down your thoughts, from the burden of worry and the regrets of the past. People who study others may become wise, but those who study themselves will be enlightened.

10. Exercise

    Being fit and healthy makes you feel amazing, energetic and enthusiastic.

11. Think positively

    Sometimes you can’t control a situation, but you CAN control the way you react. You’ll feel good and make others feel good too. Positive people are happier people.

12. Value quality

    Value quality rather than quantity. This applies to all things, including the company you keep.

13. Trust

    Earn the trust of others and learn to trust others. Respect those who have a positive influence on you and you will gain respect.

14. Be patient

    Don’t live in the past or the future; what will be will be, and you will gain understanding. Embrace the present, good things are worth waiting for.

15. Be honest

    Honesty is the cornerstone to all relationships, personal and professional. You can be honest without being mean by exercising tact. Be honest with others and be honest with yourself. Don’t be blinded by your own ignorance.

16. Be kind

    Consider the fact that everyone is fighting their own battles; be they physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually. No one’s problems can be considered greater than another’s. You are given what you can handle, and I’m sure you wouldn’t wish to exchange your problems with another’s.

17. Practice

    Learn from your mistakes and see them as opportunities for growth. If you want to become pro at something, keep practicing.

18. Be self disciplined

    Don’t be late, be open minded; and think before you speak.

19. Dream

    Every reality started as a dream, aspire to be the best you that you can be and you will achieve your dreams and goals. Think happy thoughts for a happy life. The only limits that exist are those that you put on yourself. Define your personal goals, because you won’t be able to hit a target that you can’t see.

20. Colour

    Surround yourself with colour, colours have many meanings and the power to affect your mood. Use colours as a pick me up or for inspiration.

21. Believe

    Believe in yourself, and in something greater than you. Be it God, the universe or whatever you wish. You don’t really believe that the human race is the be all and end all of life itself, do you?

22. Be decisive

    Be rational when required and think laterally when required. Take time to think but make a decision, because it’s the first step to success.

23. Ask

    If you never ask, you’ll never know. The outcome will only help you grow. Don’t judge people too soon, if you are unsure about something, ask. Most importantly, don’t be too hard on yourself; life gives you what you ask for, if you need help, ask for it.

24. Be creative

    Express yourself creatively and create the life you want to live. Improving your life also helps to improve the lives of those around you.

25. Be confident

    Find what you truly love to do and then do it, find the things and people you love, and let them love you too. Be friendly, be open, and just be yourself.

(Edited and republished. Originally posted on my old blog: Peaches and Pie)