The Habits of Happy People, Part One.

So, I wanted to share this  really cool article that I read about the things that happy people do differently. Most of the things I do already, or at least, I do them most of the time. This information has opened up a new door for me. I got some much needed validation, and now I have a strong tool to help my loved ones when they're feeling depressed and have no where to go. I love that the list brings attention to things I am already doing right, and offers other fixes that are easily adapted. I also love that it's a list and I love lists.

Don't Hold Grudges:

I've always been pretty good at this. I've always said that grudges take up way too much energy. And my energy is needed in much more important areas. Bonus: psycho women love it when you're still thinking about them and paying them no attention at all chaps their ass more than anything else in the world. Win-win!

Treat Everyone With Kindness:

Why wouldn't you? Rude people are ugly. 

See Problems As Challenges:

Another one that has always come easily to me, but is a definite hangup for a lot of people. Often times, someone in a depression sees a problem and shuts down. Personally, when a problem arises, I think on it and try to come up with at least three different solutions and choose the best of my options. I never leave 'ignore it' as an option. Example: A week ago I suspected that I was getting arthritis in my dominant hand. Arthritis is a career killing diagnosis. The options I came up with were, start taking glucosamine twice a day, apply for a change of position in my current field that eases the demand on my hands, and/or start taking steps toward a teaching career, or change careers entirely. I ruled out changing careers entirely. I love my job and I'm not ready to leave. The glucosamine worked, but I still plan on making a position change in a few months and have set a new goal to teach by next year.

Express Gratitude For What You Already Have:

I do this one without thinking so I almost forgot this should even be on the list, but it's definitely important. The list of things that I am grateful for is endless. Sometimes, I make a list of the reasons I'm grateful to have my boyfriend and I leave that out for him to find. :) 'Cuz y'know, those things you're grateful for need a little reminder that they're still appreciated.

Dream Big:

This is by far my absolute favorite on the list. I believe if you can get a handle on this one then all the others will fall into place. I just decide on some awesome thing that I want in life and then I start breaking it down into baby steps to figure out how I'm going to make this dream come true. Usually, all it takes is the planning process to make me blissfully happy and inspired. When I've got an extra spring in my step it's usually because I'm planning something amazing. And I don't keep my dreams to myself. I talk about them to anyone and everyone because that's half the fun. People just shake their head and smile at me now and think, "There she goes again, chasing another dream." Hell yea I am! It's freaking fun! Get with it, people!  And even if that dream never comes to fruition, I'm okay with that because I have 20 bigger and better ones behind it to keep me occupied. But being a dreamer means I have to be around people that understand and nurture that about me. Naysayers and negative people don't last long in my life. The occasional fool thinks the only way to break me is by stomping on my dreams, but ohhh no! This pony will not be tamed. Run with me or get out of my way!

Well, this subject is about to turn into a flippin' mini-series. Because I love being happy and I want the people that I love to be happy with me. Ya dig?

<3