By Gerry Hopman
We live in a world that believes in postponing happiness exemplified by the following statements:
I’ll be happy when I make $ 100,000 a year
I’ll be happy when I get my dream house
I’ll be happy when I have enough money to quit my job
Happiness isn’t associated with wealth and riches. In my travels to different parts of the world, I found that the happiest people were often the poorest. They were thankful for the little they had and were free of worries, stress and anxiety.
Many of us believe that health and happiness are the most important things in our lives. As parents we wish for health and happiness for our children. There is no denying that the two are closely connected to one another. Unless you have good health, happiness is not fulfilled.
Happiness may mean different things to different people. Certain people receive happiness from hard work, while others can be totally fulfilled sitting by a stream with a fishing rod.
It proves that we are all unique and that we function at different levels of personal satisfaction. There are some things I like to share with you that if practiced will make most of us happier.
12 ways to increase personal happiness
Practice laughing every day. Remember, if you don’t use it, you’re liable to lose it.
Practice smiling every day. Your smile is your personal signature. It helps putting you in a happier frame of mind, as well as stimulating those around you to smile back.
Figure out what makes you happy and laugh. Make a list of things that trigger happiness and laughter for you. Keep the list handy and consult it when needed.
Hang out with happy people who enjoy laughing and can make you laugh. Happiness and laughter are contagious, so be sure to catch the wave.
Plan ’fun’ and ’play’ in you day-timer or on your calendar. Don’t plan work and busy times only. If you don’t plan for fun and play, it won’t happen.
Be kind to yourself. Don’t use up all your available time without any breaks. Learn to say ’No’ once in while. Believe me the universe will continue even if you stop once in a while.
Learn to laugh at yourself and your mistakes. The world accommodates for mistakes by putting erasers on the back of pencils, with white-out, and of course the back spacer on your computer.
Look for humor around you, bumper stickers, funny signs, blooper ads. Become a ‘humor spotter.’
Share your embarrassing experience with others. What was totally devastating at the time can become hilarious after the fact.
Recall some of the funny things that happened to you at the end of the day. Write them down and look them up when you’re feeling down in order to give you a lift.
Don’t be afraid to do something silly once in a while. Let the child, the clown escape from within and have some fun.
Practice optimism, because optimists are more successful and happier in life.
Gerry Hopman is an Author, Publisher, Humorist and Humor Motivational Speaker. He has a degree in Business Administration, is a Certified Human Resources Professional and a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader.
He believes that humor, laughter and happiness are essential to finding and maintaining balance in life and career. He has a true appreciation for humor and laughter and shares his passion with total energy and enthusiasm.
To find out more about Gerry and his views on how humor and laughter touch on health, wellness, stress management, happiness, fun, and joy in life and career, visit his web site at: http://www.humor-laughter.com
