SIX REASONS TO BE HAPPY

There are at least six points to be made in achieving a goal oriented rationale for happiness. These six areas are structured in a framework that does not require anyone to accept responsibility for the obstacles and problems in their life; that does not determine what actions one chooses to take in their lives; or pose any particular need for or interest in any change. But, the framework does provide lots of opportunity if we wish to do these things to gain more freedom and enjoyment from life and the marvelous others that are around us.

1. Life and Choices - You're alive, and if this doesn't provide a source of happiness, consider the alternative. And if the alternative is more appealing, consider the choices that are available to that alternative. Feeling depressed, weak, or hopeless is a signal to seek professional help. Life is filled with such bountiful joys, that choosing to work at ways to enjoy life is one of the most purposeful uses of our lives. Listing some of these joys of life and trying to choose the ones to get the most pleasure from is the first step to an improved happiness state.
   
   
2. Love of oneself - Most of us have someone very valuable in our life that loves us--one's own self! Thinking positively about oneself is necessary to personal happiness. When self esteem and self worth are low, depression results and our level of happiness is affected so Life and Choices are linked with this. Engage in small projects that fit your choices in order to practice building your interest in self direction. Enjoy your successes as you earn them and try to improve your self-regard through determining to make better choices in the future rather than dwell on past experiences.
   
   
3. Beliefs and Judgments - Everyone has meaning and purpose. It is up to you to determine what this is for you. Through your beliefs and judgments, you can put more enjoyment and happiness in your own life. Contradicting beliefs and judgments of others don't have to trap you. You can choose to achieve the level of happiness you wish. you have a right to your beliefs and judgments. Use caution to be sure they work for you and not against you, however.
   
   
4. Simple pleasures - Simple pleasures are free and are always available. Learning to enjoy fresh air and sunshine, children and young animals at play, the antics of friends and family, and reverie and personal imagination is important. The familiar adage of "taking time to smell the daisies" has a lot of meaning.
   
   
5. Preconceptions and opinions - Our minds are bounded only by what we allow ourselves to think. By exploring our thoughts and working to keep them active, interesting, and as creative as our natural powers allow us, we gain a better perspective of our lives. We can examine our opinions to self-determine whether or not they work for us or whether they can be changed to fit a more enjoyable and happier frame of mind. Each of us can shape our own thoughts to productive ends.
   
   
6. Benefits of the blessings we have - By counting our blessings, even when they seem few and remote, we can positively influence our state of happiness. Though there are few things over which we have much control, by making decisions about our satisfaction with and acceptance of those things, we can contribute to our own happiness. We can purposively decide to see the glass as half full rather than half empty and it is this kind of perception that most promotes happiness.