The habits of happy people!

What makes you happy?
First of all, money is not in the equation, it does have an influence, but let's remove this factor.  According to David Myers, a professor of psychology and author of The Pursuit of Happiness: Who is Happy and Why?, "We are social animals.  We come with a deep need to belong.  So people who have close, supportive, intimate relationships with others are more likely to report themselves as really happy people".

I received today the Phoenix Focus (the alumni publication from the University of Phoenix) and an article in the magazine was about happiness.  It suggests these 12 tips for a happier life:

1. Count your blessings.  Be aware of all the good things in your life and express gratitude for what you have.
2. Cultivate optimism.  Make an effort to see the upside of a situation and surround yourself with positive people.
3. Avoid social comparison.  This is a tough one in our aspirational culture, but it's well worth cutting down on how often you dwell on your problems and compare yourself with others.
4. Practice acts of kindness toward friends and strangers.
5. Nurture your relationships.  Don't take your friends and family for granted.
6. Do more activities that really engage you.  This increases what psychologists call the "flow" state where you're totally absorbed in what your doing.
7. Savor life's joys.  Go over them by wither writing them down or thinking and talking about them.
8. Commit to your personal goals.  Pick at least one significant goal and devote time and effort to pursuing it.
9. Develop coping strategies.  Practice ways to get through or get over stress or trauma.
10. Learn to forgive. Letting go of old hurts and resentments frees your mind and heart.
11. Practice religion or spirituality.  Research shows people who do so are happier.
12. Take care of your body. Exercise, meditation, and laughing all count.

Now when I read this the very first thing that jumped out at me was to count my blessings and to practice religion.  This comes from a secular school that at no point during my studies (even in a religion class) implied there was any faith at all!  The excitement flooded me when I read this because of the 1000's of people this may have gone to!  All of the alumni at UOP receive this!!!!  Wonder how many read it?  

The bottom line is that happiness is a choice.  One of the quotes in another article discussed approaching life from a point of abundance rather than a point of lack.  How many of you all approach happiness, life, or business this way.  A quote I found in the internet that explains my IPhone....

"I keep the telephone of my mind open to peace, harmony, health, love, and abundance.  Then whenever doubt, anxiety, or fear try to call me, they keep getting a busy signal and soon they'll forget my number".  If we make it a habit to think happiness, abundance, and love then maybe it is true...doubt, anxiety, and fear may eventually forget my number....

I pray each of you had a blissful holiday season and am excited to see what 2012 brings for our family.