In these economically challenging times it’s not difficult to find yourself feeling like you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. You feel like you can’t see the forest through the trees, or the light at the end of the tunnel. But if you follow my favorite pleasure principles, your half empty glass is going to turn half full in no time.
1. Grace and Ease. Every night before you go to sleep recall three things that happened during the day that went well. They can be as simple as a sunny day, a phone call from a friend, or as huge as a job promotion, or closing escrow on your brand new house. They will surely amp up your contentedness and help you sleep.
2. Get Lost. Spend at least 20 minutes a day enjoying your favorite leisure activity. This will put you in your right flow and fully absorb your mind, immediately erasing anything else running through your brain. Plugging into your ipod, plopping in front of your favorite TV show or reading the next chapter in that juicy romance novel are great ‘get losters’.
3. Do what you do. Got a hobby you love. It’s a must. Hobbies serve as a no frills, no fee, hours of fun. Whether it’s painting or potting, make it a part of your day. Gratifying your desires keeps your bliss factor at an all time high.
4. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Align your character with your values. If you say you will call right back. Call back. If you promise to make it to the party. Show up. Practicing what you preach keeps you in a positive space.
5. Rewrite your ending. Instead of obsessing about how everything went wrong, rescript your happy ending. People who indulge their positive fantasies on paper are happier. And some have noted their wishes have come true! That’s the power of positive thinking.
6. Be a do gooder. Research tells us that even doing the tiniest of good deeds makes us joyful. So go ahead, hold that door open, help that lady with her grocery bags, and say thank you. It’s all good for your Karma ricochet.
7. Be in the moment. Instead of always planning for the future and waiting for it all to come, be in the here and now. Every minute is your minute to enjoy. They’re nobody else’s and you never get them back. Do not waste them.
8. Make new friends. If there is something you love to do. Find others who find the joy, in your joy, the gathering of kindred spirits is joyous!
9. Pump it up. Just three 20 minute workouts a week can improve your outlook and your health. Physical activity sets off endorphins which is every body’s natural heroine. So go ahead, get high!
10. Share a laugh. Big laugh out loud guffaws truly are the best medicine. It has been proven that laughter does in fact heal the sick and cure the ailing. Call a friend and share a funny story.
Your Grass is Green
