How to Cheer Yourself Up

It is easy to let today's fast-paced world get you down. By focusing on the simple things in life, you can often improve your whole outlook. Here are some ways to make yourself happier.

1. Accept what is. Dr. Laura Schlessinger says this on her show from time to time. As the Taoists say, "it is what it is." There is only so much you can control in your life, and there is no use obsessing over what you cannot control. Instead, focus on how to make yourself happy with what you enjoy about your life. If there is an aspect of your life are not satisfied with, set out to change it. Until you can accomplish that, however, accept it for what it is. Focus on living your life, rather than the injustice or ignominy of whatever you do not like.

2. Spend time with animals. There is something soothing about being with animals. They are unassuming and have low expectations. They love you unconditionally, and how can you not feel happy when you stroke their soft fur and they stare lovingly into your eyes?

3. Take an inventory. Think about the many wonderful things in your life. Write a list of everything that brings you joy in your life and be grateful for them. Thank whatever power brought you these things, be it heavenly or earthly.

4. Help others. Volunteering your time to help a cause you believe in can be very satisfying. Spend afternoons in a nursing home to keep the patients company, referee a children's softball game or chair a fund raising event-do anything you are passionate about to help people who need it.

5. Watch a favorite old movie. Pop some popcorn, pour a glass of wine and curl up under an afghan to watch a favorite flick. Watching a movie you have seen before is kind of like visiting with old friends.

6. Have a dream and reach for it. When you work toward a meaningful goal, you are filled with a sense of purpose. Every small step toward that goal can bring you joy, and imagine how you will feel when you finally fulfill your dream!

7. Take a hike in the mountains. My friend Beth likes to take her camera to the mountains and take pictures of the scenery. The beauty and size of the mountains can give you perspective on your life, nature and the world around you. Later, you can look at the pictures again and again whenever you need a 30-second pick-me-up.

8. Stay up all night and talk. Another friend, Michelle, loves to sit up all night with her husband, just talking. A boyfriend, an old friend, it doesn't matter. Crack open some Ben & Jerry's, light a fire and catch up on old times. If you run out of things to talk about, you can play a game or watch a movie.

9. Live your purpose. Are you doing with your life what you truly feel you are meant to be doing? Are you enjoying the most important parts of your life, or at least most of them? If not, why not? Examine your life to see how you can change this and do what you were meant to do. It may take some time to make a big change, so be patient. It is hard to be happy if you are working in a job you hate.

10. Have a support group. Surround yourself with positive people who support you in your decisions and dreams. While it is helpful to have the "voice of reason" to keep you grounded, a person who is negative simply for the sake of bringing you down has no place in your life.