Principles for Living a Happy Life

So many around us are obviously miserable with their life. Why is that the case and how can you rise above circumstance to live a happy life?

These are important questions given the current state of affairs in our world. There are those who are unemployed, underemployed, sick, and sinking fast. There has to be a way to see above and beyond your circumstances and learn to truly appreciate life and be happy living it.

The following principles will help you, if you will implement them, to live a happier, carefree life, despite your circumstances.

Principles to Happy Living - Make your choice.
Every day you have a choice. You can choose to be happy or unhappy. It may sound superficial, but even Abraham Lincoln said that people are just about as happy as they make up their minds to be. If you will put this principle into practice you will find that it is true.

In order to choose and genuinely feel happy, however, there are a few other things that you must understand.

Principles for Happy Living - Self talk will bolster your choice to be happy.
It is not crazy to talk to yourself. Sometimes, you may be the only voice of reason and cheer within listening distance. In that case, it is imperative that you take it upon yourself to cheer yourself onward and upward. If you tell yourself you are going to be unhappy, you will be. If, on the other hand, you will open your mind, look through eyes of innocence and gratitude, and choose the path of happiness you will be surprised to find that happiness soon overtakes you. Encourage yourself. Become your own best cheerleader and you will find yourself developing a more positive attitude and lifestyle.

Principles for Happy Living - Develop a spirit of gratitude.
We live in a general atmosphere of entitlement. We think we should have everything. Consequently we work tirelessly, endlessly, and hopelessly to find and achieve happiness through our means. Happiness will never come about that way. Happiness is borne on a spirit of gratitude. Those who are happy, regardless of life's circumstance, have realized that they came into this world with nothing, are entitled to no material possessions, and will take nothing with them.

They develop a spirit of gratitude for the things that come into their lives.

That is not to say that they do not want and obtain material possessions, but their happiness is not intrinsically linked to what they possess or do not possess. This frees them to be happy regardless of physical and financial circumstance. It is an attitude that will free you, too, and allow you to choose happiness.

Principles for Happy Living - Don't worry.
Don't worry is the principle that is more easily said than done, but the art of worry, like the art of self talk can be developed, or put away. Worry and anxiety are best put away. The best way to rid yourself of worry and anxiety is to realize that the majority of the things you worry about will never come to pass, so why waste your time worrying.

Of those things that do come to pass, it is certain that worry can do nothing to alter the outcome, so why waste the time, energy, and happiness with worry. Let things go. Live free from the encumbrance of worry and live happy.

Principles for Happy Living - Ignore Nay-sayers
There will always be people who want to pull you down. Some people do not want you happy simply because they are not happy. Separate yourself from those who would drag you down from the loft of happiness just because that is what they do best. Choose to live your life around people who have a positive attitude and those who will encourage you in your life. Step away from the nay-sayers and doom-sayers who see nothing but doom and gloom on the horizon. You must be looking for better things.

Principles for Happy Living - Adjust your expectations.
Expect the worst and that may well be what you get. Set your expectations and hopes upon those things which are good and noble. Do not set them too high, be continent and gracious for what you have in your life, but do not throw your lot in with that group of nay-sayers from whom you have chosen to separate yourself. Expect the best and you are more likely to create an atmosphere that attracts the best too you.

No one principle for happy living will change your life over night, but you can begin to change your life, attitude, and happiness by implementing these principles for happy living being today, right now.

It is your life. Take a turn for the better and determine to enjoy it, no matter what your lot, and be happy with who you are and what you have. Don't allow circumstance and others opinions to determine your happiness. Choose and live out happiness today.

Sources:
Bruno, Tom. "Jesus Ph.D. Psychologist." 2000: Bridge-Logos Publishers. (hard-copy)
"Life's Keys to Happiness," Lifescript.com
Norman Vincent Peale, "The Power of Positive Thinking." 1937: Center for Positive Thinking. (hard-copy)
"Opening Up to Happiness," Psychology Today