Six Habits of Happiness Worth Cultivating

Pay Attention...studies show that mindful people have stronger immune systems and are less likely to be hostile or anxious.

Keep Friends Close...Social connections are key to happiness. Research indicates it's quality more than quantity. Make time for those closest to you.

Give Thanks...Research reveals the enormous power of simply counting our blessings. Regular  expressions of gratitude promote optimism, better health, and greater satisfaction with life.

Drop Grudges...When we forgive those who have wrongs us, we feel better about ourselves, experience more positive emotions, and feel closer to others.

Get Moving...Regular exercise increases self-esteem, reduces anxiety and stress, and may well be the most effective instant happiness booster of all.

Practice Kindness...Being kind to others makes us feel good. Altruistic acts light up the same pleasure centers in the brain as food and sex.

Seven Cardinal Rules In LIFE - Stephan Covey

• Make PEACE with your past so it doesn't spoil your present. Your past does not define your future - your actions and beliefs do.
• What others THINK of you is none of your business. It's how much you value yourself.
• Time HEALS almost everything, give time, time. Pain will be less hurting. Scars make us who we are; they explain our life and why we are the way we are. They challenge us and force us to be stronger.
• No one is the reason for your own HAPPINESS except yourself. Waste no time and effort searching for peace and contentment and joy in the world outside.
• Don't COMPARE your life with others, you have no idea what their journey is all about. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we would grab ours back as fast as we could.
• Stop THINKING too much, it's alright not to know all the answers. Sometimes there is no answer, not going to be an answer, never has been an answer. That's the answer. Just except it, move on, next!
• SMILE you don't own all the problems in the world. A smile can brighten the darkest day and make life more beautiful. It is a potential curve to tun a life around and set everything straight.

Be True to Yourself

Open your eyes to the beauty around you

Open your mind to the wonders of life

Open your heart to those who love you

And always be true to yourself.

Ten Things You Must Give Up To Move Forward ~ Stephan Covey

#1 Letting the opinions of others control your life.

• It's not what others think, it's what you think about yourself that counts.
• You have to do exactly what's best for you and your life, not what is best for everyone else. 

#2 The shame of past failures. 

• Your past does not equal your future.
• All that matters is what you do right now.

#3 Being indecisive about what you want.

• You will never leave where you are until you decide where you would rather be.
• Make a decision to figure out what you want, and then pursue it passionately.

#4 Procrastinating on the goals that matter to you.

• There are two primary choices in life; to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them.
• The best time to planet a tree is twenty years ago . The second best time is now.

#5 Choosing to do nothing.

• You don't get to choose how you are going to die, or when.
• You can only decide how you are going to live, right now.
• Every day is a new chance to choose. 

#6 You need to be right.

• Aim for success, but never give up your right to be wrong.
• Because when you do, you will also lose your ability to learn new things and move forward with your life.

#7 Running from problems that should be fixed.

• Stop running!
• Face these issues, fix the problem, communicate, appreciate, forgive and LOVE the people in your life who deserve it.

#8 Making excuses rather than decisions.

• Most long-term failures are the outcome of people who make excuses instead of decisions.

#9 Overlooking the positive points in your life.

• What you see often depends entirely on what you're looking for.
• You will have a hard time every being happy if you aren't thankful for the good things in your life right now.

#10 Not appreciating the present moment.

• Too often we try to accomplish something big without realizing that the greatest part of life is made up of the little things. 

I am so glad that I found this list again, it was exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you Stephan Covey.

Be A Weed!

"A weed is a plant that has mastered every survival skill except for learning how to grow in rows." ~ Doug Larson

I found this yesterday on the web and it totally resonated with me.

Authenticity

Thirty Reasons to Love Green Tea

I have known for years some of the benefits of green tea (EGCG) but until I started researching it I didn't realize all that this amazing tea can do for our health. Here is a list of some of the health benefits from drinking green tea.

1. Excellent source of anti oxidants.
2. Burns fat, aids in weight loss.
3. Enables you to exercise longer.
4. Prolongs your life.
5. Reduces high blood pressure.
6. Protects your liver from alcohol.
7. Prevents tooth decay.
8. Cures bad breath.
9. Helps preserve and build bones.
10. Boost immunity against illness.
11. Rehydrates better than water.
12. Boost energy.
13. Lowers bad cholesterol.
14. Improves memory.
15. Fights cancer.
16. Protects against heart disease.
17. Speeds metabolism.
18. Maintains a healthy circulatory system.
19. Prevents food poisoning.
20. Detoxifies the body.
21. Regulates glucose levels, prevents diabetes.
22. Delays deterioration caused by Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
23. Relaxing and tranquilizing effects help to relive depression.
24. Antiviral, antibacterial.
25. Reduces inflammation.
26. Eases diarrhea.
27. Zero calories
28. Full of vitamins.
29. Soothes stress.
30. Taste like heaven.

18 Rules Of Happiness

Rule #1 - Stop Feeling Sorry for Yourself! Self-pity is the very worst kind of emotion. It destroys everything around itself, and leaves you feeling powerless. Stop being the victim, stop feeling sorry for yourself – and be happy.

Rule #2 – Be Grateful The world is so fast-paced that we’re rarely grateful of it's gifts. Think of all the things you’re grateful for right now: family, health, home, everything. Spend time being grateful each day – and be happy.

Rule #3 – Say Yes More We each say “No!” way too often. Try saying “Yes!” more to all of life’s experiences. Don’t fight the river’s current. Say “Yes!” more to emotions, situations, social invitations – and be happy.

Rule #4 – Follow Your Bliss In life, we often find ourselves half-way up a ladder we don’t want to climb, rather than at the bottom of one we do. Whatdo you really want to be? Follow your own bliss – and be happy.

Rule #5 – Learn to Let Go Emotions often hold us back from true happiness and freedom. Remember, you are not your emotions. Let go of unwanted emotions by asking yourself “Can I let this go?” Do it – and be happy.

 Rule #6 – Do Random Acts of Kindness Being kind is double-edged. It makes you feel happier, and spreads that joy to someone else too. Do more Random Acts of Kindness every day – smile, hold open a door, pay for a coffee – and be happy.

Rule #7 – Happiness Is Only Ever Now Most of us spend our time anywhere but in the present. We obsess about the past, or plan for the future. Now is the only time that really exists. Make the decision to be happy now.

 Rule #8 – Experience, Don’t Hoard! Research shows that material purchases only boost your happiness levels temporarily. Experiences bring more overall joy. Enjoy safari holidays, learn a language, join a dancing group – and be happy.

Rule #9 – Appreciate Both Sides of the Coin How many times do we try to embrace happiness – and reject sadness? They’re both sides of the same coin. You cannot have one without the other. Sadness is critical. Don’t fight it – and be happy.

Rule #10 – Be More Social Extensive research shows that the happiest and most successful people are those with large social networks. How many friends do you have? Be proactive, start making more and become happier.

Rule #11 – Love More! The more you love, the happier you are. Try giving everyone and everything around you a little more love. Friends, family, nature, even enemies – open your heart, give them love – and be happy.

 Rule #12 – Have a Dream Dreams are the spark plugs of the spirit. They give each day excitement and enable you to move forward. What are your dreams? Think about it, write them down. Then do them – and be happy.

 Rule #13 – Intention Sets Direction The outcome you expect is usually the one you receive. If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there. So, set a great intention in everything you do – and be happy.

Rule #14 – Enjoy Simple Pleasures Real happiness can be found in simple pleasures and rituals. From a daily walk in nearby countryside to a glass of wine after work. Indulge in these, setup your own little rituals – and be happy.

Rule #15 – Accept What Is Many of us spend time resisting what is. We fight against our own emotions, building up anger and resentment. Accept what is right now. Change it if you can. But accept it first – and be happy.

 Rule #16 – Exercise and Eat Well You are as happy as your lifestyle! For optimum happiness, try walking for 40 minutes a day. Take Omega 3 supplements, and eat more fish, nuts, turkey, cottage cheese. Enjoy – and be happy.

Rule #17 – Zoom Out and Don’t Sweat We often get a fresh perspective on life, after we lose a family member, or survive an illness. Don’t wait for life to remind you. Zoom out and remember your real priorities now – and be happy.

Rule #18 – Laugh, Dance, Smile! Take time to laugh at the craziness of life! Splash out and enjoy to the max. Surround yourself with happiness – wonderful music, dance classes, evenings with friends. Smile and be happy.

Life Is About Choices

One evening a Cherokee elder told his grandson about the battle that goes on inside people.

He said, "My son, the battle is between the two 'wolves' that live inside us all. One is Unhappiness. It is fear, worry, anger, jealousy, sorrow, self pity, resentment and inferiority. The other is Happiness. It is joy, love, hope, serenity, kindness, generosity, truth and compassion."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins?" The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

I choose to feed JOY, LOVE, HOPE, SERENITY, KINDNESS, GENEROSITY, TRUTH AND COMPASSION!

Amazing Flower Essences

Not long ago I discovered Bach Flower Essences and feel in love. I felt amazing when I was using them daily in my life, but like many other things in my life I slipped up and stop using them. Why? I wish I knew, but what I do know is it is time to pull out my reference books and add these back into my life, because I know first hand that they work beautifully for me.

Are you wondering what exactly I am talking about? There are 38 amazing flower essences that help to balance emotions and enhance well being. Dr. Bach's Philosophy: Disease is entirely the result of a conflict between our spiritual and mortal selves. Health and happiness result from being in harmony with our own nature.

Dr. Bach divided 38 essences into seven group, representing fundamental conflicts, which prevent us from being true to ourselves: Fear, Uncertainty, Insufficient interest in present circumstances, Loneliness, Over-sensitivity to influences and ideas, Despondency or despair, Over-care for the welfare of others. Within each group, the essences each covers a specific nature of the difficulty concerned. Just as Dr.Bach identified the seven areas of conflict which interfere with our health, so he defined the stages in the healing of disease...Peace, Hope, Joy, Faith, Certainty, Wisdom, Love.

At different times I need different remedies so I take the below quiz often to assess my needs. But the one that is always with me is Impatiens, this one helps when driving and navigating the crazy drivers in Seattle. A few drops under my tough relax me and help me to go with the flow.

This questionnaire is taken directly from the offiical Bach Flower website:

Taking the quiz can help pinpoint those remedies that can help you gently address any emotional issues which you may be experiencing. Remedies can be taken individually, or you may blend up to six remedies together for a multi-pronged approach to more complex issues.

Agrimony
__I hide my feelings behind a façade of cheerfulness
__I dislike arguments and often give in to avoid conflict
__I turn to food, work, alcohol, drugs, etc. when down
Aspen
__I feel anxious without knowing why
__I have a secret fear that something bad will happen
__I wake up feeling anxious
Beech
__I get annoyed by the habits of others
__I focus on others' mistakes
__I am critical and intolerant
Centaury
__I often neglect my own needs to please
__I find it difficult to say "no"
__I tend to be easily influenced
Cerato
__I constantly second-guess myself
__I seek advice, mistrusting my own intuition
__I often change my mind out of confusion
Cherry Plum
__I'm afraid I might lose control of myself
__I have sudden fits of rage
__I feel like I'm going crazy
Chestnut Bud
__I make the same mistakes over and over
__I don't learn from my experience
__I keep repeating the same patterns
Chicory
__I need to be needed and want my loved ones close
__I feel unloved and unappreciated by my family
__I easily feel slighted and hurt
Clematis
__I often feel spacey and absent minded
__I find myself unable to concentrate for long
__I get drowsy and sleep more than necessary
Crab Apple
__I am overly concerned with cleanliness
__I feel unclean or physically unattractive
__I tend to obsess over little things
Elm
__I feel overwhelmed by my responsibilities
__I don't cope well under pressure
__I have temporarily lost my self-confidence
Gentian
__I become discouraged with small setbacks
__I am easily disheartened when faced with difficulties
__I am often skeptical and pessimistic
Gorse
__I feel hopeless, and can't see a way out
__I lack faith that things could get better in my life
__I feel sullen and depressed
Heather
__I am obsessed with my own troubles
__I dislike being alone and I like to talk
__I usually bring conversations back to myself
Holly
__I am suspicious of others
__I feel discontented and unhappy
__I am full of jealousy, mistrust, or hate
Honeysuckle
__I'm often homesick for the "way it was"
__I think more about the past than the present
__I often think about what might have been
Hornbeam
__I often feel too tired to face the day ahead
__I feel mentally exhausted
__I tend to put things off
Impatiens
__I find it hard to wait for things
__I am impatient and irritable
__I prefer to work alone
Larch
__I lack self-confidence
__I feel inferior and often become discouraged
__I never expect anything but failure
Mimulus
__I am afraid of things such as spiders, illness, etc.
__I am shy, overly sensitive, and modest
__I get nervous and embarrassed
Mustard
__I get depressed without any reason
__I feel my moods swinging back and forth
__I get gloomy feelings that come and go
Oak
__I tend to overwork and keep on in spite of exhaustion
__I have a strong sense of duty and never give up
__I neglect my own needs in order to complete a task
Olive
__I feel completely exhausted, physically and/ or mentally
__I am totally drained of all energy with no reserves left
__I have just been through a long period of illness or stress
Pine
__I feel unworthy and inferior
__I often feel guilty
__I blame myself for everything that goes wrong
Red Chestnut
__I am overly concerned and worried about my loved ones
__I am distressed and disturbed by other people's problems
__I worry that harm may come to those I love
Rock Rose
__I sometimes feel terror and panic
__I become helpless and frozen when afraid
__I suffer from nightmares
Rock Water
__I set high standards for myself
__I am strict with my health, work &/or spiritual discipline
__I am very self-disciplined, always striving for perfection
Scleranthus
__I find it difficult to make decisions
__I often change my opinions
__I have intense mood swings
Star of Bethlehem
__I feel devastated due to a recent shock
__I am withdrawn due to traumatic events in my life
__I have never recovered from loss or fright
Sweet Chestnut
__I feel extreme mental or emotional heartache
__I have reached the limits of my endurance
__I am in complete despair, all hope gone
Vervain
__I get high-strung and very intense
__I try to convince others of my way of thinking
__I am sensitive to injustice, almost fanatical
Vine
__I tend to take charge of projects, situations, etc.
__I consider myself a natural leader
__I am strong-willed, ambitious and often bossy
Walnut
__I am experiencing change in my life--a move, new job, etc.
__I get drained by people or situations
__I want to be free to follow my own ambitions
Water Violet
__I give the impression that I'm aloof
__I prefer to be alone when overwhelmed
__I often don't connect with people
White Chestnut
__I am constantly thinking unwanted thoughts
__I relive unhappy events or arguments over and over again
__I am unable to sleep at times because I can't stop thinking
Wild Oat
__I can't find my path in life
__I am drifting in life and lack direction
__I am ambitious but don't know what to do
Wild Rose
__I am apathetic and resigned to whatever happens
__I have the attitude, "It doesn't matter anyhow"
__I feel no joy in life
Willow
__I feel resentful and bitter
__I have difficulty forgiving and forgetting
__I think life is unfair and have a "Poor me attitude"

Love For No Reason

I  just re-read the book 'Love For No Reason' this is a beautiful book with lots of ideas to try and great examples to follow. I liked the book the first time I read it, but this time around I am coming from a different place in my live and I loved the book and feel like I got so much more out of it.

The last time I read this book I tried many of the suggestions but I don't think I truly gave it my all. This time I am putting everything I have into it. I am so curious too see how this goes.

The things I will be implementing into my daily life are:

1. Five acts of kindness every day...giving to others will improve your health and open you heart.

2. Beam love or give mental hugs to people you come in contact with over the course of your day. Notice the boost of love, energy and joy it brings to your life

3. Practice the Kahuna technique of Ho'oponopona to release and forgive any resentments of grudges that I may have.
     I'm sorry
     Please forgive me
     Thank you
     I love you

4. Practice "I Am" technique. Anything that comes after these words is magnified many times. So it is important to use words of love and peace.

5. Smile at everyone you come in contact with, even if you are just passing them on the street. Everyone smiles the same language and smiles can add to others joy too, they're contagious. Smiles open up the heart and communicate love better than anything on the planet.

These seem easy enough, right! And they definitely can't hurt!

Happiness Tips and Techniques

Smile ~ Smiling can trick your body into helping you change your mood.

Take a scenic drive ~ Any change is scenery can help to boost your mood.

Laugh ~ It's one of the fastest paths to happiness.

Take a cue from children ~ Set yourself free, be silly.

Let go of the need to be right ~ Would I rather be right or happy.

Breathe deeply ~ A few deep breathes and you will start to relax.

Enjoy the present moment ~ Today is a gift. That is why they call it the present.

Look for the good in the "Bad" ~ Happy people look for the good - or the gift - in a painful experience. 

Exercise ~ Exercise release endorphins, which promotes an increased sense of well-being.

Study the happy people you know ~ This is what I do.

Happy Pills

There are so many natural supplements that just simply make you feel better, whether they are regulating my mood, helping with stress or just helping to relax and calm my hyper personality they are fun to try and I defiantly notice a difference in the way I response to everyday stresses in my life.

 Here are some of my favorites so far: (Definitions are taken from Traditional Medicines of the Earth)

 Ashwaghanda ~ Ashwaghanda, often referred to as "Indian Ginseng" is a common herb used in Ayurvedic medicine to support mental and physical vitality and stamina. It contains steroidal compounds and additional chemical constituents that advance the body's natural resistance and adaptation to stressful influences. Ashwaghanda also supports mental endurance, promotes total metabolic efficiency and encourages an overall sense of well-being.

 Holy Basil ~ Holy Basil has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine to support a healthy response to stress, nourish the mind and elevate the spirit. Revered by Ayurvedic practitioners as "the incomparable one," this herb's documented actions on the body date back thousands of years. Today, we know that holy basil contains a variety of constituents, including eugenal, camphor, caryphyllene, Utsolic acid, luteolin and apigenin that function collectively to normalize stress hormones and enhance adrenal function. The properties inherent in this herb make it ideally suited to helping to support a healthy adrenal system and stress response.

 Kava Kava ~ Kava Kava is well known for its relaxing effect. Used traditionally to elevate the mind and relax the body, it is said that consuming Kava, you "feel friendly" and "cannot hate." It has traditionally been used as a social beverage for chiefs and noblemen for its calming, relaxing effect.

 Schizanrda Berry ~ Schizandra berries provide powerful antioxidant protection, particularly from free radicals and other toxins in the environment that cause cellular damage. Regarded as a popular adaptogenic agent, schizandra berries are unique in that they hold a remarkable blend of five distinct flavor properties collectivily serving to promote oval health and vitality. Namely bitter, sweet, sour, salty and hot. Schizandra berries function to enhance the body's natural resistance and adaptation to stressful influences, supports mental endurance and promote overall metabolic efficiency.

Ten Limiting Beliefs to Let Go Of

I found this article in the Magazine "The Law Of Attraction" which by the way is an incredible magazine and found it to be inspirational. With just a little switch in how we look at things can make a huge difference.
 1. Limiting belief: I can't afford it.New, empowering thought: How can I afford it?
 2. Limiting belief: I'm too old.New, empowering thought: I'm right on time. I'm ready now.
 3. Limiting belief: It's better to give than to receive.New, empowering thought: It's good to give and it's just as good to receive.
 4. Limiting belief: No pain, no gain.New, empowering thought: I can get everything I want easily and joyfully.
5. Limiting belief: Money is the root of all evil.New, empowering thought: Money is neither good nor bad, it's just an energy of exchange.
6. Limiting belief: People won't like me if I get too ___________(e.g., rich successful, attractive, happy).New, empowering thought: The people I want to be around appreciate me for who I am and celebrate my success.
 7. Limiting belief: I am not capable / I can't handle it.New, empowering thought: I can do this. If I don't have the knowledge, there's someone out there who can teach me.
 8. Limiting belief: Someone or something needs to change.New, empowering thought: I can be OK with things just the way they are.
 9. Limiting belief: I can't lose weight because everyone in my family is big (Nature or nurture, the deck is stacked against me).New, empowering thought: Plenty of people have different body sizes than their family members.
10. Limiting belief: You have to work hard to get money.New, empowering thought: Work can be joyful and easy. Money can come to me in many different ways from many different sources.

Being Happy, The Goal Of All Goals

A Good Reminder: Like Attracts Like

 Obviously, being happy on a day to day basis feels better than being anxious, worried, stressed or depressed. But there is another great reason to become a happier person. When you consistently work on improving your happiness, the things that you attract into your life will being to match those new and improved feelings. Life will start to become easier and much more fun. Problems that have persisted for a long time will suddenly resolve themselves, and where you experience conflict, you will start to see peace.
~ Andy Baggott author of Blissology.

 How much easier can you get...think happy thoughts and happiness will follow! Dwell on sickness and bad health and you will get more of the same, sickness and bad health! Like Attracts Like!!! Now to put it into action.

A Happiness Manifesto

To be happy, you need to consider feeling good, feeling bad, and feeling right, in an atmosphere of growth.

• One of the best ways to make yourself happy is to make other people happy; One of the best ways to make other people happy is to be happy yourself.
• The days are long, but the years are short.
• You're not happy unless you think you're happy.
• Your body matters.
• Happiness is other people.
• Think about yourself so you can forget yourself.
• "It is easy to be heavy: hard to be light."—G. K. Chesterton
• What's fun for other people may not be fun for you, and vice versa.
• Best is good, better is best.
• Outer order contributes to inner calm.
• Happiness comes not from having more, not from having less, but from wanting what you have.
• You can choose what you do, but you can't choose what you like to do.
• "There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy." —Robert Louis Stevenson
• You manage what you measure.