The grand essentials of happiness are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. ~Allan K. Chalmers
Like a recipe for a dish of delicious food, it is the combination of some vital ingredients that contribute to happiness. True happiness is a mixture of the following:
1. Positive mindset: Positive thoughts lead to positive emotions and a positive attitude. It is translated into positive action. Be cheerful, be confident and be hopeful. You will act enthusiastically. The opposite is also true. When your thoughts are gloomy, you are down and you feel depressed. You think there is not much hope in life and you are reluctant to take action. Just think of happiness, feel happy, be happy and live life happily.
2. Enjoy what you do every moment: Happiness is in the moment. It is here and now and not in the distant future. The way to enjoy every moment of your life is to pay attention to what you do. Enjoy it or find an interest in it. Pay attention to the road when you drive, eat slowly to enjoy the food, and do nothing else. Work with your heart and soul and get into the flow of it. When you are having fun, forget about your work, but loosen up, be relaxed, and just indulge in it.
The secret of happiness is not in doing what one likes, but in liking what one does.
~James M. Barrie
3. Do good and feel great: Do good to others to feel good. You may not be able to do everything in life but you can do something in a small way to lift the mood of the other person. A dash of kindness goes a long way. It is effortless to smile, to give way, to pay a compliment, and to say thank you.
4. An attitude of gratitude: To focus on what you have and count your blessings is to focus on happiness. Expressing gratitude such as writing thank you letters is another great way to promote good health and happiness.
Gratefulness is the key to a happy life that we hold in our hands, because if we are not grateful, then no matter how much we have we will not be happy -- because we will always want to have something else or something more. ~ Brother David Steindl-Rast
5. Purpose in life: It is about a powerful idea, something that you want to do and it propels you to work for it. It is important to you and you are passionate about it. If you do not know what you want to do and get you meaning in life, ask yourself this soul-searching question: What do you want others to say or think of you when they attend your funeral? What do you want people to remember you by? It is what you get for when you give to the world. Happiness is about getting meaning in life and working for it.
6. Regular exercise: The essence of life is about movement. To exercise is to be energetic, alive, and alert and there is an urge in you to take action and get things done. According to Mark Dombeck, exercise promotes happiness and can have an antidepressant effect.
7. Love: Happiness is about relationships and to be closely connected with family, friends, and relatives. To be connected is to love and cherish the togetherness. Love gets you peace of mind and contentment at home. You love when you care and look for the good in others. On the other hand, when you fill your heart with anger, resentment, and jealousy; you are deeply disturbed and unhappy.
What are the other ingredients that you want to add to the recipe for happiness?
I believe the recipe for happiness to be just enough money to pay the monthly bills you acquire, a little surplus to give you confidence, a little too much work each day, enthusiasm for your work, a substantial share of good health, a couple of real friends, and a wife and children to share life's beauty with you. ~J. Kenfield Morley
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