7 Powerful Words that Determine You Are Truly Happy

If you want to envision a happy person’s stance, imagine one foot rooted in the present with mindful appreciation of what one has – and another foot reaching toward the future for yet-to-be-uncovered sources of meaning.

-Kashdan & Biswas-Diener

You will know how happy you are just by asking yourself how many of the following words are in your personal dictionary. These 7 words will inspire you to live a meaningful and rewarding life. You know life is full of ups and downs. When you embrace these 7 words you will be able to be resilient and sustain your happiness:    

1.      Gratitude: There is an important element of thankfulness in gratitude.

Are you grateful for who you are and what you have? Do you remember the support and help that have been given to you? Are you taking things for granted? Do you feel grateful and express thanks to those who have gone through life with you in thick and thin? Happiness is a grateful heart.

 "Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." - Marcel Proust

2.      Contentment: Are you contented with your life? Do you find satisfaction in what you do every day? It is good to set goals and achieve advancement in life, but you must find fulfillment in your current situation.

  “Be content with what you have; 
rejoice in the way things are.
When you realize there is nothing lacking, 
the whole world belongs to you.” ― Laozi

3.      Kindness: It is about sensitive to other people’s needs. Are you caring, friendly and generous? Happiness for others begets more happiness for you. It is also about politeness and respectful.  Say please and thank you more often. Just do it and you will definitely feel good. 

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the greatest intention.” ―Kahlil Gibran 

4.      Forgiveness:  The only fact is that if you don’t forgive it will only hurt yourself more. When you are thinking of taking revenge your mind is in turbulence.  Perhaps, the other person is in deep troubles for doing such an unkindly act to you. Find calmness in forgiveness.

"To forgive is the highest, most beautiful form of love. In return, you will receive untold peace and happiness." - Robert Muller

5.      Moment: Are you interested in what you do? If not, you have not found your passion yet.  When you do, you will immerse in your work and time will stand still for you.

Are you still suffering from past pains or worrying about the future? You only live in the present. Take action and do what you have to do now and there will be no regret in the future.

Live and enjoy every moment. Listen to the falling rain and the rushing of the waves to the shore. Capture the sight of the blooming flowers outside the window.

 “Life is not made up of minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, or years, but of moments. You must experience each one before you can appreciate it.” ― Sarah Ban Breathnach

6. Movement: Life is movement. Movement creates energy. Energy is the force that propels you to greater height. Instead of watching TV or sitting around, get outside and embrace nature. Walk, jog or cycle.   Movement creates health. You are young because you move. You feel old because you are inactive. Move every day to feel fresh and energetic.

Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional, and mental states. - Carol Welch

7. Appreciation: Appreciation is looking for the good in somebody or something. 

Do you enjoy your life from day to day? Every day may be the same; it is up to you to find the little pleasures in it.

Happiness is a job well done even though it is a daily chore. Things like washing the dishes and keeping the house clean and tidy are excellent examples.

 “Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” 
―Voltaire

What is your take? Do you find these 7 words translate into happiness? What words should be taken away and what other words should be added to be truly happy? Please share.