How to be Happier

by Kathy Dawson

I’ve had a great life, surrounded by great people; I have them to thank for my happiness. I have always been a happy person who has taken great pride in being responsible, dependable, and trustworthy. My parents instilled these values early on. There were no exceptions. You were expected to do what you said you were going to do and do it well with a smile on your face. I grew up in a family of 7 including 5 children, all of whom have very different personalities. So this caused me to reflect on what makes some people happier than others. There are lots of studies that show how to achieve true happiness; many books, seminars, and therapists waiting to help you ‘be happier.’ Author Jacob Sokol created a list of the most profound principles of true happiness and my own experience tells me he’s gotten it right.

Here are the 12 things that happy people do differently to increase their levels of happiness.

Express gratitude
Cultivate optimism
Avoid over-thinking and social comparison
Practice acts of kindness
Nurture social relationships
Develop strategies for coping
Learn to forgive
Increase flow experiences
Savor life’s joys
Commit to your goals
Practice spirituality
Take care of your body

When I read Jacob’s article it reminded me of the basics on how we become happy in our own lives. True happiness is based on how you think, feel, and react to situations. We have all heard the phrase, “I see the glass half full versus half empty.” Your perspective on any given situation truly does make the difference.

Wouldn’t it be nice to be thought of as a happy person? I have some clients that call me to get a ‘shot’ of Kathy Dawson! They call me to hear my upbeat voice and cheery disposition. The key to happiness is in your control. What will you do? Good luck in achieving a healthier, happier, and ultimately, more satisfying life!