Ways to Happiness

Reading from the latest issue of Reader's Digest, I found an article with a very inviting title: The Way to Happiness. Instantly, I got interested with it (well of course, everybody wants to be happy in one way or another). It tells of some proven tips to help you feel better and happier.

Ways to Turn That Frown Upside Down

1. Be Less Virtual, More 3-D

Hmm... sounds techno, huh! But this is very true. Modern technology has direct effect on our social life. Technology has offered a lot of benefits and advantages but it also made life complicated. Today, most people rely on “cyber ways” of making friends and meeting different groups from all over the world. This limits us from having direct human contact. A major part of your life concerns your relationship and dealing with other people. Fulfillment in your social interactions can contribute to leading a satisfying and successful life.

2. 4, 6, 8… Who do We Appreciate?

It says that counting our blessings and listing each one of them help a lot in improving our state of being. It makes us feel better because we know and we are aware of these ‘real-life’ people whom we appreciate our lives for. It stimulates and energizes our soul, thus creating a greater sense of confidence and security. “Nobody is an island”… so just imagine how life is when you couldn’t think of anyone whom you are grateful for… without any blessings to list down to? What a life wasted, right?

3. Rack ‘em up

It only says that we should think of every positive thing that happens during the day and even in the past. We should focus on “happy thoughts”… just like Peter Pan… Happy thoughts made him fly! So, never waste time and energy thinking of negative experiences. Whatever happened in the past are already over. They serve as lessons to us and we can never do anything to bring the past back. All we have to do is to appreciate the good things and experiences that we encounter each day and always give thanks to God because everything happens for a purpose so we might as well be thankful.

4. Think Memorable, Not Material

Material things offer nothing but temporary happiness. If we live our lives based on our possession, truly we will never find contentment and peace. We always strive to live with the standards that this modern world demands. All the more that we should strive to go back to the basics… family, friends, nature, pets, etc. These are the ones that give true happiness. We are living in this ‘high-end’ world, all the more that we should spend quality time with the people that matters most. “Think of life as a terminal illness, because if you do, you will live it with joy and passion, as it ought to be lived.” Anna Quindlen in A Short Guide to a Happy Life


5. Go to the Funny Side

Laughter is still the best remedy, medicine, and most especially prevention to all types of illnesses. When we happy inside, then it radiates through the outside. Instead of giving too much deal with a certain issue or a problem, why not think of the brighter side. Laugh out and see what difference it could make.

6. Escape to Your Stress-Free Zone

I remember when I traveled to Hong Kong with my friends… it relieves me and it brought back my spirit. It was during those times when our deadlines were all piled-up. I took the courage to file a leave after finishing all loads due of me. I was worried then because I was thinking of other loads left but when I reached that place, all my worries were gone. I enjoyed the vacation I had with my friends. It was really stress-free… no text message, phone calls, no demanding boss around… all but me and my friends. One memorable trip I had also was our Boracay trip… it was our company’s outing last 2007. It was very tiring, yet very rewarding trip to all of us.
So, every time I get really stressed, I just try to imagine those memorable vacations… it never failed to give me a smile.


7. See the Glass as Half Full

Let me share some inspirational messages:

“Wonder why the sunset is a lot colorful than the sunrise? That’s one of the ironies of life – there is “good” in goodbyes…"


“Moving on is not about never looking back; it’s taking a glance at yesterday and noticing how much you have grown since then.”

What is common on those messages is looking at the brighter side of each and every happening in life.

8. Find Your Inner Artist

Blogging for one is a creative way of expressing ourselves. We have different talents inside us, singing, dancing, writing poetry, sketching, painting, etc. Take time to indulge in hobbies and past time activities. These can refresh and energize not only our physical strength, but also our spirit.

9. Do Something Good

This, I proved to be very effective. Doing something good to others doesn’t only make you feel better and happy but also creates the same (even greater) impact to the recipient. In our daily lives, we should always aim to do something good for others. We should include it in our daily planner or in our ‘to-do’ list. I include that in my morning prayers…that I may be of service with others and be a channel of goodness and love.

10. Seize the Moment

Just like what my favorite quote says... "If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting?" (Stephen Levine) ...

Material things offer nothing but temporary happiness. If we live our lives based on our possession, truly we will never find contentment and peace. We always strive to live with the standards that this modern world demands. All the more that we should strive to go back to the basics… family, friends, nature, pets, etc. These are the ones that give true happiness. We are living in this ‘high-end’ world, all the more that we should spend quality time with the people that matters most.

“Think of life as a terminal illness, because if you do, you will live it with joy and passion, as it ought to be lived.” Anna Quindlen in A Short Guide to a Happy Life


Most of us wait too much that we failed to grab the opportunity to do things that matter most or to be with the people we truly love and cared for. The question that most people ask is "when is the right time?"... and the big answer is "The Time is NOW!" No one knows what will happen tomorrow and tomorrow might be too late.