Three Inspirations for Happiness

The following three inspirations were adapted from A Daily Dose of Happiness, and they represent three key ways to increase our happiness.

1. FORGIVING FOR HAPPINESS

We like to think we are better than our friends below us in the food chain, such as the octopus and the snail. After all, we have love. We feel happiness. We have empathy. We have a conscience. We can reason.

We can also hold onto grudges.

Grudges are, in fact, prickly little creatures that worm their way into our hearts. Holding onto them is a self-defeating exercise.

Fortunately, forgiveness is also uniquely human. Forgiveness cleanses the spirit. Forgiveness let's us get on with enjoying our lives instead of being preoccupied with someone else's. Forgiveness opens the door to happiness.

2. SUPPORTING FOR HAPPINESS

When things seem to be very bleak, it does not take much to lift someone's spirits. Sometimes all it takes is to let somebody know they are not alone.

That is why it is so important to smile at people, especially if they look down. And if you know what is weighing the person down, let them know they are not alone. Don't go burdening them with all your miseries, but let them know you have been there.

Guess what? You will feel happiness for having helped them, too.

3. ACCEPTING FOR HAPPINESS

There is no such thing as happiness if you are not at peace with yourself. Too many people just don't know how to make peace with themselves.

Peace begins with acceptance. Whether we agree with everything we do (like the environmentalist who sometimes throws out a recyclable container), it is important to accept what we do.

Do we always make the best choices? No. But they are the choices we make.

Do we always treat people with the most respect? No. But it is how we treat people.

Can we improve? Yes, and we should. But that is a project for the future. First we must accept who we are now, rather than condemning ourselves. Then we can move to improve the person we will be tomorrow. Both acceptance today and improvements tomorrow will increase our happiness.

About The Author

This inspiration first appeared in A Daily Dose of Happiness: http://thehappyguy.com/daily-happiness-free-ezine.html Get the best Daily Doses in a free ebook: http://www.thehappyguy.com/l/daily-motivation-inspiration.php , or visit David Leonhardt's home page on happiness: http://www.thehappyguy.com.

info@thehappyguy.com

---

Ways to Bring Play into Your Life

1. roll around in the grass, and don't brush the... Read More

King Solomons Mind

"Don't you understand, everything in this life is meaningless," cautioned... Read More

Have You Ever Tasted The Fruit Of Pure Happiness?

Have you ever been really happy? Have you ever tasted... Read More

Eleven Keys to Success and Happiness

1. Mend a quarrel Seek out a forgotten friend and... Read More

Seven Strategies You Need to Know About Strengthening Your Self-Esteem

Did you know that your life's success in all areas... Read More

Keeping You Confident!

We can all be confident when we are sure of... Read More

The Golden Moments in Life

This month I'm going to talk about something I've never... Read More

Breaking the Cycle

Breaking the cycle is a term we have all heard.... Read More

Being Together

When it comes to happiness, togetherness is probably the most... Read More

Choose To Be Happy - NOW!

The older I get, the more I realize that ninety... Read More

10 Survival Strategies to Overcoming Adversity and Being Happy

If one thing is for certain, each of us will... Read More

4 Steps to Use Fears as Friends: Don?t be a Thunder Dog!

Imagine humungous, bulbous, billowing alto-cumulus clouds building higher and higher... Read More

Simplify - and Be Happy

People's lives today are jam-packed with great projects, ideas, to-do... Read More

Conditions of Happiness: Happy vs. Unhappy - Do We Have A Choice?

Everyone is in the process of seeking greater happiness. We... Read More

What Is Happiness?

What is it that everyone is seeking? Happiness with no... Read More

May the Budgie of Happiness Sit on Your Head

My grandmother, Mimi, was a great solitaire player. My family... Read More

Simple Pleasures: Ingredients to Feed Your Spirit.

"When we do something we love, again and again, our... Read More

Authentic Happiness

EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE - how to build positive emotions for extraordinary... Read More

Lifes Like that

It is now 5 years since I passed out of... Read More

Principles of Human Misery / Happiness

Sometimes we are so occupied with our daily routine in... Read More

Choosing Happiness

Did you know that it's up to you?It's actually your... Read More

Conversational Negative Self-Talk

Most people don't even know they're doing it. Throughout the... Read More

Believing is the Absence of Doubt

You've heard the expression, "Just believe it and it will... Read More

Why Laughter Is Good For You

How Laughter Can Reduce Stress and Improve Your HealthA merry... Read More

A Bad Hairdresser Day

"Hey everybody!" Hairdresser Lady called out. "It's The Happy Guy.""Don't... Read More

Guess Who Else Has a Problem With Confidence?

When I tell you what I heard you'll be able... Read More

Happiness Is Truly M.A.G.I.C.A.L. (TM)

The year is almost half over. Many of us are... Read More

Happy Talk and 3 Simple Secrets to Happiness

What is the one thing you want more than anything... Read More

Ode to Chocolate

Chocolate delays reality. When I am eating chocolate, everything is... Read More

How To Make Your Own Happiness

Happiness comes to a person when it is caused by... Read More

Hanging Out

Right off the top: What is the difference between dating... Read More

Live Happily Ever After!

So many people overwork themselves literary in the quest for... Read More

Body, Mind, and Soul

Being in tune with your mind, body, and soul and... Read More