Last night I got stuck in a huge traffic jam on the way home from work. People choose to be happier not angrier all around me were angry and frustrated and honking and yelling and trying to cut in and out of barely-moving lanes and, well, just being generally really awful to each other.
This is important: If you’re stuck in traffic, please calm down and be courteous because there’s always a reason traffic gets stuck, and you’re ALWAYS better off being stuck than being part of the reason you’re stuck.
But it’s all about choices, right? Traffic is just one example. But it is absolutely true that whatever is happening affects you exactly as you choose.
Silver linings are everywhere. If you’re having ‘a time’ – try any one of my five favorite ways to get myself to a happier place – no matter where I am:
Be Grateful
It’s not hard to do! Just think of three things that make you happier in your life. It could be that morning cup of coffee that starts your day off right, or it could be your spouse or children or your comfy bed. Whatever it is in your life that makes you smile – that’s your gratitude.
Get Real
“See things as they are, not worse than they are.” Tony Robbins gives this advice – and it’s worth following every day. Things are pretty much never as bad as they seem. One of my daily affirmations – and it always bears out – is that everything always works out better than I expect. And each time I realize that truth in a new situation I am instantly happier. 🙂
Take One Step
When things feel like they’re getting out You always have a choice of control, remind yourself to take one step – but only one. You can guarantee that whatever it is that’s stressing you out will never get resolved if you do nothing. You can also guarantee it won’t if you try to tackle everything all at once. Take one step toward getting it done – whatever ‘it’ is. When that one’s done, take another … then another. Pretty soon you’ll find you’ve got things pretty well in hand – and you’ll be happier because of it.
Ask For Help
Just like taking one step – asking for help is also a tried and true way to make any situation better. Sometimes asking for help is that one step! And what a compliment you give to someone when you ask for their help! It’s a sign of respect and trust, and there are no downsides to either of those. The next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or can’t quite figure out how to do something — a little help will definitely make you happier!
Meditate
I am a huge fan of meditation! I started my meditation practice (https://www.gretchenskalka.com/meditation) in 2014 and it has been wonderful in helping me manage stress and anxiety, improve my concentration and just really keep things in perspective and proper focus. You can meditate for a minute or an hour or more – it’s completely up to you! There are a lot of resources, such as the Insight Timer app, to help you get started, and you can check out all kinds of meditations for free! There are so many ways to meditate! You can meditate sitting, standing or walking. You can repeat a mantra or chant or be completely silent. It is one of the oldest – and best – ways to be happier right now.
So, the next time you find yourself feeling a bit (or a lot) frayed — give any one of these a try and see how quickly it can help.
Do you have a special happy habit? I’d love to hear about it!
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Nice post about choosing happiness. I love writing similar posts so really enjoyed this one. My apologies for not upvoting but my voting power is on holiday for a bit. 😊
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