A happy positive attitude to life is a skill that you can learn. It is rarely events in themselves that cause you to be unhappy, rather it is your reaction to events that can be the problem. We all create our own unhappiness. If you lose your job you can view this as a devastating event in your life, or you can see it as a golden opportunity to change the course of your life in a positive, productive way.

Everything in life is subject to change, nothing is permanent. Your ideas change, your values may change, your health may change. Recognising that change is inevitable, you can either resists change and suffer, or accept and adapt to the changes that arise in your life/ It is possible to have a happy positive life. It is up to you. You can take responsibility for your life and, if there are areas that require changing, then you have the ability to change your life for the better.

You have already mastered several skills in your life such as driving a car, playing a sport, passing an exam. Happiness is another skill that you can master.

Here are some of the skills you need to develop to be a master of happiness:

Breathing

Pay attention to your breathing. Many people carry excessive tension in the belly, chest, and back, and this tension makes it difficult for the diaphragm to move freely through its full range of motion. Because of the increasing stress of modern life there are times when we anticipate physical stress and begin to breathe harder, using the chest muscles. A common reaction to stress is a tendency to take short and shallow breaths.

Daily Pleasures

You are worthwhile and the most important person in your life. You cannot care for others without caring for yourself so choose a few pleasures that you can do daily. Choose things solely for pleasure and/or to enhance your well being, not things you think you should or must do.

Set Goals

Setting yourself goals can be inspiring and motivating. One way to set goals is to make them SMART.

S - Specific. Be very specific when you set your goals. If you want to lose weight say that you will weigh your ideal weight by a certain date. E.g. I will weigh 10 stone by January 2009 or I will exercise twice a week by going swimming at lunch time.

M - Measurable. You need to be able to measure the goal if you can’t then how will you know that you have achieved your goal? How will you know when you have completed the goal?

A – Achievable. How are you going to reach your goal? What is your plan?

R – Realistic and Resourced. Are you being realistic with your goal? Is it achievable? It is important that you have the resources to be able to achieve your goal.

T – Timed. Make sure that you have a time-frame that you can work towards.

Be Physical

Increasing your physical activity can have many benefits:

• Just a small amount can help enhance your mood. More can stimulate the release of endorphins

• Improve your mental and physical function

• Help you to sleep better

• Improve your energy levels

• Can reduce the risk of heart disease

So go for a walk, a swim, practice yoga or tai chi. Whatever physical activity you enjoy, do it everyday.

Let Go

Whenever you feel bad, angry, frustrated then ask yourself these 3 questions:

Can I let this go?

Will I let this go?

When?

Try to answer now to the when question. Then just let go…. now. You will feel such relief when you let go. And after you have let go, allow compassion for yourself to arise. Feel good about yourself and the fact that you choose to let go.

Find Your Purpose

People who have a purpose in life are generally happier than people who don’t. Giving to others and the community can enhance yours and others well being and give a sense of purpose.

Think about your purpose – it doesn’t have to be a big dream or goal. It is more about the every day to day things that you do.

Enjoy the journey, enjoy your life!

For further strategies read the free book: Designing a Happy Positive Life available from positiveselfdevelopment.com