Believe it or not, YOU are the one that decides whether or not to be
happy. No matter how much we have to deal with in this life, it is up
to us to determine our state of mind. Smiling is one of the best ways
to keep a positive outlook in life. So I just wanted to share with you a
few things that have helped me turn that frown upside down.
1-Live a healthy lifestyle.
Nothing makes you smile lie feeling great, having lots of energy and
knowing that you are treating your body with respect. So a great way to
keep a smile on your face is to exercise, eat right, drink lots of
water and get plenty of sleep. I think this is a no brainer, but very
important none the less.
2-Stay focused on the positive.
Another one that is very obvious and yet not so commonly implemented
is to stay focused on the positive. No matter what the situation there
is always a silver lining. Find the good that is always present and
keep it at the forefront of your mind.
3-Be prepared to take a step back.
When the going gets tough you need to be ready and able to step out
of the situation and get some air. By remaining in a bad place you will
be making it that much harder to see the way out. But by taking a step
back, clearing your head and getting a fresh perspective, you will be
much more capable of maneuvering through any situation.
4-Spend time in nature.
I always find that nothing brightens my day like a good outing in the
beautiful outdoors. Sunshine, fresh air, greens and blues, there’s
nothing better. Always make time to stop and smell the roses,
literally.
5-Serve Others.
People usually shy away from the word serve as something they would
ever do for another human being. It sounds so demeaning. But serving
others and putting their needs above your own is a wonderful way to keep
a healthy perspective and show someone you care. Keep a look out for
opportunities to fill a need and help another human being. There is no
greater antidote to an unfulfilled life than that of helping others.
6-Never lose the kid in you.
The kid in you is the source of your greatest imagination and the
innocence that allows for a fresh perspective. When we ‘grow up’ we
should never loose this child inside, but instead we should embrace it
as part of who we are and the great asset that it provides. There is no
more genuine smile than that of a little child. That child is still
inside you, you just have to let it out.
7-Always be flexible.
As important as it is to always have a plan, we need to remain
flexible so that we can roll with the punches. Life is always going to
throw us a curve now and again, but it is up to us to either let it get
us down or make the necessary changes to keep moving forward. So always
be prepared to make a change and your smile will stay in tact.
8-Find healthy escapes.
Sometimes life is just too much to deal with. We need to a place
where we can feel safe and are able to think clearly. Whether it’s a
hobby, location or just an experience, find that place where you can get
away from the trials of life so you can rest and recoup to go back out
and hit things head on. Just make sure it is a ‘healthy’ escape. It
can be tempting to escape into those places that are hard to come back
from. You will know it when you are in it. Just be clear with yourself
that you will only stay if it is truly beneficial to you life.
9-Keep your priorities strait.
There is nothing more dangerous to you mental well being than
misaligning the things that matter most. A common cause to an
unnecessary frown is an over focused mind on that which is of little
importance.
10-Appreciate the things you have.
Last but not least, never forget what you already have and how
blessed you are to have it. Things like your family, friends, pets,
etc… Always appreciate these things and you will never have to live
another smile’less day.
