Practice all parts of the Happiness Manifesto

I truly believe that people are, on the whole, just good people. Yesterday, as I was walking and bopping along to my Christmas music, I became wholly overwhelmed with Christmas spirit and found myself smiling in spite of myself. Then, something wonderful happened…I found people were smiling back. Not laughing at me (at least, I don’t think they were), but searching for eye contact and then smiling at me. I found that the more that I smiled at people, the more they just smiled back, and seemed happy about it! It is a wonderful thing! People want to share that small social consideration with you, and there is nothing more rewarding than sharing a smile.

^{This goal continues to lead me to exeptional places.}

When you’ve had a bad day, these 1000 things will give you something to be grateful for! Every weekday the editors of the site add one other awesome thing. They started at #1000 and are counting down to #1! A fun progression to watch.

=)

So as I was reading the rather depressing forcast for the H1N1 flu, I decided to see what I could do to boost my immune system. The first site that I checked out (naturalmedicine.com) included this helpful hint, also found on the Happiness Manifesto…

“10. Nurture yourself. Make sure you take time to yourself, spend some time with friends, and indulge yourself in a massage, a hot bath, or an energy work session when you want one. Our bodies respond to our emotions – if you’re feeling harassed and anxious, it can manifest in a sore throat or a cold. Create a space within yourself and your living environment for harmony, self-love and joy (giving thanks, prayer and blessing the abundance in your life and of the world around you helps). Pay attention to warning signs of sore throat or exhaustion so you can keep them from getting worse. I advise taking a “mental health day” every few months to make sure your emotional needs are met. When you’re happy, you’re far less likely to get sick.”

I just thought that was really interesting.

Here it is, in all of its encouraging wonderment.

1. Get physical. Exercise for half an hour three times a week.
2. Count your blessings. At the end of each day, reflect on at least five things you’re grateful for.
3. Make time to talk. An hour of uninterrupted conversation with your partner or closest friend each week.
4. Plant something. Even if it’s a window box or pot plant. Then keep it alive!
5. Cut your TV viewing. By half. More if you can.
6. Smile or say hello to a stranger. At least once each day.
7. Phone a friend. Make contact with at least one friend or relation you have not been in contact for a while, and arrange to meet up.
8. Have a good laugh. At least once a day.
9. Give yourself a daily treat. Take time to really enjoy this.
10. Do a daily kindness. Do an extra good turn for someone each day