Being Happy
I just finished watching a recording of a Google Hangout with some amazing women. It was about being happy and inspired me to write a post sharing some of the insights from the women as well as my own take on the subject.
The timing of this subject was perfect for me as I had some bad news on my Dad’s health on the weekend. It was not really a surprise as his health has been declining for a while now but nevertheless I spent the weekend with floods of sadness.
When you are a believer and follower of the law of attraction you guard your thoughts. I kept trying to think of things to make me feel happy. I am a true believer in this quote by Abraham and Esther Hicks.
Whatever you’re thinking about is literally like planning a future event. When you’re worrying, you are planning. When you are appreciating, you are planning…What are you planning?
— Abraham
There are times though when you are not happy. When you have to deal with sad news and family crisis being happy does not seem attainable.
The thing is for me I believe we should really let ourselves feel the pain but I do not want to wallow in it forever.
My husband was doing everything he could to support me. He asked me what were the happiest times I remember about my Dad. I started telling him childhood memories and I noticed right away my heart felt lighter. I could see my Dad as he was and knew those memories will always be there.
So I wanted to share with you some of the tips I use to reach for better thoughts and also a couple these women on the hangout gave.
Happiness is a choice but we are not happy all the time. We can have minor hassles in our business like our computer packs it in, our internet is down and so the list goes on. Not major things but nevertheless irritations. I find these minor frustrations much easier to turn my state of mind around than when I hear sad news of someone I love.
Here are some of the things I do daily and repeat more than once if I need to make myself feel happier.
Being Happy – things that make me happier
- I give thanks and write out things I am grateful for. I do this daily at least once. If I am feeling flat I do it often.
- I pick up a book. I have several that I open randomly and there is always a message for me. One book I often refer to is one I have had for years and years called ” The Wisdom of Florence Scovel Shinn” which is a book that includes 4 of her books. The first book I read of her’s was many years ago and is called “The Game of Life”.
- I listen or watch something inspirational. There is a world of them on YouTube .
- I go for a walk, to the gym or yoga or if the weather permits I will have a swim. That feels like it washes my heart clean.
- I meditate with a meditation audio. My favorite right now is “Getting into the Vortex” by Esther Hicks. They are just short 15 minute meditations and I always feel like a new person when I have finished.
They are my main strategies for changing my state. What do you do to feel happier?
Being Happy – Other suggestions from the women on the hangout.
- Just lighten up
- Put a smile on your face and keep it there for 60 seconds and see if you feel better
- Journal or write
- Have a manicure
- Buy yourself some flowers
- Do a random act of kindness for someone else ( I love that one!)
- Play sport
- Take action on something
- Play with your kids (if you have them of course)
So there you have it. If you want to watch the Hangout you will be able to do it for the next week and then it will be replaced by the next one. You can find it at Women’s Lounge.
I would love to hear your strategies on being happy. Please share them with us. Also I would love to hear your opinion on whether you think it is possible to be happy all the time. Is happiness something w practice or are we born a certain way? Please share your thoughts. If you found this post valuable please share it with your friends.
Sue Price
Skype: sueprice
Click here to work with me personally
PS
Check out this free video showing how ANYONE can make $150-$500 per day online!
Dan Black says
Great list Sue! When I’m feeling down or discouraged I make sure I connect with positive people and read books.
Sue Price says
Hi Dan
Connecting with positive people is a good one. I think most of go for the books. I am sure you have a great library.
Now I bet you do not have a manicure 🙂
Thanks for your comment.
Sue
Dan Black says
Ha, no manicure:) Keep writing great content Sue!
Sue Price says
🙂 I will Dan
Sylviane Nuccio says
Hi Sue,
I knew firsthand about you dad’s declining health as you told me over the week end, and as I told you I knew EXACTLY how you felt as I’m going through the same thing with my mom.
One thing that really helped me with this is what I’ve learned from my friend Melody Fletcher who is an energy coach. When someone has a terminal disease it means that they are getting ready to get to their next dimension.
Don’t forget we are spiritual beings having a human experience, once we are done with it we are ready to move on. More often then not we, as humans, don’t want our loved one to move on, and that’s a normal reaction because we will miss the physical part of them, but at some point we need to let them go, if THEY are ready to go.
They will not be completly gone, they will actually be there often, and the only reason why we don’t see or feel them is that we haven’t developed our psychic abilities. (I’m working on that myself).
Knowing this, may not fix everything, but it certainly helps, though 🙂
Thank you for sharing this with us.
Sue Price says
Hi Sylviane
It seems like you and I have very much the same going on with parents and we are both away from them. At least I am only the other side of Australia you are a long way from your Mom.
I know we are spirits having a human experience and when I think about it like that it helps a lot. It is as you say that we do not want our loved ones to go. I know that is about me and not Dad but nonetheless I hate him suffering.
I know they are in contact with us when they go. After my grandfather passed on he visited me at night. I would wake up and see and hear him so clearly. You are right it helps so much to think like this.
Thanks Sylviane for your support and wisdom.
Sue
Sylviane Nuccio says
Wow, Sue, you saw your grandfather? That’s so great! You really do have psychic gifts, then. And now, I know that you know 🙂 for sure.
That has never happen to me, but I’m working on it.
Sue Price says
Yes I did see my grandfather several times. I have had a few other times when things like that happened. I would love this part of me to be stronger.
I am sure you working on it will bring you great results.
Have a nice Easter break Sylviane.
Sue
Adrienne says
I know what you mean Sue. I had a moment yesterday and I was just in tears. It was something I got to thinking about and it just overwhelmed me. I didn’t let it keep me down for long though and like you I have some books that I pick up.
Every morning I say my gratitude for what I’m thankful for. I don’t write that down but I speak that out loud. Then I read a daily devotional and I also read “I Declare” by Joel Osteen. That’s a 30 day devotional and I’ve been reading that over and over again for about three months now. Those two books alone really help me.
I have two videos I keep tagged on my computer that I also find inspirational so I’ll watch those each day as well. I have a lot of things that keep me up but also help should I get down because we all will get down from time to time.
My heart goes out to you about your Dad. He has remained in my prayers daily. I’m not going to tell you all that uplifting stuff because it’s your Dad. I just wish I still had mine with me. I’m thinking of you Sue.
~Adrienne
P.S. The link you shared about the hangout didn’t work. Would love to check that out.
Sue Price says
Hi Adrienne
You certainly have a “help you” system similar to me. We all need some tools as you say we all get down from time to time. Now you are one of the happiest people I know but I also know you are real and have sad days. The fact you had something overwhelm you really is a part of life isn’t it?
I have not heard of that book so must check it out. There are so many books that can help us. Not sure what people used to do in the days all this information was not available. Pray I suspect which of course is a good thing.
Even though I know Dad is going to pass soon and I know he is a spirit and it is only his body that is going as you say he is my Dad and I will miss him so much. I know you miss yours everyday.
Thanks Adrienne for your support and for sharing what you do in sad times.
I just checked the link again and it worked for me so not sure what is going on there. Let me know how you go another time. It is long but there are some real gems in there.
See you tomorrow.
Sue
Stacy says
Hi Sue,
This is a fantastic topic. Once we’re in a negative state of mind or mood it can be challenging to kick it. Yesterday I was upset about something so I went outside in the fresh air and sunshine. That really helped me to feel better!
Stacy
Sue Price says
Hi Stacy
Sunshine works for me too and the fresh air. It is good we all have our ways to deal with the down days.
Thanks for sharing Stacy
Sue
Donna Merrill says
Hi Sue,
Sorry about what you are going through with your dad. We are never ready when these things happen. Even though we know our parents will leave us, no matter how old they are, it is still difficult.
A healthy natural response is to be sad. But when sadness overwhelms us we do need to reach out and do something like you did. Talking to your husband about the happy memories, reading certain uplifting books, etc.
When going through the death process with my father-in-law (who was more a father to me than my bio father ever was) at home with hospice care, it was not only sadness, but anxiety too. We were responsible for his health and each time he coughed, or moved, it provoked anxiety.
I got over it by looking into his beautiful blue eyes and seeing the presence of God. Seeing such a great man suffer was difficult until I seen the whole picture. It was his body that was suffering. His soul was ready to move on. I lived for moments where he could smile or laugh. But all the while, my mind shifted to the spiritual side of things.
He hung on for a reason, his own reason. But I knew he will be going to his true home and he was ready. We talked about angels (yes I seen them around him…the psychic part of me kicked in) It was peaceful and I enjoyed the transition with him.
As his spirit left his body, there was a certain relief…no more suffering and pain, but he was where he had to go, where we all go. That made me happy.
Well that’s one story and hope it can inspire,
Donna
Sue Price says
Hi Donna
I remember you sharing what you went through with your father-in-law. I am sure it was a very anxious time when you and David were the carers. I think I would be anxious and probably looking at him every two minutes.
It is good when you can switch to the spiritual and of course everything you say is true. I only wish I was as developed psychically developed as you are. I am sure it helps so much. I can feel the connection with Dad right now and it makes me feel peaceful. For me it is watching people you love suffer that is hard. I will really remember your words and know it is only his body that is in pain. He is much more than that of course.
It is interesting when you see someone when they have passed on in my experience (which is limited to a couple of people) they look so peaceful. My grandmother looked years younger.
Thanks for sharing your experience Donna I so appreciate it.
Sue
Barbara Charles says
Hi Sue. First I’m sorry to hear about your Dad’s declining health. You know we have been keeping him in our prayers and will continue to do so.
Second this is a wonderful post and many of the things you do and said I also do. In particular, I listen to music. I also give thanks everyday. It is so easy to forget to give thanks…so I put it in my iPhone. Four times a day, I get reminded to take a pause and just say thank you. Life sometimes gets in the way and it’s difficult to remember that you need to take a pause and thank God for another day, a happy moment, an unexpected gift of a smile. Thank you for sharing some of the other ways to keep us happy!
God Bless,
Barbara
Sue Price says
Hi Barbara
Thanks so much for your prayers and support. You know it hit me reading the comments here that are from our Mastermind group. Each of us with the exception of Raena have lost or going through health issues with our parents. It is no accident we are together and it is for more than blogging 🙂 I met you on our first hangout the week your Dad had passed.
I know music is your thing and you probably dance to it 🙂 You are spot on it is too easy to forget to give thanks. I have a reminder on my computer but not as frequent as you so I will step it up. When we concentrate on our blessing things come more into perspective don’t they? Compared to much of the world we live charmed lives really.
Thanks for your contribution here Barbara. See you tomorrow.
Sue
Gladys Cruz says
Hello Ms. Sue
First, I am so sorry that you are going through this time of sadness, loneliness and all the things that seem to tag along when things of this nature happen. I lost both of my parents, and I can tell you, I still have sad days, but some of the things I do is I begin to say thank you for the day, I call up a friend and share my heart with them, I pray and I also use inspirational quotes to pick me up. At this present time, my oldest sister is having strokes, she is HIV, and other diseases going on in her body. Yes I feel sad and overwhelmed because it is only us five girls, and no parents to run to, but I know the peace will come as I stay inspired.
Sue, I will be praying for you and I know you are doing everything in your power to keep happy, but if you need to cry, then cry. It’s ok.
I do feel your pain as others have posted in their comments.
Thank you for sharing intimate things from your life.
Gladys posted… create a blueprint for your life…you still have one
Sue Price says
Hi Gladys
Thank you for your kind words of support. I know you understand what it is like given you have lost both parents. That is very sad to hear about your sister. My Dad has had a couple of strokes so I know what they are like. She sounds to be a bad way so I will pray for her as well.
You have some good practices to support you. Giving thanks is so important and one that is easy to forget at times. I do know it is okay to cry and I do that but there comes a time when I know I have to pick myself up. This has been going on with both my parents for some months. My mom is doing pretty good now but she had some time in intensive care just before Christmas.
Thanks again Gladys for your support and for sharing your ways of dealing with sadness.
Sue
Pauline says
Hi Sue
I am so sorry to hear the news about your dad, I lost both my parents a few years ago so I know what you must be going through, plus you know I have been going through some bad time these past few weeks, but we all get through these times in our own way, you are in my thoughts my friend.
What I do to make myself feel a little better is go for a walk along the beach and if I meet anyone I smile at them and it brightens my day if I get a smile back!
We are all here to support you
Pauline
Sue Price says
Hi Pauline
You definitely would understand what I am going through. I hope things are getting better for you now. We all so have tough times and we do get through them.
I too love walking along the beach. The ocean is the place I like being most.
Thanks for your supportive words Pauline. I love the blogging community and the support system we have.
Sue
Dee Ann Rice says
Sue,
I have those moments when I want to just sit down and cry. When that happens I think about a time when I was really happy and it works for a few minutes. I have to keep thinking about it and eventually the sadness goes away.
I like your suggestions on what to do to make yourself happy. I do some of those but may try some others when I get another one of those moments that I feel sad.
I am sorry to hear about your dad. I lost my dad a few years ago and that was a tough one.
Dee Ann
Sue Price says
Hi Dee Ann
Thinking a happy times sounds like a great idea. We all seem to have a few ways we get through tough times.
We all have those moments when we want to cry and that is okay too. A past mentor of mine use dot say tears are the raindrops of the soul.
So you know what I am going through with my Dad. It is tough for sure. I am booked to fly over to where they live next week so it will be nice to see him as I suspect the end is near.
Thanks for your contribution to the conversation here Dee Ann, I appreciate it.
Sue
Lisa Magoulas says
Sue,
First off, I’m sorry to hear about your dad. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. I really enjoyed this post. I am a firm believer that happiness is a state of mind. I know I practice it daily. When I’m presented with a bad/negative situation, I, like everyone get upset. Then I try to step back and think of the positive, what can I learn from the situation. Everything in life is presented to us for a reason, how we handle it determines our outcome. I think I’ll watch that video now. Thanks
Sue Price says
Hi Lisa
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers for my Dad, I appreciate it.
Stepping back and thinking what you can learn from an upsetting situation is such a good thing to do. I can normally do that after the event but I am not so good while I am in it. I always see it later though.
I agree that happiness is a state of mind.
Thanks for contribution to this discussion Lisa.
Have a nice Easter
Sue
Mayura says
Hi Sue,
Wherever I find a computer or smartphone, I find happiness 😀 lol…
If we are happy all the time, we might find it boring. Isn’t it? 😉 So, it would be like a fairy tale. Well, out of the fairy tale, I have few things that makes me happy Sue. (Seems like I’m not gonna stop writing ;))
Now I’m happy 🙂 Actually there’s lot of reasons for me to feel happy everytime dear. I had terrible moments in childhood that I wish if I had someone else’s life, but now it’s just past. Since then computer is my best fellow.
I’m happy ’cause I work from home 🙂 I always loved working with computer and all day along without caring how tired I am. I think we all have such interests to feel happy most of the time even we go through terrible moments, no? I’m grateful for what I have 🙂 Nothing’s certain, so practically I accept it for some extent.
Now let me get back to core. Hmm… If happiness is not around me, music comes first. It’s a mood fixer for me. In addition, meditation, movies and games makes me feel better too. Now they are part of my life.
What if I was a child live in Africa that gonna die in few days due to a sickness? What if I was blind or deaf? What if I had no hands to write this comment? 🙂
I find inspiration among such people Sue. They live hard and die hard but never give up 🙂 Such thoughts impress me all the time. I think we are lucky enough to feel happiness and sorrow, while some have no tears to cry anymore.
Do you feel it? I’m all happy 🙂 We should. AND we should help others to be happy too 🙂
Have a HAPPY week there Sue 🙂
Cheers…
Sue Price says
Hi Mayura
I get you are a happy person. I do think we need to have sad or unhappy times sometimes so we appreciate the happy times. But I choose to be happy most of the time.
I love that you find such pleasure from your computer and get to work at home. That is very good. I too love music and it does make me happy and meditation for me is so important too.
Yes we can always find people much worse off than us can’t we? My heart is so sad when I see images of dying children in Africa. And yes we should be grateful for our life, health and all that we have. Sometimes it is easy to take things for granted.
I do feel happy Mayura and I am glad you are too.
Thanks for adding our thoughts here I really appreciate it.
You too have a happy weekend.
Sue
Viola Tam says
Hi Sue,
Sorry to hear about your dad’s declining health. I am glad that your husband is so supportive and wise. What you said is very true – “Happiness is a choice but we are not happy all the time.” We cannot help feeling not so happy at times but we can always feel happy again.
Great insights from you and many friends! It is fascinating to see the great variety of ways that have been helpful for others. I love watching babies smile. It is one of the most beautiful feeling that I can get.
I learned many years ago that laughing is an effective way to induce happy feeling. Therefore, smiling to self in front of a mirror is a great strategy. Yes, even a forced smile or laugh is good. There are many Laughing Clubs in India, I heard.
Not sure if any of your readers have positive results from that.
Great sharing, Sue. Be happy!
Viola The Business Mum
Sue Price says
Hi Viola
Thanks for your thoughts on my Dad. I am going over to Perth at the end of this coming week so it will be good to see him.
I agree it is not possible to be happy all the time. I think we would not really know what is was anymore if we were. There were some great shares on how people make themselves feel better. It is always good to hear what others do.
I also love seeing babies smile. It is very joyful. I also love toddlers learning to walk and do new things. Because our grandkids live no where near us both my husband and I always notice little kids.
I have tried smiling into the mirror and it actually makes me laugh so that is a good one. Thanks for the reminder.
Wow laughing clubs in India. I have never heard of that but it sounds like a great idea.
Thanks for adding to this conversation Viola. Enjoy the holiday break.
Sue
Mary Stephenson says
Hi Sue
You are probably right, I think maybe we are born with the happy bug. Ever watch little children how they can laugh with their whole body at absolutely nothing that really seems funny. Their laughter is very contagious. But along the way that life is taken out of them. So unless we were raised in a delightful laughter induced family I think we really have to search for happiness. Too feel happy I do smile even if I don’t feel it, the muscles induce that peace that comes with happiness. Being unemployed and released from a toxic people environment, I found out the true meaning of happiness, which totally comes from within. If we never have sad times we never appreciate the good times.
Mary
Sue Price says
Hi Mary
Yes sadly we do become worn down with life experiences and then work to be happy. I too love watching small children who can laugh at the simplest things.
I find smiling works for me. I have loved this post as so many people have added to it and reminded me of things I sometimes do. Happiness does come from within for sure. I am sure you will be much better off out of that toxic environment. I am sure it will work out well for you. Yes we do need sad times to appreciate the good times for sure.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts here Mary.
Have a nice weekend.
Sue
Emmanuel says
Happiness is something I’m abound with. There are always smile abound on my face and sometimes even my tormentors wonders what’s wrong with this guy?
Sue Price says
Hi Emmanuel
It is great you are always happy. Very unusual because most of us experience a variety of emotions. Good you can be happy always.
Thanks for commenting
Sue
Generate MLM Leads says
As I read your this article Sue I remembered the movie “Pursuit of Happyness” and then the lead actor in the movie which is Will Smith even ask himself how to have a happiness. If only he knows about his lists he can experience happiness every minute. 🙂
Koj T. Tajo says
Yes Sue, being Happy is the best thing one can do. Nice to see wonderful list but for me I take my young nephew and niece for shopping and see them smile. And as normal I am being happy too.
Sue Price says
Hi Koj
Ah young people smiling is a good way to put a smile on your face. I bet your nephew and niece love going shopping with you.
Also great you are a natural happy person. That is a good way to be.
Thanks for your contribution here. Have a great week.
Sue
Mark Rodrigue says
I think being happy is a very affordable business that everyone can afford to start with anytime. Like some say, happiness i s a choice.
Sue Price says
Hi Mark
I agree happiness is a choice.
Thanks fro visiting me.
Sue
Manilla Bhousley says
Being happy is the kind of thing that every person of the world search for as this is the kind of fact makes a man reasonable to be alive . . Like
Sue Price says
HI Manilla
I agree with you we all strive to be happy. The thing is not many people can stay in that state.
Thanks for visiting my blog and for commenting.
Sue