In a recent series of articles on happiness, I found a comfort in the profound simplicity to elevate and influence happiness in your life. Also noteworthy is that the first and foremost elements have to do with your thinking. Negative thinking to be precise. Being a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT) , I found the concepts to be helpful in demonstrating a methodology to combat negative thinking and how this influences your feelings and subsequent behavior. Tara Parker-Pope, the author was really on target with how to examine what you need to do or avoid to help your happiness. A quote from her article: “Everyone has the power to make small changes in our behavior, our surroundings and our relationships that can help set us on course for a happier life.” Let’s start with mind.
- Conquer negative thoughts–replace them with positive thoughts & images
- Rescript your life–you can take time to rewrite your story focusing on gratitude
- Work on optimism
- Hang around positive people–who we associate with influences our mood
- Play more
- Create positive memories
- Get active with your body
Remember, challenge your negative thinking and replace it with positive, loving and kind thoughts.
