Good Day to all here, 
Sometimes, we feel depressed or angry with things in life and wonder how are we ever going to get out of our doldrums. Then we look for something to grasp onto to give us that little bit of strength to move forward a bit at a time in life. I came across this wonderful article a while back and posted it here last year and I am reposting it again now to give us a little cheer in case we need it some time later.
This was excerpted from Reader’s Digest, September 2002 :-
25 ways to be happy
“Life is full of ups and downs. In order to experience happiness you must experience other emotions, including sadness and anger, to some degree nearly every day. The ideal you should work towards is to be accepting of what you have and who you are, to enjoy life whenever possible and to feel happy most of the time.
I say most of the time because nobody is going to be happy every moment. Life is just not like that. Happiness needs to be earned, worked at and appreciated.
For those of you with no real reason to be unhappy – those whose life is basically trouble-free – here are some thoughts to help you remember that life is good.
1
Change your thinking. Live everyday as if it is your last. People who have survived a terminal illness or accident, witnessed a tragedy or lost a loved one are said to have a different perspective on life. Many will say that they no longer leave anything until later. They travel, learn a new skill, contact a friend now. They know – and we should all remember – that there might not be a later.
2
Keep a journal. Write an ongoing list of the good things that happen to you every day. What was that lovely thing your daughter said to you the other day? You will not remember unless you write it down. Problems can be solved and bad things cleared from your thoughts by writing them down, too. Try it – it works!
3
Get some perspective on things. Think about how you would like to be remembered and what you might tell your grandchildren about your life. Is it really that important that the linen is changed weekly and the floors are kept spotlessly clean? That work meeting last year that meant you missed your child’s school concert – does it matter now?
4
Don’t let the small stuff bug you. Wasting your energy by getting upset about life’s many minor irritations is not worth it. Smile and wave to the driver who won’t let you merge into his lane. He’s rude and aggressive, and it’s his problem. You’ve missed the train? Fretting is pointless – the train is gone. Enjoy the coffee while you wait for the next one.
5
Do any unpleasant or difficult chores that need doing. Do them now. Procrastination drains your energy and burdens your mind. If you are thinking and worrying about something that needs to be done, you might as well be doing it.
6
Change your routine. Life can begin to stem like a bit of a chore if we do the same thing day after day, week after week. We need to create interest in our lives, and to do new things. If you normally sleep in on a Sunday, the “sleep in” is no longer a treat. Why not get up early and have breakfast in the park? You’ll beat the crowds and be heading home as they arrive. The day will seem much longer. (Or, for those who never sleep in, arrange it somehow – what a luxury it is!)
7
Don’t try to keep up with others. So, your neighbors have a larger home, the latest stereo system, a new car – who cares? Look again. He works on the weekends, and they never seem to see friends. Who’s better off, really?
8
Have a big clean out and divest yourself of useless “stuff.” Clothes unworn for a year, the dinner service that you’ve always hated, kitchen utensils that are always in the way but never used, unused linen (you still have cot linen on the shelf and the “baby” is six!), toys, books, furniture – give it all to a charity and you will have helped the poor. The bonus is that your shelves and cupboards are clutter-free now. Housework is easier, your vision is clearer and the feng shui of your home is improved.
9
Learn to say no. You don’t have to do it. Your life is already too busy and you are running from one thing to another. Give yourself some space to think and time to do something for yourself.
10
Remember to love your partner for who he or she is. Have they really changed so much? Or (think about it!) might he/she actually be the same person that you fell in love with? The relationship might need some work – everything needs some repair work or maintenance after a few years of running – but the parts should still be in working order.
11
Don’t let familiarity breed contempt. Your partner and family deserve at least the same consideration you give your friends. And you deserve the same from them.
12
Tell your partner, family and friends that you love them. Tell them what you love about them. Tell them when they do things well. A little praise never hurts and before you know it you might be told that you’ve done things well too. You never know . . .
13
Are you always a shoulder to lean on for troubled friends? It may be hard, but if their problems are beginning to affect you, then you need to try not to be quite so available all the time. They need to address their problems and get on with their lives.
14
Phone, e-mail, even write to some old friends. You’ve lost touch, but it needn’t be for ever. And how long is it since you spoke to Great Auntie Jean? She’d love to hear from you.
15
Enhance your mood with greenery. Cut some fresh flowers from your garden – or get up early, head to the markets and fill your home with loads of cheap flowers, fruit and vegetables. Everyone had pot plants in the 1970s -bring them back -These fill the house with life and vitality.
16
Go to the beach. The long views, the wind, the waves, bare feet in the sand, sun on the back -there is nothing so good for the soul. (My friend Kendra is renewed and invigorated in the same way by a walk on a hill. To each his own.)
17
Create something. Paint, sculpt, sew, bake, garden – anything!
18
Breathe fresh air. Go outside or open the windows. Breathe deeply to the bottom of your lungs and feel the stale air leave you.
19
Go for a walk. This gentle exercise will renew and invigorate you physically and mentally on your first outing. Take it up regularly and you’ll feel better every day.
20
Rent a funny video and have a good laugh. Old television comedies always do it for me. When we laugh, feel good endorphins are released. That’s why they say laughter is the best medicine.
21
Move your furniture and ornament around, change rooms, paint walls. It’s true, a change is as good as a holiday.
22
Give yourself something to look forward to. Book a holiday, a night out, a massage.
23
Invite friends over for dinner. Get everyone to dress up, and decorate the room and the table. Greet everyone with cocktails or Champagne, and have music playing. Spend time thinking about and planning the menu, enjoy the shopping and cooking. People can’t help but respond positively when you’ve gone to a lot of effort for them. The night will be good fun. And don’t get stressed over cleaning the house beforehand – no one will even notice.
24
Smile. Smiling is contagious – try it and see.
25
Make someone else’s day happier. It may sound a bit corny, but why not? Start by suppressing the urge to blast your horn at the slow driver ahead. Or you could make a positive move by volunteering your time for a charity.”
May you be well, happy and peaceful always! 
Many blessings, Love and Light to all,
choesf
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