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1. This Moment Is All You Have

Stop thinking about the past, or worrying about the future—focus on today, and today only. Live in the moment.

You can’t control what will happen throughout your day so enjoy the little details of your day such as sipping the perfect cup of coffee, spending time with your family, and moving through your day with ease. 

The single moment is where happiness is—how happy you are in it is all up to you! 

2. Be Grateful for Each Second

If you find it difficult to “enjoy the moment,” focus on giving thanks for what this moment represents: good health, a roof over your head, loved ones, a sense of your spirituality, an exciting date to look forward to …

Giving your appreciation to each moment will attract more good things to come your way! 

3. Focus on Your “Happy Place”

The beach, a hike in the woods, a quiet room, a concert performed by your favorite band. Pick your own happy place and redirect your energy and perspective to something that makes you feel good! 

Your “happy place” can be anything—a person, place or thing that improves the way you feel about yourself. 

Visualize being there, and take in everything it offers. Repeat the following words throughout your day, “I take love, peace and kindness with me everywhere I go.” 

4. Remember That You Can’t Control Much—Except Your Own Thoughts 

You can’t control what other people do or say. Don’t allow yourself to attach what they can or can’t provide you, as only you can give yourself happiness. 

Control your thoughts with positive affirmations and visualizations. “I can create the perfect reality for my life as I see fit, and it looks like this …” 

5. Get a Toddler’s Perspective and Do As They Do

Life tends to be heavy and serious these days? Get down on the ground, and mimic what a child looks at and how he/she sees the world.

Laugh at the things children do, and be silly for the sake of being silly.

Lie down outside on your back, and stare up at the trees and sky! The world looks very different from this angle!

6. Take Your Dog Out for a Walk (and Let Him Lead!)

Dogs can perk your mood right up—take yours for a walk and don’t control him, just let him walk you for a change.

Track where he goes, and takes pictures of him throughout the walk—get outside your own life by watching his. Does he love a particular flower, or does he head for the hills? 

7. Give Your Time Away

Give your time to others, and you’ll instantly feel happy. 

Contribute to any cause you’re passionate about—smile, and get to know those you’re helping. Ask questions about their lives and make them feel as if they matter. 

Focus on the difference you make in someone else's life, and make a commitment that works with your schedule to continue to make a difference. 

Repeat this affirmation: “I make a difference in the lives I touch, and they make a difference in mine.” 

8. Finger Paint

Paint using only your hands. 

Follow your instincts, and trust the process of finger painting—it will allow you to express yourself while blending together an assortment of colors that please you.

Don’t give yourself “rules” for coloring. Just freely glide your hand into the paint, and paint as you will. 

9. Write Your Heart Out

Stressed out? If it’s because of a particular person (a demanding boss, insensitive boyfriend/girlfriend, etc.) write out a mock letter to the person, which you don’t have to send and list all your concerns. This is a great way to get things off your chest and can help you realize if the relationship is worth continuing.

Write freely, with no reservations about what you have to say. 

Don’t censor yourself—the very act of writing can be a great way to purge negative feelings that prevent happiness. 

After writing the letter, read it out loud then throw it away. 

10. Get to Know Where You Came From

Find someone in your family (an older relative such as a grandparent, uncle or aunt) who can recall memories about his or her early life, or fascinating periods of history. 

Learn where you came from, and what perspective your family members have about things you could never experience yourself. This is a rich way to learn about them, yourself and the world. 

Gain a fresh perspective by listening to their stories, and improve your own happiness, awareness and appreciation of the experience and history of others. 

In conclusion…

Happiness is all about the feelings you generate within. Focus on reconnecting with family members, giving back to your community and taking the time to have a child’s perspective. When you do, you’ll see that you hold the power over your own happiness! 

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