Author: kelly price
I was listening to the radio today and heard a couple of songs that made me think about the meaning of happiness.

I thought I would share the two simple tips that came from these songs – that can make ANYONE happy if they listen to them.

You don’t have to listen to the songs, but understand their meaning and you will be happy now and forever.

Let’s look at these 2 tips and the blessing of happiness we can all enjoy in life.

1. Happiness is a choice

The first point to make is that happiness is a choice in life - you are not born happy, just as you are not born sad.

Happiness is a choice that we all can make and it’s all about having the right attitude.

The first song is by a little known English comedian and singer Ken Dodd - called simply “happiness”.
Some of the words go as follows:

“Happiness, happiness the greatest gift that I possess I thank the lord for happiness”
We should all thank god.

Happiness is not just a word it’s a character trait we are all born with and we should all take advantage of it – its there you just need to reach out and happiness is yours.

We just have to get the right mindset and we can be happy for now and forever.
The point that is vital to understand if you are to achieve true happiness which leads me onto my next song.

2. Be happy despite.

All that life can throw at you which brings me to my next song by Bobby McFerrin called “Don’t worry be happy” The lyric I Look is

“Here is a little song I wrote
you might want to sing it note for note
don’t worry be happy
in every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double
don’t worry, be happy”.

We all have troubles in life and we all face adversity in some shape or form – but it is how we view these problems that is critical in achieving happiness.

Many people constantly compare themselves to those who are better off or have more luck in life than them and remain sad due to envy.

However, there are others that take setbacks and adversity in their stride and learn from them and take the positive.

Most people think of people who are better off than them but look at it another way - there are probably millions or even billions of people worse off than you.

People are starving, people are ill, people have their human rights abused, but believe it or not, many of these people are happier than others who have far more than them in life.

A great example of someone we all know who had everything and had is life changed when he was paralyzed from the waste down, was actor Christopher Reeve.

Did he feel sorry for himself?

No he didn’t!

He devoted his life to helping others, vowing to walk again and was an inspiration to all who came into contact with him.

While he lost his capacity to walk, he was still happy with the other aspects of his life including the work he was able to do and the love and support he received from family and friends.

So do you want to be happy or sad? It’s your choice:
“When you worry
Your face will frown
And that will bring everybody down
So don’t worry, be happy (now)…..

God gave us the gift of happiness and it’s up to us if we accept it or not, achieving happiness is really that simple.

Author: Marcia Chumbley

In later life, you may begin to realize that you’re not one hundred percent happy with yourself. You may begin to consider self-improvement. You’ll be glad to know that improving yourself is easy to do, and can be done by making a series of small changes over time. Making these simple changes in your outlook and lifestyle can lead to dramatic results. Consider these self improvement tips for a true lifestyle makeover!

1. Love the Life You Have! Take the time to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Buy a pretty journal or notebook, and write your blessings in it daily. Keep a running journal of things that you’re thankful for – everything from the perfect cup of tea to the extra ten minutes in the hot shower. After a few days of this mindset, you may realize that your life isn’t so bad after all!

2. Overcome Fear - Contemplate what’s holding you back. Is it fear of failure, or fear of success? Which is worse? Set goals that will help you reach your dream, and then break them into tiny baby steps. Take the first baby step TODAY, and you’re on your way to overcoming that fear!

3. Visualize Your Goals – Take time every day to picture yourself reaching your goal. Visualize yourself clearly as if you already have achieved it. See yourself walking across the stage and accepting your master’s degree. See yourself driving the shiny new car. Whatever your goal is – envision yourself as if you’ve already achieved it. Visualization is key to success.

4. Keep yourself Healthy – Health is a key part of self-improvement. If you don’t take care of yourself, no one else will do it for you. Take the time to make the doctor’s appointment that you’ve been putting off. Do it now! Be sure to eat a healthy diet, get enough exercise, and drink lots of water. Take good care of your body – it’s the only one you’ve got, and it has to last you a lifetime.

Use these tips to improve your quality of life. Your attitude and mood will also improve drastically. You’ll find yourself looking forward to each new day, ready to greet it with a smile. Take the time to overcome fear, visualize your new goals, and keep yourself healthy. Remember the things that you’re grateful for, and you’ll find that you’re truly happy with yourself and the life that you have. Congratulations! You’re well on your way to self –improvement.