Happy as You Want to Be

<h1>Happy as You Want to Be</h1>

<p align=right>by Marenda Hughes+Taylor</p>

<div align=justify>Do you remember 'Don't Worry, Be Happy' by Bobby McFerrin? The song has a very catchy way of conveying its message of being happy. Bobby McFerrin’s simple message touched millions of people.

Living a happy, resilient and optimistic life is wonderful, and is also good for your health. Being happy actually protects you from the stresses of life. Stress is linked to top causes of death such as heart disease, cancer and stroke.

One of the better things ever said is - 'The only thing in life that will always remain the same is change', and in our life we have the power to make the necessary changes if we want to. Even if we find ourselves in an unbearable situation we can always find solace in the knowledge that it too will change.

Social networks or relationships are essential to happiness. People are different, accept people for who they are, avoid conflict, constant arguments, and let go of resentments. If arguments seem unavoidable make an effort to truly understand the situation considering all perspectives and you just might find a common ground, and more importantly, peace.

Happiness lives in everyone, increasing it is how we make life more enjoyable.  Being happy is relatively easy, decide to be a happy person.

There are several ways by which you can do this.
  
News is stressful. Get less of it. Some people just can't start their day without their daily dose of news. 99% of the news we hear or read is bad news. Starting the day with bad news does not seem to be a sensible thing to do.

Manage your time. Time is invaluable and too important to waste. Time management is often viewed as a list of rules that involves scheduling, setting goals, planning, creating lists of things to do and prioritizing. These are the core basics of time management that should be understood to develop efficient personal time management which will help give you that extra reserve to achieve the results you desire.

Laugh and laugh heartily everyday.  Heard a good joke? Tell your friends or family about it. As they also say -'Laughter is the best medicine'.
  
Express your feelings, affections, friendship and passion to people around you. They will most likely reciprocate your actions. Try not to keep pent up anger, frustrations, or resentments. This is bad for your health. Instead find ways of expressing such matters in a way that will not cause more injury or hurt to anyone.

Working hard brings tremendous personal satisfaction. It gives a feeling of being competent in finishing our tasks. Accomplishments are necessary for everyone. They give us a sense of value. Work on things that you feel worthy of your time.
 
Learning is a joyful exercise. Try to learn something new everyday.  Learning also makes us expand and broaden our horizons. Moreover, learning can also open doors of unlimited opportunities in the future.

Our bodies crave and need physical activity. Run, jog, walk and do other things that your body was made for. You’ll feel more alive.
 
Being grateful is a great attitude that increases happiness too.  We have so much to be thankful for. Every day, show your gratitude by telling at least one person thank you.
Thank the taxi driver for bringing you home safely, thank the cook for a wonderful dinner, thank the guy who mows your lawn, thank the mailman for bringing you your mail, and thank God for being alive.

A spiritual connection is highly recommended. Being part of a spiritually connected group with its singing, prayers and meditations foster inner peace.

These are a few simple things you can do everyday to be happy.

And always remember this key quote from Abraham Lincoln, "Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."

<font color="navy"><b>About The Author:<br />
Marenda Hughes+Taylor is Chief Operating Officer of <a href="http://www.loverecords.com">1st Love Records</a> and owner of <a href="http://marenda.biz">Marenda.Biz</a></b></font></div>

<p align=center>Article source: <a href="http://www.ArticlePros.com/self_improvement/happiness/article-58345.html">ArticlePros.com</a></p>
 
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		<p align=center><b>About the author</b></p>
		<p align=justify>Marenda Hughes+Taylor is Chief Operating Officer of 1st Love Records and owner of Marenda.Biz</p>
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