We must become the change we want to see in the world – Gandhi
I think the secret to being happy has already been solved.
There’s enough information out there now to know how to be happier. It’s not easy, but it’s possible, and quite worth the effort.
But for most people, and certainly for me, the first step is convincing ourselves that we deserve to be happy.
Most of us are ingrained with the thought that wanting to be happy is bad because:
1. It’s selfish, and
2. We are horrible people who don’t deserve as much happiness as we want
Of course, most of us phrase number 2 differently, but it’s still the same ethos. Why should we be any happier than the brilliant but troubled Van Gogh? At least he gave the world his art. And why should we be happy when millions around the world are suffering?
Here’s why you should want to be happy:
1. Happier people make other people happy. People like being around cheerful, upbeat people. Your co-workers are likely to be happier if you smile at them and are genuinely happy. The same goes for your family, friends, the guy with the dog who lives down the street, and the girl at the coffee shop. You can bring a little bit of sunshine into other people’s lives just by being happier. You make their lives better just by being happier.
2. Happier people are more productive. There’s been quite a few studies about this. I know that personally, when I’m upbeat and raring with energy, I get more done. And so do most people.
3. Happier people are healthier. Happier people are less likely to become ill when exposed to viruses. They also have better cardio systems, making them less prone to major diseases. So by being happier, you’ll actually reduce the stress on the health system!
I used to think that I shouldn’t place so much importance on trying to be happier, I should just get on with it. But you actually contribute more to society when you’re happier! Trying to be happier does actually work, and in upcoming posts I’ll talk about what I’ve tried to do to be happier, what you could try, and how the pursuit of happiness has worked out (or not!) for me.
No comments yet.