What do happy people do differently?

[Geoff-Allen]

Do you know any people who are - to quote Marci Shimoff - "Happy for no reason"?

I would say that FEW poeple are as happy as they could POSSIBLY be - that is why there are so MANY self-help books being written.

So ... what ARE the habits of happy people?

From my observations, genuinely happy people practice forgiveness, compassion, kindness & gratitude.

Any thoughts?

 

[LuisDantas]

I think happiness and misery are largely learned from the people one most interacts with.

 

[Buttercup]

Happiness is a choice. Corny, but infinitely true. Happiness is learning to distract yourself from pessimism. Takes practice but a person gets better at summoning happiness with practice.

Constant happiness isn't possible but people who are generally happy are honest with themselves and others about what they need. They give freely, too.

 

[Deidre]

What might seem like happiness is really more like peace. When someone is at peace in his/her life, this means to me that he/she has found a special balance and an appreciation of the ups and downs of life...not turning sad when life throws bad things their way, and not dripping with saccharin sweetness when life throws good things their way. Finding peace is what we all want...not necessarily 'happiness.' As that is fleeting. Peace of mind exists whether there are good times or bad...I've had such moments, and my most peaceful times, have been when I've prayed.

 

[The Sum of Awe]

Do you know any people who are - to quote Marci Shimoff - "Happy for no reason"?

I would say that FEW poeple are as happy as they could POSSIBLY be - that is why there are so MANY self-help books being written.

So ... what ARE the habits of happy people?

From my observations, genuinely happy people practice forgiveness, compassion, kindness & gratitude.

Any thoughts?

Happiness, in my experience, is based on many things: Open mindedness, emotional control, tolerance, patience, acceptence, apathy, etc. just to name a few.

Most importantly: Accept where nature takes you and expect nothing, be content with what nature brings you. Don't search for desires, let it come to you.

Let the past go, the present be, and the future come.

 

[Sunstone]

Happy people don't set themselves the goal of being happy. They set other goals, such as to improve their family life, that will result in their being happy. At least, that's what I've seen.

 

[lewisnotmiller]

I think there is an element of optimism. Looking at the positives in a situation. I believe this is, to some degree, a learned habit, and can change slowly over time.

For better or for worse, it should be added.

 

[Baladas]

For me, happiness has come to me in the form of inner peace. Inner peace has come from getting to know myself and accepting myself. Regular meditation has been one way that I have done this. Living my life with more spontaneity, without being overly concerned with social convention has been good for me as well. These among other things.

 

[Ingledsva]

Well, for individuals, as they say, - Follow your Bliss.

For couples, share, do things together.

*

 

[Laika]

I've had depression, so from my perspective happy people have a way of letting go and giving up the illusion of control that can pull you down. Life is more fun and a bit of an adventure for them (and one day for me too!). A certain healthy egocentricity helps and focusing on the little things you can change as well as enjoying your life and sharing it with others makes it easier to be happy.

 

[Riverwolf]

Well, what sorts of things indicate overall happiness?

 

[Sunstone]

Well, what sorts of things indicate overall happiness?

An erection lasting no longer than four hours.

 

[illykitty]

Well having issues with depression, I'm not sure I'm the best to answer this, but from what I read, happiness, or better yet, being content is about letting go, not expecting too much, acceptance, gratefulness, optimism, living in the present...

Things I have to work on, in other words. Doesn't come naturally to me.

 

[chinu]

So ... what ARE the habits of happy people?

Whatever are the circumstances of life. Such people wholeheartedly welcome the will of God/Creator

 

[BSM1]

Happiness is self-generated; you either choose to be happy or not. I think many people mistake happiness with joy. Joy comes from outside a person. I think happy people tend to find joyful things in their lives.

 

[Geoff-Allen]

Thanks 4 the feed-back!

Not sure there's a lot I can add to my post ... except perhaps 2 report that I feel measurably happier when I DO remember 2 practice unconditional compassion. When I forget 2 practice, things can go downhill very fast! Copmared with SOME meditators, I still have a LONG way 2 go ...

Speaking of very experienced meditators, here's an author I heartily recommend -

Why Can’t “I” Be Happy? -- Matthieu Ricard – Lion's Roar

Have a good one!

 

[Riverwolf]

An erection lasting no longer than four hours.

OW!

I'd be miserable if one lasted for more than one hour!

 

[Geoff-Allen]

An old Cherokee chief was teaching his grandson about life ...

"A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.

"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves.

"One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, self-doubt, and ego.

"The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.

"This same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather,

"Which wolf will win?"

The old chief simply replied,

"The one you feed."

 

[Geoff-Allen]

Love this video -

MUCH more at Youtube!

 

[ChristineES]

I've known happy people who are happy despite any troubles they have. I know a woman, who was facing open heart surgery to replace a valve and bypass who was just so very happy. And then there was the person who was miserable when he had everything going for him and he had no health problems.
Happiness comes from within.