RESILIENCE

If you read the last post, you heard about the interesting study that proves happy people are more resilient. In the study, happy people were able to put their hands in a jar of ice water and hold it there longer than people who weren’t happy.

Here are some other characteristics that happy people have:

* They live longer.

* They are healthier.

* They’re more likely to be leaders in their field.

* They are more likely not only to BE married but to STAY married.

So, getting yourself happy may sound like something fluffy, something that really isn’t very important, a kind of EXTRA thing to do in life, but it’s really of central importance.

Unfortunately, many people think happiness is something that has to come from outside of them. But the truth is, you came into the world with lots of happiness already inside you. Becoming happier is more about letting go of all that covers it up than trying to install something new.

If you want to explore this, here’s an exercise for you. Today, just notice the small things you feel happy about. And notice also, what take away your happiness–what thoughts, activities, feelings… This is a very revealing exercise, one that will help you get more in touch with how easy it is to ‘cultivate’ happiness.

For me, one of my small happinesses is a cup of hot lemon –I’m going to give it my full attention for a few moments now. More later.