http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ...ativeASIN=0143114956

In keeping with 2013 Affirmations instead of resolutions:
12 Things Happy People do differently!

Edited to add:
Click on photo to take you to the Pinterest site, then click on that photo and it will take you to the site with List.

Correction, the BLOG let me to this photo of 'Happy Times' and the book had nothing to do with this topic! Sorry for the confusion!

This is the direct link:
http://habituallychic.blogspot.../01/happy-times.html

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mary Ruth,

Thank you to the over 60 lurkers who viewed this thread!
It really is good reading!
Think positive! Have a great day!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mary Ruth,

Hi Mary Ruth! Is there a short list somewhere of the 12 things happy people do differently?

Hmmm, Something I need to read. : )

http://habituallychic.blogspot.../01/happy-times.html

that is the link to the site for where the list is written out.

If you click on the picture above it will take you to the Pinterest photo, click on that and you have the same site come up. Sorry, I just assumed that people knew how Pinterest worked.

Mary Ruth, I LOVE this list...so much good information. I'm going to save it and read it a few times a week.

Some things I do and some I need to work on Thanks for sharing and Happy 2013!!

Great article Mary Ruth! I've added it to my inspiration file. Thanks.

When crappy things happen, there's one simple question I ask: "Did anybody die?" Really puts those everyday dramas into their proper perspective. If the answer is no, there's no point getting all worked up about it. When that's the ruler you measure 'crisis' by, it makes things pretty simple.

I guess that would fall under #6-'Develop strategies for coping' and maybe a few others as well.

Thanks positive thinking girls!

The more I read about Flow and Positive thinking and affirmations the more I find!
I LOVE starting my morning with a good outlook from reading and viewing in this direction!
What a GREAT January!

Pinterest! I even started a 'being positive' board on Pinterest! LOL
http://pinterest.com/mary_ruth/being-positive/

Thanks for sharing!

quote:

When crappy things happen, there's one simple question I ask: "Did anybody die?"

I love this Bella! Thanks for putting things in perspective.

Inspirational/motivational post, Mary Ruth. Thanks for sharing this important message. Blessings!

annie,
So nice to have an UPLIFTING file isn't it? I have a photo file like that as well. Most of my Pinterest is for ME... things that made me smile, or think differently about something.
(alternate perspective)

Christie,
Yes, that is a great way to down-size drama! Definately a good way to cope better.

Froo Froo,
Blessings for ALL of us!

Thanks for positive comments!

quote:

Originally posted by *~Bella~*:
When crappy things happen, there's one simple question I ask: "Did anybody die?" Really puts those everyday dramas into their proper perspective. If the answer is no, there's no point getting all worked up about it. When that's the ruler you measure 'crisis' by, it makes things pretty simple.

I guess that would fall under #6-'Develop strategies for coping' and maybe a few others as well.

AMEN BELLA ! The older I get the wiser I get.

Mary Ruth, thanks for posting. Just like Skyler, some rules I follow, others I need to work on.

Thanks for sharing.

What I say to myself when crappy things happens is, "If this is the worse thing that happens to me I'm lucky".

#9. Savor life’s joys is something I find people forget to do. I can feel such joy when I see the beauty of the shadows on my kitchen walls from the tree leaves outside my kitchen window.

Georgia,
IF you are getting wiser, that means you are paying attention!
We ALL have to work at something, we are only human.

still tryin,
Savoring the image in my mind of your leaf shadows on the kitchen wall. Sounds like the shadows are so soothing... Ahhhhh

The source of my Joy this past few weeks, along my fence on one neighbor's side. Flame bush blooming beautifully!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mary Ruth,

Good list Mary Ruth. Have you read the entire book?

quote:

Originally posted by *~Bella~*:
When crappy things happen, there's one simple question I ask: "Did anybody die?" Really puts those everyday dramas into their proper perspective. If the answer is no, there's no point getting all worked up about it. When that's the ruler you measure 'crisis' by, it makes things pretty simple.

Good perspective.

When negative things happen to me I always ask myself "what am I going to do about it". Either I can do something about it or I can't. If I can't then there is no point making a big drama of it and if I can, then I do. Some people seem to always require drama in their lives. I find those people draining and try to limit contact with them. Keeps me happier and calmer.

I think it's important to remember that just because we strive to be happy doesn't mean we have to put up with "c r a p" from others. We don't have to become Pollyanna but can be realistic! We are all on-going 'works-in-progress'.

For me, practicing gratitude has been the fastest way to increase happiness. Everyone has negativity and loss in their life but we also all have at least a few good things to be thankful for. Recognizing those regularly is very important. The more you recognize, the more there seem to be.

This is a great list. Something I needed to read. The one I feel I need to focus on the most is #5, nurturing social relationships.I find that the older I get the more of a homebody I become. I work full time, volunteer at our local Humane Society and visit my dad at his Alzheimers home. I find that when I'm not doing these things I just want to be at home. We used to have a pretty good social life, entertained alot and I had many friends I lunched with, etc. Not so much the last 5 years.I miss the social me sometimes but not always.Anyway, I could go on, but it is a very good list and oh, so true. Thanks!

Thanks for the direct link above. I guess I didn't click far enough on the picture!

I like #1 - Express Gratitude. I try to do that at the end of every day when I say my pra-yer before bed. I am so grateful for my health, family, friends, and the home I have. There are a few things I need to work on though. Will definitely copy this list and review it again.

Lucky,
No I have not read the entire book, ordered it from Amazon though, so there will be more information out of the book next week! I have a few books I just love to re-read, and I am sure this will be one of them.

I am also reading a book about my favorite artist Wassily Kandinsky.
I am going to the library soon to get a few books there, and wondering what I will come across!

I gave up watching TV, that was a gift to myself a few years back. No dramas (soap operas nor reality soap operas) had kept my brian clear of creating any more drama than life provides by itself.

Quote from Joyluck: "I think it's important to remember that just because we strive to be happy doesn't mean we have to put up with "c r a p" from others. We don't have to become Pollyanna but can be realistic! We are all on-going 'works-in-progress'."

I really like your attitude about practicing gratitude and having it increase happiness! "Yes, the more you recognize the things to be thankful for, the more there seems to be"!

janetaz,
I find this too, I have always been a social person and now more reclusive as I age. But it sounds like your plate is full, and visiting your dad at his Alzheimers' home must be so draining for you. IF you can take a 'janet' day at least once every other week, then once a week, perhaps that might increase your joy? Use it for napping, reading or walking in nature (out of doors). I know being with those animals, is it encouraging for you and a positive experience? I hope so!
Thank you for posting on this thread! Great to hear from you!

AKsunny,
You sound like you are on the path to more happiness and and you know... I think we might even be starting a 'pay it forward' type movement! The more happiness we have the more we spread! Wouldn't that be awesome?

Thank you everyone for you have really touched my heart, and I know others have been affected too... I am sure happiness is growing and growing as we discuss this topic!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mary Ruth,

MR, thanks for sharing this link.

Those are definitely 12 positive things to concentrate on for 2013.
TFS,
Candy

Mary Ruth, not wanting to take away from your thread although in a way it is relative. The children of the Newtown, CT community have recorded their rendition of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" to raise funds for their community. The picture of these children singing just warms your heart. I was going to start a new thread about but for some reason I am unable to start a new thread! I can reply though I'm not sure how to share a link. Maybe you or someone else can do this. Please watch

Christmas Candy,
Yes, TFS too!
I feel this is my contribution to the board in a positive way so we can think differently about our board and our members. They really are wonderful people and have so much positive and happiness to share!

Georgia Peach,
You would not take anything away from this thread by posting the link! Actually it is in fitting with it by ADDING joy or happiness to the readers!

You can just copy the link and just paste it right in your message box, if the link does not become clickable, we can copy and paste to go to link. Sounds very encouraging and who doesn't LOVE something that 'warms your heart'!!!

Links to other threads: My monthly POSITIVE posting series for 2013. I will post one each month of positive ways to inspire us, and in a very small way try to encourage positive posts and replies.

January 2013 12 things Happy people do differently
http://boards.hgtv.com/eve/for...003947667#4003947667

February ART
http://boards.hgtv.com/eve/for...753954767#8753954767


March Atta girl post:
http://boards.hgtv.com/eve/for...463901967#3463901967

MaryRuth- What a wonderful idea. Thank you for posting this. I love the pictures of your neighbors plants. I live near Chicago and winters can be depressing. I think that nice weather and beautiful flowers can make such a difference.
I'm glad I found this post this morning. I just had a sectional delivered on Wednesday which I hate. I will try to put it in perspective.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: oojeanie,

Great thread MaryRuth.Thank you for posting it.

We do forget sometimes how to be happy,laugh and just smile.I'am a happy person but way too serious.


I've been thinking of changing my profile pic to this.

oojeanie,
I went and commented on your post!

jackierenette,
You are right, we get on the board sometimes and just talk business... I don't mean anything wrong, but I DO take myself too seriously sometimes... but I am lightening up!

I LIKE BOTH profile photos! The older one is so FLORIDA sunset... and the new one is so SPRING!