Make up your Mind to be Happy

Walk Barefoot

Millions of years ago, Homo sapiens first walked about the earth’s natural terrain barefoot.  Their bodies so in tune with nature that they could easily walk over stones and tree branches.  Doing so not only helped them survive during those primitive times but it helped them develop a deep connection to the earth and fostered spiritual well being.

I love the feeling of calmness that I experience when I walk on the beach barefoot.  The sand and pebbles caressing my toes heighten my sense of awareness and make me feel like I’m one with the earth.  Try it.  Of course, you don’t have to walk on the beach.  If you prefer, it can be the grass in your backyard or even the rocks and dirt at the local park.

Send a Note of Praise

After publishing my first book, “Footprints in the Sand:  A Disabled Woman’s Inspiring Journey to Happiness,” I received an e-mail a wonderful man named Charles.  He wrote,
"I am typing this on my computer with my tongue and am one of few cerebral palsy citizens this severe who fought to have 24 hour, 7 days a week care at home-.an accomplishment I am very proud of.  My parents are no longer alive but they helped me to become independent.  Thank you for the book; and I hope there will be more sequels." 

I couldn’t ask for a better spirit booster than that.  Just the fact that Charles would take the time to write me was instantly uplifting.  Think about the people in your life who need a little lift.  Then send them some praise with a phone call, e-mail, etc.  You will feel great and so will they!

Use Verbal Affirmations

The first time I was asked to speak before a large group, I can remember feeling very anxious.  I e-mailed my friend Sue, a motivational speaker and author, telling her how I felt.  She quickly replied telling me not to tell anyone that I was nervous.  She said it was very important to keep saying “I’m looking forward to it.” 

So during the month before the big day, I kept telling myself and anyone who asked that I was looking forward to my presentation.  And when it was finally time to speak, I actually was looking forward to it.  I didn’t feel nervous anymore because I was there to share my experiences and help others.

Sue was basically encouraging me to use verbal affirmations in order to stay positive and believe in myself.   Affirmations are positive statements or words that can either be spoken or written.  By repeating these affirmations over and over, you will eventually believe what you are saying.  The important thing to remember, however, is that these affirmations will do little to change your attitude unless you truly feel what you are saying or writing. 

If I kept telling myself that my speech was going to help others but yet I did nothing to try and help others, my affirmations would be fruitless. Or perhaps I was just speaking out of obligation and in my heart of hearts really didn’t want to.  If that was the case then all the affirmations in the world wouldn’t make a difference. 

If you think you can, you can and you will.  As Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, either way, you are correct.” 

  Make Time for Your Friends

I cannot even imagine where I would be today if it weren’t for my friends.  They are the ones that I so often call when I need love and support or even when I just need to vent.  They lift my spirit when I’m down and steer me in the right direction when I feel lost. We don’t all see each other as much as we would like, but we make every effort to spend time together whether it’s for a quick cup of coffee downtown or a relaxing margarita on the patio.  It doesn’t matter what we do as long as we do it together.

 Don’t get so tied up in the daily rat race of life that you deprive yourself of the company of your friends.  If you just don’t have the time for whatever reason, pick up the phone and let them know that you still care.  

Live Longer …Get a Pet

Most are quick to note the constant companionship and unconditional love that having a pet can provide.  Few, however, realize that this love also comes with a host of health and psychological benefits.  In fact, studies have shown that dog owners actually make fewer visits to the hospital and tend to live longer.

Pets help to boost our spirit in so many ways.  Remember, they don’t judge us the way that people sometimes do.  They make us feel better thereby reducing stress levels and helping to reduce blood pressure.  And let’s not forget that we need to take our four-legged friends for walks.  So having a dog encourages us to get out and walk, one of the best forms of exercise. 

Owning a pet is certainly not for everyone.  But for most people, the many benefits of having a pet far outweigh the added responsibility and work.