Pursuit of Happiness

The Pursuit of Happiness is so important to our lives that it is even written into the constitution of the United States as a right of citizenship. It is what we do all throughout our lives, whether we consciously know it or not. We are all on the pursuit of happiness. It is inherent in human nature. And it's a good thing.

When we are happy our body is in a healthier state than if we are unhappy or stressed out. You know what I'm talking about here because you have felt the difference before between these different states of being.

Have you ever encountered some people who just seem to never be happy? Why is that you think? I think it is due to what they focus on.

I believe that if you focus on the positives in your life, the things you can be grateful for, then you will tend to be a happier person than someone who is always complaining about what they lack in their lives whether it be money, romance, a big house, a new fancy car or whatever they desire.

Sometimes we are our own worst enemy and definitely when it comes to appreciating what we have been blessed with in life, such as our relationships with friends and family or with our pets. Too many of us choose only to focus on what we want and therefore feel the desire to go after, rather than what we already have in our life.

Sometimes the pursuit of happiness can lead to stress if you focus on the wrong things or the negatives in your life.

So my suggestion is to always find something or someone to be grateful for in every day of your life and see how that impacts your pursuit of happiness.

Visit my blog for stress management techniques as well as more information on the Pursuit of Happiness

"Judge nothing, you will be happy. Forgive everything, you will be happier. Love everything, you will be happiest."
- Sri Chinmoy

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us."
- Helen Keller

"Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle,
and the life of the candle will not be shortened.
Happiness never decreases by being shared."
- Buddha

1. Develop an attitude of gratitude
2. Start each day with an expression of gratitude for that day, as well as the blessings in your life, family, pets, friends, job etc.
3. Spend time outdoors getting some fresh air every day
4. Make time to spend with friends, at lunch, via a phone call or simply an email if that's all you have time for
5. Volunteer
6. Take time out to relax every day
7. Accept others for who they are and do not try to change them
8. Don't cling to material goods, cling to people instead
9. Develop strong relationships in your life
10. Human interaction - get more of it, hugs and kisses and simply touching another are wonderful

"Happiness is not a goal, but a way of life."
- Anonymous

"There is only one happiness in life -- to love and to be loved."
- George Sand

"The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness--you have to catch it yourself."
- Benjamin Franklin

"Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances."
- Benjamin Franklin

Hope these have given you some food for thought.