Put On Your Happiness - "You must wake up every morning and choose to be happy. You gotta put on happiness like you put on your clothes." 14-year-old Khadim Diop
What wise words from a young soul. It sounds so easy but, we all know it takes effort to be happy. Often I hear, "If only...... then, I would be happy." Or, "When....... happens, then I will be happy". Why wait? Let's choose happiness now!
I practice the "fake it until you make it" approach to achieve happiness. If you don't believe, humor me and try it. Just for a week. I think you will be surprised at how happy you can be by accident.
1) Put a smile on your face. You may have a scowl, a sneer or frown on the inside but outside, the face needs a smile. Put a mirror near by and peek frequently to make sure you are smiling. It's actually pretty hard to scowl at yourself in the mirror. Far easier to keep that smile on your face. Just be sure to look!
2) Laugh out loud. Even a forced laugh will help. If you are uncomfortable, laugh in the privacy of your car. Audible laughter forces you to breath and exercises the minute muscles that are needed for happiness. Now, do it again. Loud laughter, twice a day - doctor's orders.
3) Keep a flower by your side. One in the kitchen, one in the bathroom, one at the bedside and one at your work site. It does not have to be big bouquet or a fancy bloom. A single daffodil (happy yellow, of course) or a fabulous tulip is fine. Go ahead, invest in your happiness! Isn't your happiness worth it? Who knows, maybe your neighbor will let you pick a few from their garden.
4) Watch out for THAT - tired, hungry, angry, thirsty....they all sabotage happiness. OK, I borrowed this one from AA but, it works for happiness, too. Eat right, stay hydrated, get your rest and avoid aggravating circumstances - watch out for THAT.
Lucky for me, working with flowers and flower loving people is the perfect connection to happiness. It is truly difficult to be unhappy when you are surrounded by the best of Mother Nature. Join me in the happiness challenge. Everyday, commit to choosing happiness. Put on the happiness each day as you get dressed. With attention and practice, happiness can become a habit. Thanks to Khadem Diop for explaining it so clearly. (MORE BLOGS)