10 Habits of Happy Seniors
Happiness isn’t a great mystery. It does come more comfortably for some people than it does for others. For everlasting happiness, my advice is to concentrate on what’s inside rather than external joys. Begin by focusing on the ability to be happier in life than you ever imagined and enjoy life to the fullest! Spend the next 30 days working on developing these 10 habits daily, and you will be feeling joy, wonder, and satisfaction from your inner self. More than likely, you’ll have enough happiness to spread around and bring loved ones with you on your delightful journey.
Habit #1: Live in the Moment
Stop thinking about the past or worrying about the future. Focus on today and today only. You cannot control what will happen two hours from now or change what has happened in the past. Enjoy the small details of your day, like sipping a delicious cup of coffee or having a meaningful conversation with someone you love. There is happiness in every moment; find it and celebrate the opportunity to be a part of it.
Habit #2: Be Grateful
Give your appreciation to each moment, which, in turn, will attract more good things to come. Focus on what each moment represents, whether it be good health, a roof over your head, a sense of your spirituality, or how this moment has created a memorable time of life.
Habit #3: Focus on Your “Happy Place”
Your happy place can be anything or anywhere. It can be a person, a pet, or something that improves the way you feel about yourself. A comfortable location can be the beach, a quiet room, or a concert performed by your favorite band or orchestra. Pick your happy place and redirect your energy and perspective to something that makes you feel good. Visualize being there, and take in everything it offers.
Habit #4: Control Your Thoughts
We’ve already established that you have no control over other people, so don’t attach yourself to what they can or can’t provide you. Only you can give yourself happiness. Control yourself with positive affirmations and visualizations such as, “I can create the perfect reality for my life as I see fit, and it looks like this…”
Habit #5: Get Excited As a Child Does
Observe and mimic how children see the world. They laugh and explore and see the world differently than grown-ups. Laugh at the things children do and be silly for the sake of it. Lie down outside on your back, or sit quietly in a park and stare up at the trees and sky. Be amazed at the beauty and wonder of it all.
Habit #6: Take Your Dog Out for a Walk
Dogs can perk your mood right up. Take your dog, or a friend’s dog, for a walk and let the dog lead. Don’t control him. Just let him walk you for a change. Have fun with where he takes you. You’re getting outside your own life by watching the dog’s simplistic view and being a part of it.
Habit #7: Give Your Time Away
By giving your time to others, you will instantly feel happy. Contribute to any cause you’re passionate about and smile. Get to know those you’re helping. Ask questions about their lives and make them feel as if they matter. Repeat this affirmation: “I make a difference in the lives I touch, and they make a difference in mine.”
Habit #8: Finger Paint
Don’t give yourself any coloring rules. Just freely glide your hand into the paint and paint as you may. Follow your instincts, and trust the process of finger painting. It will allow you to express yourself while blending the perfect assortment of colors. Feel the paint gush between your fingers and be present with what you are saying yourself with color. You are communicating with your inner self.
Habit #9: Write
Get it all out on paper! Allow all your frustrations, anger, fears, doubts to spill out into words. Write freely with no reservations about what you have to say. Don’t censor yourself; just allow the negative feelings that prevent happiness to purge onto paper. After writing, read it out loud, then throw it away, or burn it. This action is very therapeutic.
Habit #10: Get to Know Where You Came From
Find someone in your family who can recall memories about their early life or fascinating periods of history. Perhaps a sister or a brother can help. Learn where you came from and what perspective your family members have about life, and things you could never experience yourself. This interview is an enriching way to learn about them, yourself, and the world. You’ll gain a fresh perspective by listening to their stories, and it will guide you to improve your happiness and appreciation.
So there you have it--10 habits to happiness. It’s all about the feelings you generate within. Focus on reconnecting with loved ones and giving back to your community. Take the time to observe and learn from children and nature. When you do, you will see that you hold power over your happiness.
