22 Things Happy People Do Differently
 
 Sharing some thoughts.......
 
 
 There are two types of people in the world: those who choose to be happy,
 and those who choose to be unhappy. Contrary to popular belief, happiness
 doesn't come from fame, fortune, other people, or material possessions.
 Rather, it comes from within. The richest person in the world could be
 miserable while a homeless person could be right outside, smiling and
 content with their life. Happy people are happy because they
 *make*themselves happy. They maintain a positive outlook on life and
 remain at peace with themselves.


 The question is: how do they do that ?
 Its quite simple. Happy people have good habits that enhance their lives.
 They do things differently. Ask any happy person, and they will tell you
 that they


 *1. Don't hold grudges.*
 Happy people understand that its better to forgive and forget than to let
 their negative feelings crowd out their positive feelings. Holding a grudge
 has a lot of detrimental effects on your well being, including increased
 depression, anxiety, and stress. Why let anyone who has wronged you have
 power over you ? If you let go of all your grudges, you'll gain a clear
 conscience and enough energy to enjoy the good things in life.


 *2. Treat everyone with kindness.*
 Did you know that it has been scientifically proven that being kind makes
 you happier ? Every time you perform a selfless act, your brain produces
 serotonin, a hormone that eases tension and lifts your spirits. Not only
 that, but treating people with love, dignity, and respect also allows you
 to build stronger relationships.


 *3. See problems as challenges.*
 The word problem is never part of a happy persons vocabulary. A problem is
 viewed as a drawback, a struggle, or an unstable situation while a
 challenge is viewed as something positive like an opportunity, a task, or a
 dare. Whenever you face an obstacle, try looking at it as a challenge.


 *4. Express gratitude for what they already have.*
 There is a popular saying that goes something like this: The happiest
 people don't have the best of everything; they just make the best of
 everything they have. You will have a deeper sense of contentment if you
 count your blessings instead of yearning for what you don't have.


 *5. Dream big.*
 People who get into the habit of dreaming big are more likely to accomplish
 their goals than those who don't. If you dare to dream big, your mind will
 put itself in a focused and positive state.


 *6. Don't sweat the small stuff.*
 Happy people ask themselves, Will this problem matter a year from now ?They
 understand that life is too short to get worked up over trivial situations.
 Letting things roll off your back will definitely put you at ease to enjoy
 the more important things in life.


 *7. Speak well of others.*
 Being nice feels better than being mean. As fun as gossiping is, it usually
 leaves you feeling guilty and resentful. Saying nice things about other
 people encourages you to think positive, non-judgmental thoughts.


 *8. Never make excuses.*
 Benjamin Franklin once said, He that is good for making excuses is seldom
 good for anything else. Happy people don't make excuses or blame others for
 their own failures in life. Instead, they own up to their mistakes and, by
 doing so, they proactively try to change for the better.


 *9. Get absorbed into the present.*
 Happy people don't dwell on the past or worry about the future. They savor
 the present. They let themselves get immersed in whatever they are doing at
 the moment. Stop and smell the roses.


 *10. Wake up at the same time every morning.*
 Have you noticed that a lot of successful people tend to be early risers ?
 Waking up at the same time every morning stabilizes your circadian rhythm,
 increases productivity, and puts you in a calm and centered state.


 *11. Avoid social comparison.*
 Everyone works at his own pace, so why compare yourself to others ? If you
 think you are better than someone else, you gain an unhealthy sense of
 superiority. If you think someone else is better than you, you end up
 feeling bad about yourself. You will be happier if you focus on your own
 progress and praise others on theirs.


 *12. Choose friends wisely.*
 Misery loves company. That is why its important to surround yourself with
 optimistic people who will encourage you to achieve your goals. The more
 positive energy you have around you, the better you will feel about
 yourself.


 *13. Never seek approval from others.*
 Happy people don't care what others think of them. They follow their own
 hearts without letting naysayers discourage them. They understand that its
 impossible to please everyone. Listen to what people have to say, but never
 seek anyone's approval but your own.


 *14. Take the time to listen.*
 Talk less; listen more. Listening keeps your mind open to others wisdom and
 outlooks on the world. The more intensely you listen, the quieter your mind
 gets, and the more content you feel.


 *15. Nurture social relationships.*
 A lonely person is a miserable person. Happy people understand how
 important it is to have strong, healthy relationships. Always take the time
 to see and talk to your family, friends, or significant other.


 *16. Meditate.*
 Meditating silences your mind and helps you find inner peace. You don't
 have to be a zen master to pull it off. Happy people know how to silence
 their minds anywhere and anytime they need to calm their nerves.


 *17. Eat well.*
 Junk food makes you sluggish, and its difficult to be happy when you are in
 that kind of state. Everything you eat directly affects your body's ability
 to produce hormones, which will dictate your moods, energy, and mental
 focus. Be sure to eat foods that will keep your mind and body in good shape.


 *18. Exercise.*
 Studies have shown that exercise raises happiness levels just as much as
 Zoloft does. Exercising also boosts your self-esteem and gives you a higher
 sense of self-accomplishment.


 *19. Live minimally.*
 Happy people rarely keep clutter around the house because they know that
 extra belongings weigh them down and make them feel overwhelmed and
 stressed out. Some studies have concluded that Europeans are a lot happier
 than Americans are, which is interesting because they live in smaller
 homes, drive simpler cars, and own fewer items.


 *20. Tell the truth.*
 Lying stresses you out, corrodes your self-esteem, and makes you
 unlikeable. The truth will set you free. Being honest improves your mental
 health and builds others trust in you. Always be truthful, and never
 apologize for it.


 *21. Establish personal control.*
 Happy people have the ability to choose their own destinies. They don't let
 others tell them how they should live their lives. Being in complete
 control of ones own life brings positive feelings and a great sense of
 self-worth.


 *22. Accept what cannot be changed.*
 Once you accept the fact that life is not fair, you'll be more at peace
 with yourself. Instead of obsessing over how unfair life is, just focus on
 what you can control and change it for the better.