Tips to Happiness!

As part of my job, through education, through sports, I interact and have interacted with hundreds of people. Over a period of time, I've realised that, there are only two categories of people. Those who are Happy. Those who are in search for Happiness. Period. Either you're in the first category or second. Of course, Happy people go through waxing and waning moments in life, but they get back.

Let me give you an example, the attitude to be Happy is like a Dog's tail. A circumstance may temporarily try to straighten its tail but the tail always rolls back! Are all Happy people rich? Monetary wise, not necessarily. So, what keeps them Happy? Its by doing small things, one at a time, they attain Happiness. What could be some small acts that could give you Happiness?

• We often tend to forget that we are part of society. However individualistic you may be. However Narcissistic you could be. How much  ever selfish you aspire to be. At the end of the day, if you aren't living in woods, acknowledge the fact that you're part of some society. When you're part of a society, first accept the fact that, not all of its members are endowed equally it could be wealth, resources, opportunities, abilities, knowledge etc., It takes courage not to get discouraged by this fact and to accept it and stop comparing yourselves with some of the fortunate ones. Once you have accepted it, focus on what gives you Happiness, strive for it the right way. You may fail. You've already accepted that not all of us are lucky. Keep trying. Why should you try the right way? Because it is one of the key factors to Happiness. Even if you fail at a task which you have in the right spirit can give you satisfaction.
  
  
• There is a difference between Aspiration and Comparison. Aspire - Always and for the best. Compare - Yourself and only yourself, your growth from yesterday to today.
  
  
• Learn to say 'Thank you'. If you're doing well in life, who should you acknowledge first, Parents and Teachers. How many of us stay in touch with our Teachers. There is a practice in India, kids are taught to acknowledge whenever they see a white cloud. Why? A white cloud is selfless. It first gathers water, travels great distances, showers all its water for the life to sustain selflessly and turns from a thick black cloud to a white cloud. Elders hence teach their kids to respect and salute white clouds. A teacher is also like a white cloud. S/He struggles, go through hardships to earn knowledge and selflessly give away to their students. A teacher is more happy when someone acknowledges that a student they taught are really doing well and is poised to be the next 'hotshot'. When you fail to acknowledge the very foundation, how do you think your conscience will keep you Happy? Acknowledge them. At every possible opportunity. Call them up once in a while. Visit them once in while with your spouse and children. Mention about them in speeches that you deliver. Acknowledge the fact that you're nothing if not for their selfless act of showering their knowledge on you.
  
• Not just before meals, even after meals thank food. Thank the person who cooked it for you. Appreciate the fact that someone spent a part of their life to keep you alive. Even if you do not like the taste of the food, acknowledge the effort. Be nice. Enjoy your meals by chewing slowly. You're not an animal, there is no other animal waiting to steal food from you. What's the hurry?
  
• Thank Nature. The very fact that you're alive is because of Nature. You enjoy Swimming? You go Trekking? You like Bird watching? You relish the taste of Honey? If not for Mother Nature, won't your life be sad? Who do you think Trees blossom for? For you! For each one of us. Acknowledge it, Thank it. At least once in your life time, feed a Bird / Dog, plant a Tree, clean a River, inhale deeply - fill your lungs with fresh air at least five times a day, walk on sand without footwear
  
• If you're a Hindu, at least once in your life time visit a Mosque, a Church or a Gurudwara and Vice versa. All religions at their core preach peace. Do not visit any of these to find God. Observe how peaceful they are. Once your mind is at peace, you can connect with your God or purpose easily.
  
• When visiting an old friend / Grand parents, never ever wear a watch! (Keep relevant stake holders informed about your whereabouts though)
  
• When you see children, wave / smile at them. They will easily wave / smile back at you. When someone positively acknowledges your act, you automatically feel better.
  
• You're part of Nature. That's exactly why any food which is natural is beneficial for body. Consume more Natural and Nature friendly products. Healthy food keeps your body Healthy. A Healthy body leads to Healthy mind.
  
• Have some 'Solo' time at least once in two weeks for couple of hours. Go for a massage. Go for a movie alone. Read a book. Go for a walk alone - You'll learn to enjoy your own company
  
• Be kind to those who are in need. If someone wants to overtake your vehicle, let them do so, probably their need to get home is much much greater than yours. Share your seat even if you see a fit and healthy person standing, check if they would like to sit, who knows what must be going inside them? Let pedestrians cross the road / you see an old man help him cross the road.
  
• You've tried your best to convince a guy / girl you love to be with you. They refused. Pull back from them gently. Not everybody is lucky in this society remember! Loving doesn't necessarily mean that you've to live under one roof, acknowledging the other person's existence and their desires is also an act of Love. It's perfectly Ok to fail. A failure is only catastrophic when you fail yourself.
  
• Acknowledge your partner. Appreciate them often in a small way. If you're a guy - Appreciate her hair, help her in cooking, recharge her mobile, say she means a world to you, get her a chocolate, give her a massage, get her a flower, make her a drawing however odd it may look like, Listen to hear and do not offer any advice. If you're a girl - Appreciate his positive traits, take him out for a movie or bar, buy two T-shirts of his favourite Super Hero, why two? One for him and the other one for you, speak your mind and seek advice or help if needed.
  
• Try something new. If you have never tried Italian / Assamese cuisine try it. You have never seen a foreign language movie try one. You have never cooked - try once and the list goes on...You have never weaved a basket? You never got drunk? You never got lost? You never stood first at least once? You never failed? You never played UNO cards? You never been to Museum? You never been to Orphanage / Old age home? You never learnt how to whistle? You never been to a house party? You never helped a stranger? See there is lots to do! I am sure doing all of the above may not need lots of money, just enough is enough isn't it and am even more sure that you'll make lot of memories in this process! Memories at the end of the day are capable to put a smile on your lips.

PS: Did you like this post? You could leave a nice comment and start spreading Happiness! :) (kidding)