Happiness can sometimes seem rather elusive

"In our minds, we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but rather gratefulness that makes us happy." ~ Albert Clark

Every day write down, or say out loud, ten things for whichyou are grateful. What we focus on expands, so focus on thegood things. Acknowledge and be grateful for a whole rangeof things - your eyesight, health, friends and family, thesunshine, the clothes on your back, ability to drive. Lifeis good!

"Remember happiness doesn't depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely on what you think." ~ Dale Carnegie

Monitor your thoughts for a few days. What self chatter isgoing on? Do those thoughts serve you, make you feel good?No? Then begin to say positive supportive things toyourself, and choose to stop paying attention to thenegative thoughts that cross your mind. You wouldn't saynegative things to your best friend - treat yourself thesame way.

"If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes." ~ Andrew Carnegie

Have something specific to work towards - some purpose inlife that really fires you up. Achieving it will feelfantastic and fulfilling - and working towards it will alsofeel great. Have some focus, some meaning in your life.

"Every day, the happy person does at least one difficult thing." ~ Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Try something new, something that stretches and challengesyou. Join an evening class, jog an extra mile, write to along lost friend, achieve something different - surpriseyourself!

"You wander from room to room hunting for the diamond necklace that is already around your neck!" ~ Jalal-Uddin Rumi

Instead of thinking you will be happy when you change jobs,move house or meet that new partner, realise that you canchoose to accept and experience happiness now - it is notconditional on the external factors you are seeking, but isalready inside you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jackie Fletcher is a life satisfaction
coach and author of "Coaching Quotations:
Over 2000 witty, wise and wonderful
quotations your clients will love"
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