Do you want to be happy? Of course you do...
Who doesn't, right? Why do you want to be happy? What is it about happiness that is so alluring? Years of research in positive psychology show that happy people experience a lot of benefit.
Here's a list from Dr.
Sonja Lyubomirsky's book, The How of Happiness: Happy people experience more joy, contentment, love, pride and awe.
They have stronger immune systems and higher energy levels.
They report feeling more engaged at work and with others.
They have better physical and mental health.
They feel more self-confident and have stronger self-esteem.
Happy people even live longer! (And note, it's a happier longer life).
So you have a duty to become happier.
Happiness is both your right and your responsibility.
You can't expect someone else to bring it to you because you'll always be dependent on them.
You have to do it yourself.
But the question is, how? Here's one tool out of a few that you can use to become happier.
Begin to savor things around you.
The act of savoring varies with what you are doing and there are many ways to savor.
You can savor before the event happens, during or afterward by thinking about it.
Savoring is about enhancing the moment.
Looking at all the intricacies, the details and the depth of what you feel.
What can you savor? A meal? A conversation with a friend? A hug from your child? A sense of accomplishment for something you've done? An intricate glass of wine? It takes a little time, but it's well worth the effort.
Happiness is the Holy Grail; what everyone aspires to have more of in their lives.
It is your birth right.
According to Dr.
Lyubomirsky, "If we become happier, we benefit not only ourselves but also our partners, families, communities and even society at large.
" Commit to your happiness by savoring the world around you.
It's a tool that is always available to you, it's simply a matter of shifting your perspective.