12 Things Happy People Do Differently

[OakLeaf]

Yeah, no, I didn't read your post that way either, Crankin. Although I would tend to classify "pessimism" as a symptom (aka hopelessness, in DSM terms), not a cause.

[goldfinch]

There are worthwhile tips in the article but did she really have to say:

No matter what the situation, the successful diva is the chick who will always find a way to put an optimistic spin on it.

Sometimes I get so sick of girlie talk.

[indysteel]

There are worthwhile tips in the article but did she really have to say:

No matter what the situation, the successful diva is the chick who will always find a way to put an optimistic spin on it.

Sometimes I get so sick of girlie talk.

Agreed. That's pretty stupid.

[Crankin]

Yeah, I don't like that girlie talk, either.
But then, of course, I've been told that I "think like a man."
OK.

[zoom-zoom]

There are worthwhile tips in the article but did she really have to say:

No matter what the situation, the successful diva is the chick who will always find a way to put an optimistic spin on it.

Sometimes I get so sick of girlie talk.

Ha, I particularly hate the term "diva." Diva is what we used to call spoiled, obnoxious, self-centered b*tches or drag queens. I don't particularly ever want to have that moniker attached to me simply because I am a strong and active female.

[shootingstar]

Words of advice, as just that: advice.

Talk is easy ....for the poster of that blog article link that started this thread.

Sure, I cultivate optimism, at times, I think because I numb myself for some very drastic/sad things that have happened in past 12 months.

For myself, a better route is not to pretend or think I will be continuously optimistic, just to be at peace and more contemplative. This is good enough for me, because I can move to the "happier" state or just allow myself to feel sad.

[zoom-zoom]

I didn't take the spirituality bit to necessarily equal religion, per se. I pretty much fall into the secular humanist pigeon-hole and my hubby is an atheist. My definition of spirituality is more the strength I draw from myself, those around me, and the power of nature and Science. Not a deity.

[GLC1968]

I didn't take the spirituality bit to necessarily equal religion, per se. I pretty much fall into the secular humanist pigeon-hole and my hubby is an atheist. My definition of spirituality is more the strength I draw from myself, those around me, and the power of nature and Science. Not a deity.

This, exactly.

Though I probably would qualify as an atheist, I just choose not to label my beliefs.

[indysteel]

This, exactly.

Though I probably would qualify as an atheist, I just choose not to label my beliefs.

Me, too.

I'm sorry some of you took issue to all or part of the blog post. I didn't post it because I think there's only one set of habits/characteristics that make somebody happy. I just thought it offered some food for thought. As someone who has spent a number of years in therapy and relearned certain thought patterns and behaviors that have helped me be more consistently happy, I read some things in the post that resonated with me so I thought I'd share. In a nutshell, what I've learned is that happiness typically does not spring from passivity. Rather, it springs largely from conscious choices we make and habits we follow. Choices about what we tell ourselves about ourselves, about how we connect with others and the world around us, about whether we engage in things that are meaningful to us, and about how well we take care of our bodies and spirits (even if you don't believe in a god). This is just from my own experience, limited it may be. Of course, YMMV.

[Catrin]

My favorite part of the list was the bit on Flow...while the first thing that actually made me think of was my experience on my favorite mountain bike trail (beginner that I am), there are many other ways to experience flow. Not allowing ourselves to get choked with living in the past, or obsessing over those things we cannot change or imaginary fears that never happen. I hadn't thought of that before and it really resounded with me. Thanks for posting the link!

[goldfinch]

Me, too.

I'm sorry some of you took issue to all or part of the blog post. I didn't post it because I think there's only one set of habits/characteristics that make somebody happy. I just thought it offered some food for thought. As someone who has spent a number of years in therapy and relearned certain thought patterns and behaviors that have helped me be more consistently happy, I read some things in the post that resonated with me so I thought I'd share. In a nutshell, what I've learned is that happiness typically does not spring from passivity. Rather, it springs largely from conscious choices we make and habits we follow. Choices about what we tell ourselves about ourselves, about how we connect with others and the world around us, about whether we engage in things that are meaningful to us, and about how well we take care of our bodies and spirits (even if you don't believe in a god). This is just from my own experience, limited it may be. Of course, YMMV.

I didn't mean to be so much of a poopy pants. Like Catrin, I also liked the stuff on flow. I loved being so fully immersed in something that nothing else exists. Very, very satisfying.

[Melalvai]

I'm sorry some of you took issue to all or part of the blog post. I didn't post it because I think there's only one set of habits/characteristics that make somebody happy. I just thought it offered some food for thought.

I think it's been a great thread. It really sparked a lot of discussion. If it had been something everyone had agreed with 100%, there wouldn't have been much to discuss. Thank you for sharing it.

On a related note, here's an article called "The Top 5 Regrets in Life by Those Who Are About to Die". I thought it was a really interesting article. It wasn't so much of a wake-up call for me as it was comforting and reassuring to know that I'm living my life in a way so that when I'm dying, if I have regrets, they won't be the most common 5. I'm not so naive as to think I'll have no regrets just because I won't have these 5! I'm sure I'll find something else to regret.