The Secret to a Happy Life

Appreciate what you have in the present and do not long for the things you want in the future.

Dream with a sense of purpose and put your efforts towards that dream. Focus is the key to getting what you want out of life.

Take time with the people you care about. A phone call, a note, an impromptu meeting, a leisurely vacation or visit can do wonders for the soul.

Spend time being charitable. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and work for those in need. Don’t do these things because you want to be viewed as charitable. Do these things because they connect you to humanity. Someone is always worse off than you. There is someone out there looking at your life wishing they had your particular set of problems.

A problem is proof we are alive. Embrace your problems like you should embrace your life.

It is impossible to feel any other emotion while experiencing gratitude. Practice gratitude.

Keep your house clean. The cluttered home leads to a cluttered emotional life.

The items meant to be held close to your skin should be of the highest quality. Socks, underwear, and relationships should be chosen with care.

If certain people bring a black cloud into your life they don’t belong there. You can keep a negative person in your heart but they should never remain in your presence. Give love but do not accept their dreariness.

Collecting things will never bring you true happiness unless those things are peers of a like mind.

Hug the people you love everyday even if they have hurt you.  Life is short enough already.

Take care of your health even when life gets busy.

Exercise decorum.  Our emotions can change quickly. Even when they do not express our values.  It is best not to express emotions until you are certain they are congruent with your true feelings.

Work hard. And finish the job. Your work is the calling card you leave behind. Make it a good one.

Drink more water and less coffee (even if it’s hard).

Explore. Whether it’s your backyard or halfway around the world, amazing things can be found everywhere.

Read daily. Life at times is monotonous but it is never an excuse to stop growing.

Care for those who need care. Love everyone despite of their shortcomings. When the mind and body is giving, the universe is at your feet.

Seek God in the small and He will meet you in the mighty.

In short, the secret to a happy life is

Love – Live – Repeat

With Love and Coffee

Shanda