MYTH: Happy people are always happy.
Well, now, that's just silly. People who view themselves as generally happy are not happy all the time. They have ups and downs, good moments and bad, problems and worries just like everyone else. But what they also have are 7 habits that allow to adjust the sails as needed. For some of these "happy people" it is an inherent part of who they are & who they've always been. But for those not born with it, no worries. Happiness can be a learned habit. Phew, right?
Don't believe me? Take it from someone(s) who did the actual research: Harvard Health Publishing
About half of our level of happiness is based on genes. Some people are just predisposed to be happier and more upbeat than others. But that does not mean you cannot increase your level of happiness if it does not come naturally. In fact, research has suggested that 40% of people’s happiness comes from the choices they make.
So, then, what are those 7 not-so-secret secrets happy people know? Here they are (in no particular order).
They see and seek joy, not happiness. Happiness is a fleeting emotion. Throughout any given day, we feel a myriad of emotions, often at the same time. This is more so if you're a woman (fact, not snark) and way more so if you're a liberal (fact and snark). Happy people see through and past the fleeting, so a bad moment never equals a bad day.
They focus on the positive, not the negative. Happy people are not oblivious or turn a blind eye to the negatives in life, or themselves. They see, assess, and determine what they'll take away from any given situation, what needs to be fixed, and do the work. Happy people are neither glass half empty or glass half full people, they are, "be thankful for the glass because you can refill it" people.
They are grateful for every single thing. From the sunrise to the sunset and everything in between, happy people know how fragile and fleeting everything is, so they thank God they are blessed with another day, another moment, another chance.
They have strong faith. People who believe there is something greater than themselves, that they are connected and responsible to answer to a higher power, and that there is so much more than this earthly life, feel less alone, and more guided and protected.
They live purpose driven lives. It doesn't mean every happy person is trying to cure cancer or end world hunger. Happy people are always striving to live with intent and meaning. They seek to serve others and attain deep satisfaction when placing the needs of deserving others before themselves.
They care about their physical health. Happy people take pride in eating well and treating their bodies well. They're most likely to eat & exercise moderately, not to excess, and when they do indulge or slack, they merely strive to do better.
They protect their mental health. They are experts in protecting their peace. Happy people surround themselves with like-minded or even higher energy people. They don't allow toxic people to invade their space.
Combined, these so called make for deep, overall satisfaction with life despite hardships and challenges. Happy people can see opportunities where others see obstacles. They don't waste time lamenting over the unfairness or the difficulty. Instead, they roll up their sleeves and get to work.
Perhaps the best way to sum up a happy person's mentality is with two words: perspective and perception. Happy people have a good perspective on life and themselves - healthy values and positive ideas - which determines their perceptions of others and their surroundings. Having this type of mindset is the foundation for a truly happy person.
Bonus: 5 Tips for Becoming a Happy Person
Change the way you speak to & see yourself. You can't be happy with others and the world around you if you're not happy with yourself. Make it a daily habit to start your day with affirmations, and when you catch yourself in a negative headspace, change the tune immediately!
Get off social media. Or at least limit your time. There are enough studies out there now to confirm what we already know: social media is largely toxic to your mental health and certainly your productivity.
Turn off the news. Seriously. We already know there are bad things happening and bad people in the world, But there's WAY more good out there than bad and you'll never see it if you're watching the sellers of doom & gloom and fearmongering.
Get outside. Nature is God's cure-all. Breathe in the fresh air, watch a sunrise or sunset, go for a hike, sit by the ocean, plant a garden and watch it grow. Get. Out. Side.
Help someone. Doing good is addictive and well, it's just plain good. Helping someone else will in turn help you feel good.
About Elsa Kurt
Lifelong Patriot & longtime Police Wife, Elsa Kurt has channeled her fierce love and passion for defending the defenders as the creator, Executive Producer & Host of the Elsa Kurt Show , correspondent and media personality for Right America Media & Law Enforcement Today. Her book, Welcome to the Family (Life Behind the Thin Blue Line) has been called the “must have survival guide for new LEO spouses.”
The vocal LEOF advocate is also a multi-genre author who has penned over 25 books, including twelve contemporary women’s novels. Her fiction stories explore the complex and relatable experiences of everyday life – the love & laughter, the heartbreak & sorrow, and everything in between. She finds the extraordinary in ordinary lives and puts you in the front seat of every story. Elsa has also written several children’s books, all with themes of encouragement, empowerment & uplifting messaging.
In 2022, Elsa launched The Writer’s Tribe Talk Show, an audio & video podcast for authors & a line of author merchandise in her Writer’s Tribe Store with clothing and more for authors & aspiring authors. Elsa also created three lines of apparel, accessories, & home decor: EKS Store with show & first responder merchandise, iGoodhuman, and Very Sweary Stuff. In 2022, Elsa joined the Amazon Influencer program and built her Elsa Kurt Official Amazon store.
As of 2022, she is the current Vice President of the Connecticut Authors & Publishers Association. Elsa has also embraced the fun and entertaining world of Tik Tok as theotherelsa.
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