Ten Tips for a Happy Life
Years ago I learned an important lesson when someone I dearly loved was dying. If you can throw money at a problem and fix it, then it isn’t really a problem after all. Of course, such a philosophy requires that you’re flush with cash. Line up a roof repair, new hot water tank, and a balloon mortgage, and such wisdom can quickly fly out the door. But I’d bet that you’d be inclined to agree that we all tend to focus too much energy on minor irritations. They’re annoying, yes. But not permanent.
Do As I Say, Not As I Do
So today, I thought I’d share my coping strategies when faced with life’s little bug-a-boos. The things that drive me crazy and the solutions that I’ve devised to let go of the negative energy. I’ll just offer a few for consideration. They’re simple and don’t require much explanation. If they make you smile…then I’ve done my job.
The Golden Ten
- When you don’t have time to clean the house—dim the lights. Everything looks better in the dark.
- If you hear a rattling in the car while you’re driving—turn up the volume on the radio. That pen rolling around in the glove compartment can wait until you’ve come to a full stop.
- Today, everything is made with an embedded computer chip. Before you call India to fix a problem—reboot by shutting down, unplugging, and counting to 30 before plugging back in and trying again.
- Brownies, ice cream, and chocolate topping are the fastest cure for the blues. This also works well if you’re bored or lonely.
- All of the grocery carts at Walmart have at least one broken wheel. That’s the price you must pay for deep discounts.
- No matter how your dog stares into your eyes, he isn’t desperately in love with you. He probably wants to eat, poop, or play. Maybe all three.
- Love is not a given. Act loving—and you’re bound to get some loving back. Behave badly—and watch your world turn upside down.
- Fear is there to warn us. But then, it likes to play with your head. Face your fears and you might surprise yourself.
- Age is all in your mind. Until you ache. Then it’s in your right thumb, left toe and elbow.
- Happiness requires that you focus on something other than yourself. True happiness is found in helping others.
Take What You Want…Pitch the Rest
I hope these little truths resonate with you. They’re beliefs I hold dear, though I haven’t always managed to live by them. It’s a funny thing about being human. The next drama always seems to be just around the corner, waiting for us to pick up the script and read our lines. Every now and then, it helps to break the habit. To refuse to play the part. I wish I’d done that more often in my life. I guess there’s still time to learn.
