On average children laugh 400 times per day and adults only laugh 15 times per day. I don’t know the source of this statistic or its accuracy but, I believe it is probably true. Like me, you probably know many adults who would be very hard pressed to come anywhere near 15 laughs per day.
What does the number of times we laugh in a day indicate? Happiness, joy, humour? Finding happiness and joy in your day, having a sense of humour about the events surrounding you, and sharing these with others is how many would describe being happy.
Did you know that there are over 255 studies that have shown that individuals, who describe themselves as innately happy, earn on average $750,000 more in a lifetime than those who describe themselves as unhappy?
Like any other habit if you start doing what you can, in this moment, you move steadily closer to your goal.
What would choosing happiness help you to create in your year – in your life?
Take a moment to brainstorm ways to increase your happiness quotient each day. Some suggestions are:
• identify the friends and colleagues you have that make you laugh and make a conscious effort to spend more time around them (and perhaps less time with those who have the opposite effect)
• watch children and learn from their carefree, unreserved
• be open to laughing at yourself
• watch movies that make you laugh
• remember the activities you loved as a child and rekindle a forgotten pastime
• SMILE, the act of smiling actually changes your brain chemistry
Sometimes what gets in the way of our happiness is taking the world too seriously.
I recently made my way to a blog and this was the subheading
“I DON'T TRY TO OFFEND PEOPLE ON PURPOSE, BUT IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN QUITE OFTEN. FIRST OF ALL, I'M SORRY. SECOND OF ALL, GET OVER IT. I DOUBT MY OPINION REALLY MATTERS, BUT IF IT DOES, I'M ALWAYS OPEN TO LISTENING TO REASON. OF COURSE IF YOU WERE REASONABLE, MY BLOG PROBABLY WOULDN'T UPSET YOU.” HTTP://BECUZICAN.BLOGSPOT.COM/
It made me chuckle... isn’t it true? Why do we so often get upset about things that really do not matter a whole lot? Is it going to be remembered 10 years from now? (Or even 10 hours from now?) Is it going to change the way your life turns out? Even if the answer is yes to these questions is being upset going to make it better? Probably not. If you feel the situation deserves your time and energy, would coming up with a way to create a positive change improve your outlook? Perhaps... and may even up your happiness quotient at the same time!
Happiness really is a choice albeit sometimes an easier choice than other times... yet still a choice.
“Everything is material for the seed of happiness, if you look into it with inquisitiveness and curiosity. The future is completely open, and we are writing it moment to moment. There always is the potential to create an environment of blame or one that is conducive to loving-kindness.” PEMA CHODRON
Barbara Shanahan is a Women's Spiritual Enrichment Coach, Facilitator and Registered Nurse
From her extensive background working with families dealing with chronic and terminal illness, growing children, aging parents... the many issues women face, comes a passion for working with women to develop a kind, loving, nurturing relationship with themselves.
She is a guide for women, who wish to explore their spiritual life purpose,
women who are looking for authenticity and fulfillment in their lives.
Discover more about her workshops and coaching program at www.peacefulspirit.ca