11 Things Everybody Ought to Know About Yourself If You Wish To Be Happy and Less Grumpy

You don’t have to be an oracle to realise that there are many angry people out there. Granted - most of them have good reasons to feel that way. But don’t we all? A sober mind accepts that life comes with a good dose of trials and tribulations, but also seeks opportunity and pleasantries in all circumstances.

Why is it important that you consider a happier way of life?

? It’s a chicken and egg situation - studies show that happier people do make more money, and more money does make people happier. Are you surprised?

? Permanently living in the darkest place of your mind will eventually make you ill.

? People like happy people. But more importantly, WE like ourselves more when we are light-hearted and don’t take life too seriously.

Here’s some food for thought to get that smile back on your face -

1. The Worse That Can Happen - When life gets tough, ask yourself this question until you get to the very worst outcome. It usually ends with “you can die”. Then accept that.

2. Watch Fawlty Towers - Seriously, if you’ve never experienced John Cleese in all his glory, now is the time. Laughter does not only disarm the violence of life, it changes the chemical composition of your body.

3. Look in the Mirror - Next time you get angry, peek at yourself in the mirror. You will physically see what distress is doing to your soul. Lighten up.

4. Get More Rest - No jokes. The fuse of a person who’s not getting enough sleep is dangerously short. Getting up early, working late, and refusing to take weekends and holidays will ultimately take its toll.

5. Tone Down the Extreme Reactions - If you view life with an “us-and-them” mentality, you will end up getting triggered by the opinions of others ALL THE TIME. We are all people. So live, and let live.

6. Celebrate Things - You can’t live your life from trauma to trauma, drama to drama, or from shock to shock. If good things happen, or you achieve something, do something special.

7. Read Novels - Allow yourself to escape from sadness and disappointments by reading about stories of love, loss, courage, adventure, trials, and tests. It will take your mind off things.

8. Accept Differences?- I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to have a partner, friends, or clients who are exactly like me. Seek out people who are different than you, and stop pointing fingers.

9. Lower Your Expectations - It’s a strange thing to say, and I’m not asking you to lower your standards. Know that people will disappoint you, and realise that you disappoint them too.

10. Insert Small Miracles - Grow saplings. Get a silly pet. Watch the clouds. Volunteer. Do whatever it takes to focus on the miraculous.

11. Remember Your Mortality - Ultimately, you will not be on this planet forever, so might as well make the best of it. If the going gets tough, focus less on what you are entitled to, and more on serving those who need your love.

The Cherokee believe that we feed one of two wolves each day. The white wolf takes the higher road and focuses on the beauty in life. The black wolf gets bitter, gives up, and feeds on misery.

You choose.

With love from Cape Town, South Africa?

Landi Jac CEO: Circle of Excellence