something that had to be shared...

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word,
a listening ear, and honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring,
all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
Leo F. Buscaglia

What does happiness mean to you?

I was recently reading an article about prayer, meditation and happiness. What struck me was that happiness means something different to everyone. There is no right or wrong in its meaning! I recently asked two friends what happiness means to them and they said, “Happiness is needing nothing more than to know at the end of the day you are loved, adored and respected by your loved ones.” My other friend said, “Being in a state of mind in which I feel confident, positive energy, and the ability to have achievement.” You can easily conclude that each of my friend’s perception of happiness is unique to them. I asked myself the same question and I had to think for a moment before I could compile it into words. I realized that it’s not so easy! But this is what I came up with, “Happiness is celebrating the joy in life and knowing that you are loved and cherished by many.” What does it mean to you? There is no right or wrong answer.  If you feel so inclined, I would love for you to comment on what it means to you!

Happiness Hormone?

Have you heard of serotonin? Well if not this is something worth learning more about. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects your overall well being. It performs its job so well that people often refer to it as the “happiness hormone” despite being a hormone. Serotonin regulates our body and plays a crucial role in the way we behave. Healthy levels will promote feelings of joy and happiness. When our serotonin levels are irregular it can affect a person’s mood and behavior. However some people are deficient in their serotonin production. A deficiency occurs when the body cannot produce adequate levels of serotonin that is needed to support feelings of happiness. Deficiencies in serotonin can be connected with mood and emotional disorders such as; depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder to name a few. Individuals that suffer from a mood disorders deal with real issues such as loss of happiness, overall well being, ambition and drive. The good news is that there are medications and natural approaches that can increase and balance your brains production of serotonin. As always for more information about serotonin contact your doctor. Tens of millions of people suffer from various forms of mood disorders. So if you or someone you love is suffering from depression or anxiety, know that you are not alone. Some of this material was collected from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin

5 Ways to Increase your Level of Happiness

Five ways to Increase you level of happiness is in response to taking the happiness test. If you found yourself with a lower score than expected or want to take a step towards a happier and more joyful life here are five things you can do right now! Our society is keen on instant gratification. Find a quite space, turn off your cell phones and grab a cup of tea. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth ten times slowly; this is a form of mediation or relaxation that I do. Next meditate on these five words.

Attitude
Forgiveness
Spirituality
Health
Humor

All of the above words affect your level of happiness. If you find something or an area that you need to address do so now or in the right moment for you. This is about healing and moving towards a positive direction. Try and let go of the past, take away lessons learned and focus on the joy of the moment! If you want to read more on increasing your happiness check out this article: http://www.oprah.com/spirit/10-Ways-to-Increase-Your-Happiness/2

A Thought...

We would be a happier society if we supported each other instead of being jealous of our friends, family and peers successes and achievements.  You know the happiest people I have met are the ones who have the least to lose!  When I speak of loss I mean materialistic items. Happiness is not what you have but how you present yourself to the world. The world can be a harsh reality if you allow it to be. Once you open your eyes to the joy and peace that comes from celebrating life, then we open up ourselves to greatness!

Live In The Moment of NOW!

I sometimes wonder when life all comes together; when does one reach that ultimate level of joy and satisfaction, internal and external? I think of Carrie Bradshaw, Sarah Jessica Parker’s character from Sex and The City and her line in the first movie, “Your thirties are to learn the lessons (from your twenties) and the forties are to pay for the drinks!” The subtext of this line infers that your prime years come later in life. Many times I watch celebrity interviews and their response to the question about the big 50. More times than not people say and I quote “This is the best TIME of my life” in reference to aging. They possess joy and fulfillment in their life. I believe what people lack is identification in their early years not who they are. However I believe we can confuse identification. Identification refers to discovery or recognition.  I feel it is important to embrace joy and happiness during one’s years of discovery. Enjoy the process or finding yourself and be grateful for the opportunity that you are an individual! Regardless if you are 18 or 98 live in the moment of NOW!