I know I left you hanging after that last entry. I was in the middle of writing my speech (and it did indeed make me happy to do it.) I had only 45 minutes or so and I had so much I wanted to teach.
I took a walk and lo and behold started talking out loud and found just the lessons that had a big impact on my life and the ones I wanted to pass along.
I love this stuff so much I may do a teleclass on it – maybe a free one – in honor of my upcoming birthday. I love to give gifts on my b-day.
Here we go.
Positively Happy – Lessons from a Happiness Coach, JoAnna Brandi
1. Optimists live 7 – 9 years longer than pessimists.
Optimism and pessimism are explanatory styles. “A pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty” Winston Churchill
2. Happiness is a choice.
It’s a decision, a way of looking at the world. How good can you stand it, can your raise your tolerance for bliss and joy? “There is no way to happiness, happiness is the way.” Wayne Dyer
3. Get your brain on your side (Your left side that is.)
The fight or flight reaction produces 50+ compounds that shut down the thinking brain and your immune and digestive functions. We’re hard wired for hard times. Happiness is a state of the body – distinct heart rhythms, brain patterns and biochemistry. Neurons that fire together wire together.
4. Outsmart your happiness “setpoint.”
Remember the happiness pie. 50% genetics, 10% circumstances, 40% habitual thoughts, attitudes, actions within your voluntary control. You can change your happiness levels by changing your habits.
5. There are three faces to happiness: Pleasure, Engagement and Meaning.
Ask yourself: What gives me pleasure? What are my strengths and how can I use them more often? What matters to me? To find your signature strengths, go to www.viastrengths.com take the survey.
6. Shine the light on what is right.
Learn to ask, “Where’s the good in this?” Do the Appreciation Audit – 3 -5 minutes at a time, three times a day. What you focus on expands.
7. Don’t believe everything you think.
Watch your ANTS – Automatic Negative Thoughts – and catch them before they hijack your amygdala! (I catch mine with a rubber band on my wrist. Brings a whole new meaning to the word “awareness.”
8. Exercise is more potent than drugs.
Three times a week at least 30 minutes each time – it beats Zoloft!
9. Develop your own Happiness Practice.
Gratitude alone can increase happiness by 25%. Try: meditation, exercise, “blessings book,” keep a gratitude journal, write a gratitude letter, practice forgiveness, do random acts of kindness, volunteer.
For more information on creating Happiness in your life go to www.HowGoodCanYouStandIt.com
For more information on what JoAnna Brandi can do for your company www.ReturnOnHappiness.com
