Happiness is...

I love writing and reading fiction, but I'm also a big fan of non-fiction. My boss recently gave me a new audio book, The Happiness Advantage: The Seven Principles of Positive Psychology that Fuel Success and Performance at Work.

I know. It sounds kind of hokey, but what I've heard so far has been really fascinating.

I'm generally a pretty positive person, but I'm also task-oriented and a perfectionist. I've never given much thought to how improving my outlook and doing little things to make myself happier could actually improve my productivity. That sounds like a win-win--especially if it will help me meet all my deadlines without completely stressing myself out.

This book has me thinking about ways I can have a brighter, healthier attitude by finding easy things I can do to boost my happiness. A few examples are:

1. Count your blessings - One of the first things the author talks about in the book is how being grateful for the opportunities and good things in your life can dramatically affect how you handle stress and your overall success. I know that if I take a moment to step back and look at the good things in my life like my family and the opportunities I've been given to write the stories I love, it instantly boosts my mood.

2. Use your strengths - One thing he suggests in the book is to take an assessment of your strengths and to utilize those strengths regularly and in situations that might feel draining or tedious. For example, one of my strengths is a love of learning. That means I get excited about reading a book like this and sharing the information with you. If your strength is kindness to others, find somewhere to volunteer. If it's leadership, sign up for a new role in a group you're a part of.

3. Take a break - With small kids at home, a job in marketing, and a writing career, sometimes I feel like there aren't enough hours in the day. But something as small as taking a walk, reading a good book, or locking the bathroom door and taking a long bath can completely change my mood.

4. Have some fun - Our lives are so busy, sometimes we forget to take an opportunity to have fun. Dance with your kids or grandkids in the living room. Go out to dinner with that friend who makes you laugh until your side hurts. Don't get so caught up in "doing" that you forget to stop and enjoy life!

So what do you do to give yourself a little boost of happiness?

Julie Jarnagin is a multi-published author of inspirational romance. She grew up in a small Oklahoma town where her family farmed and ranched. These days she lives in a not-so-big city with her amazing husband and two young sons who tolerate all her nerdy quirks. Julie earned a B.A. in Journalism / Professional Writing from the University of Oklahoma and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. 

www.JulieJarnagin.com
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5 Secrets To Happiness by Donna Fasano

Okay, so maybe I don’t have any secrets to reveal, but you have to admit that, for a second there, you were REALLY excited when you read that title. Through the ages, many experts have tried to dissect and explain the psychology of happiness. What makes that almost impossible is the fact that each of us ‘get happy’ for different reasons. I practice what I call Donna’s Delightful Doctrine. (Okay, you caught me. I just made that up. But it sounds pretty fun, so I’m going with it.) Here are my 5 secrets to living a happy life.

Enjoy the one you’re with – Let’s face it, a big part of our happiness comes from the people around us. We feel happy when we’re loved and supported, and our happiness only grows when we express our love and support for others. Even though you might have been hurt in the past, don’t let that keep you from opening your heart. Seek out those people who are deserving of your time and attention, and cherish them. And when it comes to marriage, find someone worthy of your love and hang on tight.

Accept what you have – Most of the happy people I know feel blessed with the things they’ve acquired. They strive toward realistic goals. Unhappy people always seem to be hankering after something that’s completely out of their reach. I’m not saying you shouldn’t dream big; ambition is healthy. I’m just saying you shouldn’t compare yourself with anyone else. Enjoy your own achievements and successes.

Think positively – I have read that it takes more energy to frown than it does to laugh. It probably sounds silly and simplistic for me to tell you to adopt a glass-half-full attitude, but science has shown that happy people are optimistic people. Smile. Say something nice. Think something nice. Positive thinking is a natural defense mechanism against depression.

Enjoy what you do – Happy people do what they love and love what they do. For the last 25 years, I have had the pleasure of writing upbeat, happily-ever-after romance novels. We have to spend a huge chuck of our lives working for a living. The happiest and healthiest people find work that allows them to do something they enjoy.

Focus on today – Don’t dwell on mistakes or failures of the past, and don’t spend too much time fantasizing about tomorrow. Be fully present. Right here. Right now. Suck every drop of life out of this very moment by finding the purpose and meaning in…well, this very moment.

In the end, your level of happiness may come down to how you define that nebulous term. But I am absolutely ecstatic that I have a Pollyanna personality, and I suggest you do all that you can to adopt one for yourself. Choosing happiness is the way to go. You don’t have to take my word for it. Studies have shown that being happy will add more life to your years and more years to your life.

~ ~ ~ ~

Donna Fasano is a USA Today Bestselling Author whose books have sold nearly 4 million copies worldwide. Her latest book, PRAYER OF QUIET, is available at Amazon in paperback and for Kindle. Learn more about Donna by visiting her blog, and you can find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Prayer of Quiet is her first work of non-fiction.