Want to give
yourself a holiday gift that will last the rest of your life? Try
giving yourself the gift of happiness. Research shows that happiness and
satisfaction depend more on the inner person than on external
circumstances. The secret to living a happy life is to get in charge of
your life and what
you are doing. Then you can build the life you want.
As children, we are strongly influenced by the opinions of others, and
what you learn in early childhood can run your life until you understand
it and take control of your own ideas and decisions.
What is it that you have always wanted to do? Have you been
telling yourself you can’t, or that you don’t deserve it? What would
happen if you decided to give yourself what you’ve always wanted? Look
at your own life and your decisions from a different and valuable
perspective. The decisions you make today affect the rest of your life,
and you are ultimately the only person to whom you are accountable and
for whom you are responsible. Every new decision is truly a new life's
resolution.
According to recent brain studies, the brain chemical oxytocin is
released when there's positive contact with others (or even with
oneself) and serotonin, which has a more physical connection. So, to
increase your happiness, serotonin levels can be raised by physical
activity (try ballroom dancing, yoga, belly dancing, swinging on a
swing), or meditation (in an aromatherapy bath, with scented candles or
oils, sitting in a lovely outdoor setting, or with special music) You
can also raise oxytocin levels with comforting touch (a massage, a
cuddle session with pets, kids, spouse or even just wrapping up in a
snug, furry blanket, or rubbing your skin with silk or scented lotion)
and loving interaction (a warm exchange with a close friend, family
member or child, writing a love letter, working together on a family
project, snuggling while watching video or laughing together) Research
conducted by Dr. Dean Ornish and others shows that the happiest and
healthiest people are those who are well connected to friends and
family.
“The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are
loved”, wrote Victor Hugo. He knew there are more kinds of love than
romance and marriage. No matter what is happening in your romantic life,
the solid presence of good friends and family can lift your spirits,
fill your days, and give you the support you need for your romantic
relationship.
Not only does it take a “village” (community) to raise a child,
but in our mobile and fast paced society, a sense of community, family
and connectedness helps us to function more effectively as adults in all
phases of life. Current research shows that people who have a healthy
family and social life are happier and more long lived. By creating
family feelings in several areas of your life, you'll have the joy of
the give and take of friendship, anytime you want. As you look back on
your life, you are likely to feel best about the good things you did for
others and the positive contributions you have made to your friends and
family. Perhaps life will present you with an opportunity to give back
to friends. Being there in times of need, helping out in times of
illness or bereavement, or just being a sympathetic listener when a
friend is stressed can be more valuable to them than you imagine. You'll
create blessings for yourself when you share your rituals, holidays,
laughter and information. Welcome friends who are alone into your
family's good times. Give yourself the gift of laughter, fun and
happiness.
I wish you all the holiday joys you can dream of.
Connect with Dr. Tessina online:
http://www.tinatessina.com