Mary Schmidt Marketing Troubleshooter

Why a hummingbird image? They make me ridiculously happy…

There are a gazillion self-help books and gurus out there…and most of what they say is pretty obvious. BUT, knowing and doing are two entirely different things. For example, I KNOW I’m happier and more productive when I take my coffee zen time every morning…yet this past week I found myself skipping it because I was “too busy.” Which means I’m truly fried by Friday.

So, here’s a quick reminder list for all of us, from Christophe Andre, author of l’Art du Bonheur (The Art of Happiness.)

1. Accept that there will be unpleasant things in life. All the time, every day, you’ll face hindrances….It’s part of life. There’s no point in being disappointed when things don’t go your way.

2. Open your eyes and look around. There are more opportunities for happiness than you think, certainly for a Westerner in 2008. Embrace the moments. Try to remember them. Enjoy them.

3. Take time out. The ability to pause, mentally as well as in your actions, is important. Taking breaks is a prerequisite for experiencing happiness.

4. Pay attention to your family and friends. Social ties are important for happiness.

5. Try to get in touch with nature every day. Take a walk in the park and spend a few minutes looking around.

6. Express your gratitude and respect for the good things you experience. Being thankful makes you happy and increases the chance of social connection.

All “obvious” but do we practice them?

Happy Friday! I’m off to get in touch with nature (otherwise known as digging and weeding…;-)

The hummingbird image is from the Manataka Indian Council. A Mayan legend says the hummingbird is actually the sun in disguise, and he is trying to court a beautiful woman, who is the moon.

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