oh HAPPY day

About a month ago I watched a gloriously uplifting and inspiring documentary called Happy. (Just the start of my Netflix doc binge that I am still on) Everyone should watch it! I'm not going to give away too much, but my main take-away was that the circumstantial things that happen in life only contribute to a fraction (literally only 10%) of your happiness level.  Your genetics make up an immense portion of it (about 50%) but the remaining 40% is tied directly to your intentions and actions.  To me, this is wonderful news because it means I can do things to directly effect my happiness level and just another reason my journey through intentional living is warranted!


A few things that will set you off your path to happiness...

• Comparing yourself to another
• Forgetting to express gratitude for what you ALREADY have
• Seeking approval from others (Be confident in your decisions)
• Speaking ill of others or putting others down due to insecurity
• Not setting goals and identifying issues as problems vs challenges

So forget what I said about  not wanting to give too much information, but despite my optimism and rose-colored glasses, I also like to think that I am sort of a realist. That being said, here is my SPOILER ALERT!  You've been warned. If you're still reading, I assume that this means you don't plan on watching this movie, so shame on you. This is unfortunate because I want to contribute to Americas Gross National Happiness (that's a real thing- it's in the movie and it is fabulous) I will share with you some of the specifics from the documentary on how to increase your happiness:

•  Play (because you're only as old as you feel)
•  New experiences (there is a traveler, wanderer, adventurer in all of us just dying to get out)
•  Physical Exercise (look good feel good, am I right?)
•  Friends and family (self explanatory)
•  Helping others (no one became poor by giving)
•  Appreciation (ALWAYS)

Sorry for the side commentary but I try to add a bit of my personality into my blogs and I always have a little blurb about everything. BUT... Pretty simple.Very important. Now move forward and just be happy! And yes, I know today is Monday. Even more reason to push this joyful agenda.

"Don't sweat the petty stuff and don't pet the sweaty stuff"



(I will also add a little post soon of all the documentaries I have recently watched and ones that I think are worth a view)