Last week psychologist Jenny Taitz titled her regular New York Times column -Ways to Strengthen Your Happiness Muscles.
We all feel down and blue sometimes, but Jenny says there are things we can do to nurture a more positive mind-set and stretch and expand our happiness muscles.
I might have a bad golf game but if I don't lose may ball and keep the same one for the whole round I should mention that positive first when people ask how my game was.
Share the highlights first.
When someone asks you how your day was, or how work is going, or how your children are doing, instead of venting and letting loose about all the negative stuff right off the bat, begin by talking about the good things first. You will be happier and so will the person who asked the question.
There's a silver lining to all the construction going on in Winnipeg
Find the silver linings.
I am getting pretty fed up with all the construction in Winnipeg lately. Streets have been blocked off and traffic backed up because they are fixing potholes and putting up new apartment buildings.
When I'm frustrated with the construction I need to remember the silver linings. With the potholes fixed I won't have to worry so much about avoiding them when I'm riding my bike. During a time when there is a housing shortage all the building construction means more people will be getting a place to live.
Find new words.
Instead of just describing your positive emotions and experiences with words like fine or good try GREAT, AMAZING, DELIGHTFUL or INSPIRING!
When I'm bogged down by all the hard work it takes to write a novel I have to visualize how it will feel to open the box with the finished copies.
Visualize positive outcomes.
When I'm getting mired in the hard work of preparing for a talk or the slog and persistence needed to finish a writing project it helps to visualize the outcome-an audience that responds enthusiastically to my presentation or the elation of holding a published book I've finished writing in my hand.
We all know our body's muscles atrophy if we don't use them. Our happiness muscles work the same way.
We can keep them fit and healthy by looking for silver linings, mentioning the good things first, visualizing positive outcomes and expanding our happiness vocabulary.
Other posts............
A Memorable Golf Game
5 Pillars of a Good Life
The Good News About Getting Older
Be Old! Be Bold!
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