10 things happy people don’t do

Happy people are intoxicating, infectious and are considerably more pleasurable to be around than unhappy people.

Don’t we all know some of “these” people?

They walk amongst us, usually with an ear to ear grin that spreads from the inside out. These people are like charming flowers, and we all want to breathe in their intoxicating happiness.

Happy people do a lot of things, but these are 10 things happy people don’t do.

1. Happy people don’t take things for granted.

 ”Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives of all those around you.” ~ Eileen Caddy

So basically, happy people are awake to the goodness that is already present in their lives (and this goodness is everywhere).  Whether they are rich, poor or somewhere in-between they can appreciate the miracles beyond materialism. We are all going to have a difficult time ever being happy if we don’t start by being thankful for what we already have.

One miracle that is with everyone all the time is our breath.  Something we often overlook.  Your breath is energy, flowing endlessly, and carrying you from then to now to tomorrow. Your breath will thread all your fears, happiness, love, and truths together.  You don’t need to go buy anything; simply tune in to the miracles already present in your life.

2.  Happy people don’t hold onto resentments.

“True forgiveness is when you can say, “Thank you for that experience.”   ~ Oprah Winfrey

Happy people have learned to forgive because they know that holding onto anger leaves you at the mercy of an unpredictable and unstoppable powerful emotion. The sole intent of the mind of anger is to harm.  But what ends up happening is you harm yourself and your loved ones.

It’s actually pretty simple happy people understand that they can choose emotional well-being – even when things don’t turn out the way they want.

3.  Happy people don’t take things personally.

“Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality, their own dream. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim of needless suffering.” ~ Miguel Ruiz

Taking things personally is the voice of the ego. The ego desperately tries to protect itself from something it deems as dangerous or threatening. The reason we see something as dangerous or threatening is because it conflicts with our own personal projections of good or bad, right or wrong, fair or unfair. We believe that this action or speech is about us personally. Our ego reacts fast and usually unconsciously; the ego menacingly stands tall to reinforce our illusions of perfection.

Happy people recognize that most of the time these situations are just by products of other people’s dramas. When you stop taking things personally you breeze through your day with a quiet, deep sense of calm.  This is a new age way of dealing with our reactions – stop trying to control situations or people, stop avoiding or defending – see it for what it is and accept that it is there.

4.  Happy people don’t live in the past.

“You can’t go back to how things were. How you thought they were. All you really have is…now.”   ~ Jay Asher

Have you ever noticed the impressive way that happy people seem to light up a room even amidst mundane tasks.  You might wonder how they can make washing the dishes seem so enthusing.

It’s because happy people have truly mastered living in the moment. Happy people realize that the present moment, all these moments, are in fact our life.  By obsessing over the past or chasing the future you miss out on these valuable moments of your life.

5.  Happy people don’t seek validation from others.

“When we consistently suppress and distrust our intuitive knowingness, looking instead for authority, validation, and approval from others, we give our personal power away.” ~ Shakti Gawain

Here’s the problem: Being dependent on approval—so much so that we will sacrifice anything to get it—ruins lives. We become divorced from our authentic selves.

Happy people define themselves. Whether other people like them or not doesn’t much matter, all that matters is that they are walking the path that feels best.

 6.  Happy people don’t sleep in.

“Sleep is the best meditation.” ~ Dalai Lama

This might seem out of place, but it’s actually very important. Happy people are early risers.  Along with being an early risers comes the time to do activities that support happiness; activities such as mediation, exercise, preparing healthy lunches and nurturing hobbies.  Taking care of your body is crucial to being the happiest person you can be.

Sleep can be undervalued in our busy world, but sleep in the crutch of our moods.  If you don’t have proper sleep your mental health, emotional, spiritual and physical energy will all deplete. We run the risk of turning into real life zombies.

7.  Happy people don’t undermine others.

“I have no right, by anything I do or say, to demean a human being in his own eyes. What matters is not what I think of him; it is what he thinks of himself. To undermine a man’s self-respect is a sin.” ~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery

The key point here:  Those who undermine other people are really afraid, shaky and insecure. The real issue is that someone else’s success signals your own failure. If you take a moment after you criticise someone, you’ll notice that you will feel a little deflated and ashamed. 

Happy people help others achieve their goals, instead of putting up roadblocks which ultimately slow down everyone. They understand the value of kindness. They help others by enhancing their good points instead of pointing out their weaknesses.  In the end this is a powerful way to feel good inside and others will recognize your kind energy – what you put out will come back to you.

 8. Happy people don’t give up.

“Sometimes life knocks you on your ass… get up, get up, get up!!! Happiness is not the absence of problems, it’s the ability to deal with them.” ~ Steve Maraboli

Everyone has self doubts, but happy people squash these doubts and keep going.  They don’t blame anyone else for their successes or failures, they simply and silently keep trying.  Figure out what you love and go for it.

Happy people don’t give up on their dreams and goals but what they do give up is their need to always be right, their limiting beliefs, their resistance to change and their excuses.

9.  Happy people don’t sweat the small stuff.

 “Don’t sweat the small stuff…and it’s all small stuff.”   ~ Richard Carlson

Life is full of big and little annoyances, often times we let these things drive us crazy.  The problem is that these annoyances (like fastballs) keep coming at us,  and if we let them all drive us crazy, it’s not long before we are in fact, well – crazy!

Happy people have found ways to calm down and find peace in this stress-filled life.  Put things into perspective and think of your problems as potential teachers.  Problems can teach you patience, emotional intelligence and mind control.  When you die, your petty squabbles are going to seem really silly.  Live each day as though it were your last.

10.  Happy people don’t isolate themselves.

“A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.” ~ Arnold H. Glasow

The happiest people on the planet are the ones who have deep, meaningful relationships. Loneliness is a silent killer!

Friendships an emotional outlet that is unobtainable through any other relationship but it also boosts our endorphins, results in lower levels of cortisol – a stress hormone, wards off depression, boosts self-esteem and gives us a sense of belonging and support.

“Something wonderful begins to happen with the simple realization that life, like an automobile, is driven from the inside out, not the other way around. As you focus more on becoming more peaceful with where you are, rather than focusing on where you would rather be, you begin to find peace right now, in the present. Then, as you move around, try new things, and meet new people, you carry that sense of inner peace with you.  It’s absolutely true that, “Wherever you go, there you are.” ~ Richard Carlson

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