By Dr Larry Iverson
"There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy."
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) Writer
What an incredible thought! The "...duty" of being happy."
We accept the duty of doing a good job at work. We might take on the duty of raising a family. Some choose to sign up for the duty of protecting our way of life through military service. Some step into the duty of leading others. But I'd bet few of us ever thought of duty in the context of happiness.
But, is it not a duty? Who is this duty performed for? Or, to put it another way, who benefits from someone doing their duty of happiness? Every person they interact with in any way. Think about it. Who would you rather be around-a negative, grumpy, pessimist, or a positive, happy person?
The happiness can spread even if you don't notice its effect. Years ago while doing a months long training project, nearly every morning on my way there, I'd see this same elderly woman strolling along the street reading a book. She was smiling to herself while she walked and read. It didn't matter if it was raining or sunny, she smiled as she went her way. I looked forward to seeing her smiling face in the morning. Though she and I never met-she had a positive affect on me.
One of the fastest ways to begin moving from a negative mental state into a positive one--is shift your physiology. If you start feeling stress or tension--move your body! Stand erect! Take multiple deep breaths! Put your shoulders back, shake your arms and legs--and MOVE! Lift your head and walk briskly--dance--jump--run--hop--for 5 minutes. And as you do that, think for a moment about a few of the good things in your life. Even during tough times, there's still good stuff to focus on. This process begins to shift your mental perspective.
As you make this shift, not only does everyone benefit from your positive state, but the real winner is you. Accepting the duty of happiness is you taking good care of you. Happiness is like a tonic for both mind and body. Be sure you get at least your minimum daily requirement of this nutrient every day
You need to make sure that when interacting with others they don't affect your attitude. If someone can trigger your anger, frustration, sadness, fear, guilt, etc.--at that moment they have control of your mind! Don't give away your personal power.
Think about it. If someone behaves in a way that gets to you, and you respond with upset feelings, or if they say something that jerks your chain, haven't they just controlled you on some level? Without a doubt....
There are people who get great satisfaction from watching others dance to their tune. Don't give them the satisfaction. The stress you get from reacting to them is mentally and physically bad for you.
The negative self talk eliminator is a mental process where you get a handle on your brain. You send your thinking the direction you want it to go--instead of letting it run wild in the wrong direction. Grab on to your thoughts and push them the direction you desire.
This doesn't mean you never get upset. Just refuse tolet your emotions swing where you don't want them for more than a moment.
It is well documented that the majority of emotions (even strong emotions) last only two or three minutes, unless you keep thinking in ways that keep focusing on that emotion. This includes buying into someone else's negative attitude or emotional state.
You can begin to give the boot to those mental gremlins that poison your attitude. Refuse to focus on the negative. Rebel against the negative self talk that leads you away from the great life you can have. All good begins with a positive state of mind--a self-motivated, proactive attitude.
Don't let others run your brain. Choose your own healthy stream of thought.
"There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy."
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) Writer
What an incredible thought! The "...duty" of being happy."
We accept the duty of doing a good job at work. We might take on the duty of raising a family. Some choose to sign up for the duty of protecting our way of life through military service. Some step into the duty of leading others. But I'd bet few of us ever thought of duty in the context of happiness.
But, is it not a duty? Who is this duty performed for? Or, to put it another way, who benefits from someone doing their duty of happiness? Every person they interact with in any way. Think about it. Who would you rather be around-a negative, grumpy, pessimist, or a positive, happy person?
The happiness can spread even if you don't notice its effect. Years ago while doing a months long training project, nearly every morning on my way there, I'd see this same elderly woman strolling along the street reading a book. She was smiling to herself while she walked and read. It didn't matter if it was raining or sunny, she smiled as she went her way. I looked forward to seeing her smiling face in the morning. Though she and I never met-she had a positive affect on me.
One of the fastest ways to begin moving from a negative mental state into a positive one--is shift your physiology. If you start feeling stress or tension--move your body! Stand erect! Take multiple deep breaths! Put your shoulders back, shake your arms and legs--and MOVE! Lift your head and walk briskly--dance--jump--run--hop--for 5 minutes. And as you do that, think for a moment about a few of the good things in your life. Even during tough times, there's still good stuff to focus on. This process begins to shift your mental perspective.
As you make this shift, not only does everyone benefit from your positive state, but the real winner is you. Accepting the duty of happiness is you taking good care of you. Happiness is like a tonic for both mind and body. Be sure you get at least your minimum daily requirement of this nutrient every day
You need to make sure that when interacting with others they don't affect your attitude. If someone can trigger your anger, frustration, sadness, fear, guilt, etc.--at that moment they have control of your mind! Don't give away your personal power.
Think about it. If someone behaves in a way that gets to you, and you respond with upset feelings, or if they say something that jerks your chain, haven't they just controlled you on some level? Without a doubt....
There are people who get great satisfaction from watching others dance to their tune. Don't give them the satisfaction. The stress you get from reacting to them is mentally and physically bad for you.
The negative self talk eliminator is a mental process where you get a handle on your brain. You send your thinking the direction you want it to go--instead of letting it run wild in the wrong direction. Grab on to your thoughts and push them the direction you desire.
This doesn't mean you never get upset. Just refuse tolet your emotions swing where you don't want them for more than a moment.
It is well documented that the majority of emotions (even strong emotions) last only two or three minutes, unless you keep thinking in ways that keep focusing on that emotion. This includes buying into someone else's negative attitude or emotional state.
You can begin to give the boot to those mental gremlins that poison your attitude. Refuse to focus on the negative. Rebel against the negative self talk that leads you away from the great life you can have. All good begins with a positive state of mind--a self-motivated, proactive attitude.
Don't let others run your brain. Choose your own healthy stream of thought.
Go for it! You can achieve your dreams! Learn how to blow-away negative thinking, stress and worry at http://www.NegativeSelfTalkEliminator.com The Best of Success to You, Dr. Larry Iverson
Like to use this article in your publication? Fine with me. Just include the above information at the end of the article. Feel free to share this with others. Who knows, through passing this on, perhaps you'll help someone who is struggling or needs a positive boost in their day! Be well, Dr. Larry
Like to use this article in your publication? Fine with me. Just include the above information at the end of the article. Feel free to share this with others. Who knows, through passing this on, perhaps you'll help someone who is struggling or needs a positive boost in their day! Be well, Dr. Larry
Good points all. As wife,mom,employer,manager have known for a lifetime that happy and unhappy can be generated ... and happy is just easier. Maybe that is duty. Lots of times just avoiding some PITA. Luckily most often just loving and being loved well. Among all that is a world with painful,horrendous delusions and ,,, let's just put it out thee...lies. Humor is the best way to slip the truths into the soul.
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