Grin and Bear It

In class last evening, one of my students asked me "How are you always so energetic?"

I hear that question often, with different twists on the adjective, but all with the same general idea:

* Positive
* Upbeat
* Happy

The list goes on, with the same underlying question: How is it that, in this dark world, you remember and continue to shine your light?

Well...

That's a good question.

And a difficult one to answer, because typically the honest response is "Because I try."

Which makes me sound conceited, detatched and oblivious to the bad in the world.

Which can lead a Sunny to feel grey and down indeed.

That's why I was so pleased last evening to stumble across this gem from the Huffington Post:

The Habits of Supremely Happy People.

The article discusses what conscious or subconscious efforts Happy People make to maintain their outlook through their day. It's based on the work of Martin Seligman, "the father of positive psychology."**1

They phrase it beautifully, so the article is definitely worth the read. But, if you're strapped for time... the high points are:

1.) Happy people surround themselves with other happy people.

2.) Happy people smile when there's something to smile about, even if it's just in their minds. They don't "fake it."

3.) Happy people are resilient, and don't allow themselves to be beaten down or defeated.

4.) Happy people notice positive moments and simple pleasures in their day, and celebrate them.

5.) Happy people spend time and money on others, giving back to the world around them.

6.) Happy people get lost in the moment.

7.) Happy people express their emotions and talk deeply.

8.) Happy people listen.

9.) Happy people understand the importance of face-to-face time.

10.) Happy people find something positive to focus on, instead of something negative.

11.) Happy people understand the power of music.

12.) Happy people can put down the technology and walk away.

13.) Happy people have a sense of spirituality.

14.) Happy people exercize, spend time outdoors and get enough sleep.

15.) Happy people laugh, and they laugh loudly.

16.) Happy people are happy, and they know it. So their faces surely show it.

**1 Brace yourself, world. I think I just found my post-graduate area of study.