"Let's live in Contentment - Happiness is more tangible that way, not so far from our grasp" (JV)  Would you care to join me? Contentment is a good thing, it is not dependent on circumstances for our peace of mind. Can you see the beauty of that? Maybe you will after reading this post. A family member said these words to me today: "I am going to enjoy what I have in life.....I am going to be content with the things that I have and not bother with the things I don't have. I will make the most of everything I have that is good.....it makes me contented and happy. If we want to be happy, we need to stop and think about what we have. Obviously, you have them because you liked them at some stage. I'm going to enjoy them now!" I can give a hearty "YES" to that because her words (above) are SO TRUE! Happiness is not in endless possessions, the latest car and furniture or that something big you are waiting to happen - whatever that may be - Happiness is within your grasp once you see and find the Value of Contentment. It gives you a different mode of living that truly proves to be beneficial. Life does not consist of an abundance of possessions or what you wish for tomorrow! We need to be happy with what we have to find Contentment. The two are interchangeable. Contentment is to be preferred to 'getting things' and is conducive to our health. This has been proven time and again. When we are contented, we can experience happiness more often because we can see the value in simple expectations. There are less set-backs and disappointments - that often accompany unrealistic expectations. We live in a world with a continual barrage of TV Advertisements and programs that doesn't help matters. They're always telling us what and who we don't have (between the lines) reminding us what we should get, should have, should do etc Aren't you tired of it, hey? They're always programing our minds for discontent, fear, doubts, depression. If we cut back the amount of viewing time and make our own entertainment, we would be much happier people. We need to ask ourselves what we would do at home if there wasn't much TV to view and do it. LET'S BE INTO LIFE - LET'S CHOOSE LIFE! TV (television) numbs our brain and often causes poverty in Family-Lifestyle. Let's develop other interests, hey? My dad was a pioneer in TV Sales and Service when they came to our state in 1958. He sold 500 of them in the first two years, mostly in a country area, when I was eight. He retired earlier than intended because of the amount of rubbishy content that was being accepted as the norm and affecting families (they were relating with each-other less). And I got bored with it many years ago - I like a computer better, you're in charge that way. Occasionally, I make time to enjoy a quality DVD from my lounge-room. I like to balance my computer activities with 'real life' activities like craft cards, cooking and gardening. They make for contentment, they really do. I love to make inspirational websites like Inspirations for You to bring peace and joy into the day of my readers, with pleasant poems and sayings accompanied with beautiful pictures. Much as I enjoy that, the thing is, even for me, that can be what I call 'Virtual Living' if I am not in my kitchen, making recipes and out in the garden watching my plants grow or having a stroll in a nearby park or feeding seeds to the ducks not far by car - all these things are true life that makes for Contentment. Please everyone, find and experience the balance! They interest me, please find some things that interest you, hey? You can do this, it will pay dividends to your health and quite possibly your family life as well. When we live in Contentment, there are less disgruntlements with family and friends, less complaints at God and He can enable us to be more resilient if we trust Him. Jesus said: "I have not said that you would find peace in the world (it's system, it's stressful ways) but that you can find Peace in Me (a tangible peace in His presence, His person, His ways)" Yes, He is speaking of a Peace despite circumstances. Faith can sometimes 'leap tall buildings' (figure of speech) Peace can give you sleep - you don't need sleeping tablets aye? Feelings are fickle, they seldom impart restfulness. We can be really upset by feelings, especially looking for happiness. "Happiness is not from feelings - when we decide to be happy, it's no more concealing" (JV) We can take Contentment into each new day and we will find Happiness as a Bi-product. A Poem from my Inspirational Website Contentment brings Hope for tomorrow someone's happiness, we don't have to borrow. Let's be wise, the beauty lies in what's within, be filled to the brim. Draw from the Fountain this will help you move mountains. Yes look to Him in this way you win. Give me Jesus. (JV) He is not a Santa-Christ like Televangelists would have us believe, but Life is definitely Better with Him.  I'm not a Churchy person but I have time for Jesus and His Words of Life! Remembering my niece's words just now, Contentment with the Enjoyment factor, brings us peace of mind in daily life and tangible happiness, rather than continually reaching for things we don't have or are beyond our reach. Not everything is right for us or suited for us that we aspire to or fret for sometimes - we need wisdom to know the difference - we can invite our Maker to help us make the right decisions in life too. That makes for a happier disposition. It all hinges on CHOICE - Our Creator has given us the Power of Choice - on this Earth in which we live - it can work for us and also against us. Yes, we need to be truly wise. This can pay dividends and make for more Contentment and Happiness. Wise Choices make for peace of mind. This way we can find more Enjoyment in life. Possessions don't multiply but Moments Can! How many good moments do you want to experience this week? It works on the principle of building - it really does. Let's do it today. There are three ways we can do this: 1.) We should think about all the good things we can - dismissing the not so good. 2.) We can think about one good thing we like or love and focus on that. 3.) We can try something different that is within our reach. It's good to actually Do Something (physically) - this engages our thoughts in a good way - many of us think too much......that never brings us peace or happiness because for most of us, there tends to be disturbing content - a negative bios that pulls us down like gravity - we need to lessen such times and Enjoy more Good Moments. They don't have to be 'Exciting' just Good - keep building those. You can do this, it is within your reach. I proved this myself during a really hard time in my life - I witnessed the difference between when I let myself think about what was happening at that time and when I let myself Enjoy something I liked that previously brought me pleasure. The Power of Choice - Use it to your advantage! Peace to all reading this - Have a Good Day or Evening "Most of us Forget to Celebrate the Little Things. Why don't we Celebrate Them Inbeween (the big things) those Little Things that Make Up Life?" Sheree Hanrahan My friend is very wise! TAGS: Peace And Contentment, Wise Choices, Within Our Reach, Tangible Happiness, You Can Do This!

I will share with you a Life Principle. The way we look at ourselves is important and has a lot to do with how we experience life. inward outlook We all have self-talk, an inner chatter. A dialogue as it were. on a daily basis Yes, feed yourselves this type of thinking until it becomes natural. monitor this self talk Our God given Power of Choice is a wonderful thing. We can choose what we want in life_ company, past-time and interests, food and cuisine, TV programs and websites etc and we can determine what type of thoughts we like to think, so we can see ourselves and life around us differently. If we have a poor self image, it is difficult to see life how it should be. Sometimes we need a healthy diet to foster healthier thoughts. It's noted how Vitamin B Complex can pick up your energy levels and lift your morale......so can quality proteins and steamed veges; enzymes from fresh healthy salads and vegie juice! Walking and Exercise is also important because they help to increase our circulation and oxygen levels - that  is good for our brain. So food and activity does have a bearing on the way we think about ourselves and sunshine. Too much time indoors does not help anyone, especially when you don't let the natural light in and open the windows. That can actually set you up for depressing thoughts where your morale is really down. If we can't exercise and we spend considerable time indoors, it is a good idea to keep active in someway – try not to be sedentary – at least every 60-90 mins walk into another room and do something, no matter how small. Try not to let the TV and Internet be your nurse-maids......we were'nt meant to have our brain bombarded with constant stimuli as with TV especially – it has been proven to be bad for our brain as are action computer games also. They can be a health hazard when used excessively. So if possible, try to find an interest that engages your brain in a natural way something that appeals to your intellect or creativity. In most people's opinion I come across, there's so much absolute rubbish and negativity thrown at you through the TV these days! That does not foster good thoughts. When you think about it, lots of not so good suggestions are thrown at you every so many minutes – some more subtle than others but they're there. Not to mention, some programs and soapys are out to stereo type you in some way. On the internet, all manner of enticement and negativity is out to get your attention. At least you can control the content better than a television. My dad was a pioneer TV sales and serviceman in 1958 when it came to our state. It was a good thing then and everyone was so excited.....the programs were better.....and because they were not on all day or evening, they were balanced with other interests. Honestly, not that I'm Anti-TV and I run 6 Websites_ how can we think healthy thoughts and have a positive self-image when there's a 'battle of the image' going on in most people's houses everyday? Your brain being misinformed with so much unhealthy input. What does all this do for our morale? How can a plant grow in an unhealthy environment? How can we grow and find true happiness or satisfaction with so much clamor for our attention. I mean to say, what we've been accustomed to thinking of as 'the norm' is so unnatural isn't it, really? There are protective measures we can take to make for more brain space and family communications. Watch out for sweets and carbohydrate snacks; cokes and sodas; lots of ice-cream_ they mess with our sugar and energy levels and can affect our morale poorly. Researchers don't refer to 'sugar blues' for nothing. First they give you a temporary boost, then about 30 mins later comes the urge for more.....setting most of us up for highs and lows. Sugar cravings are the hidden cause for a poor self image in many people. We need to nurture our morale too. We do this by having times aside from the busy rush and distractions of life around us.....the work and social associations of the day and the week. Time to be in touch with ourselves – and our maker, if that agrees – yes, moments of quiet where we can regain composure. When you have taken practical steps mentioned, you can start changing your self-image by monitoring and feeding your inner dialogue each day. You may like to do these together and make up for lost time. With these things addressed, you can experience a better self-image and an improved outlook on life. Whatever, I wish you well. The above advice when practiced, makes for happy mood levels. This Post is taken from one of my websites There has been a request for more Posts on this blog mostly write Christian and Natural Health articles whereas Inspirations for You is essentially a Poem website with Pictures and quotes and sayings. I like to keep it light-natured and inspirational. www.naturalmoodlevels.info

Sunshine is actually Good for You – Come outside and Enjoy some Again Yes, it's Good for Flowers and it's Good for You too! There is a necessity in these times for Switching Off from the Cares of Life and sitting or walking in the sunshine is a nice way to do that – accompanied with fresh air or quiet stillness where you can almost hear the silence. Even the quiet sounds around you can give you a peaceful sense of company, being tuned to the outdoor environment – it is really quite restful. Sunshine has a favorable impact on our mood. We can influence our mood levels for good instead of spending so much time indoors. Those who get fresh air and sunshine are happy generally_ look at the home gardeners! Yes sunlight is actually an essential element for a happy disposition, missing in many people who live sedentary lifestyles or work many hours in high rise buildings etc  It also sets the circadian rhythm that is nature's sleep/wake cycle within. When we have sunshine in the morning for instance, we sleep well at night. A sleep chemical is released from our pineal gland called Melatonin. Yes, sunshine can keep levels of Serotonin and Melatonin from sinking and making us feel lethargic and listless. Just like exercise helps us to stay off apathy, sunlight is good for us. There's so much misguided talk about Cancer as there is about Cholesterol. It's only over exposure to sunshine that can lead to skin cancer in some people we hear so much about. It has actually been discovered that lack of sunshine and sunscreens cause more skin cancers or too much sunshine when your body is toxic and stressed through modern diets laden with chemicals. So why not go out and ENJOY! Some of us remember when grandparents sat outside in the sunshine for 30-50 minutes each day and mothers used to give their babies and toddlers a little sunbath without nappy or clothing on - how this would be a happy and peaceful time. Children at school would even be told to go out and play in the sunshine at lunch time. That's because there are so many benefits. It reduces stress and depression by causing a release of endorphins - our body's own mood elevator. So it enhances our mental outlook and sense of well being. Our immune system is strengthened by exposure to moderate sunlight. Having 10-15 minutes of sunshine in the morning, without glasses or sunshades on helps to set the circadian rhythm for melatonin to be released at night. It is well documented that, if we are not exposed to sunshine, our body rhythms run 50 minutes slower every day. This can can disturb our sleep/wake cycle as well as the rest of our body's hormonal rhythms. All these good benefits for enjoying some time outdoors. We may even hear some birds singing or tweeting in the trees. PEACE to you and have a lovely day! Sunny Day Clear blue skies on a sunny day Autumn leaves, they toss and sway The birds, they are joyfully singing And to me__ laughter they’re bringing. I love God’s excellent ways For He knows they would be such pleasure All these things on a sunny day. Janet Vargas   ©

This is a Simple Meditation you can practice without the need for Psychology Meditation skilled  Eastern Zen Meditation etc  I have written some lovely things for you to quietly visualize in your imagination, that should bring you a happy and peaceful state of mind most times. Our Creator has made some wonderful things in Nature and an ability to picture them. This can be so restful.  Some of these inspirations can be bubbly and delightful and others serene depending on how well you take them in (naturally speaking) ENJOY! Simple practice of Meditation Find a place where you’re comfortable and undisturbed:  reclining on your favorite chair, resting on your bed or sofa. Dismiss thoughts of the day or evening – or next day –this is a decision you make, that nothing requires your attention and everything can wait. Consciously engage your thoughts in some deep breathing by placing one hand over your tummy and the other on your diaphragm (above your tummy). Let your body completely relax, allowing all tension anywhere in your body to go. Take a few full breaths through your airways, filling your abdomen area (your tummy should be rising with each breath). If your diaphragm is raising, that’s shallow breathing. With sanctified imagination (nothing worldly, sad or serious, dismissing your cares and concerns and duties of the day) picture yourself in these places, benefiting from thoughts of nature surrounding and embracing you. Pleasant Natural things to Visualize Nice country hill slopes with fluffy little bunnies running amongst the grass with their cute little tales bobbing here and there. Cascading waterfalls with a secret entrance to sit peacefully inside those refreshing streams washing negative thoughts away. Fields of daisies and poppies making pretty carpets of white, yellow and red…with birds flying across the stretch of the sky in fancy formations. A place in the country with the sun shining brightly through the clouds over pretty dry grass with a few young antelopes grazing and skipping along, then refreshing themselves at a nearby river. Stepping into a quaint little row-boat and pulling away from the water’s edge with bright yellow paddles and coasting along with the water splashing, then finding a spot to rest under a tree in the water for shade. Climbing up a mountain slope effortlessly – because it does not require your energy – then seeing the tops of trees in different levels….nearby, you see an eagle taking off from the branch of a tree, flying way across the sky and then landing on the very branch from whence it came. Walking along the beach in the shoreline, hearing the waves come rippling in over your feet, looking at bright colorful yachts sailing over the sea. Imagine yourself in the awesome silence of a canyon, looking across the great expanse, then hearing echoes of your voice as you call out something joyful and carefree in your moment of solitude. Walking in the meadows amongst the wildflowers on a nice sunny day, pick You’re at the beach, walking amongst pebbles, picking up shells of different shapes and sizes….you place them with your things you have left on the sand and you sit down in the water with the waves coming in, feeling so carefree. You walk a little way into a shoreline pass the ripples. Standing very still, you’re  looking at the water where you see tiny little fish in delicate pretty colors – ever so tiny – swimming under the surface in the light reflected there….feeling the warmth of the water….and then you decide to go a little further out so you can swim…..and just for some relaxation, you find yourself floating for a while with the sun shining over you….drifting where the water takes you. You’re out on a nice autumn day, strolling in the park, hearing the rustling leaves, looking at the colors The more you practice this Simple Meditation the easier it comes. Meditation should not be complicated, just sweet and simple. That is the idea. Let me know if you enjoyed this.

Taken from a Special  Feature  Page  on my natural health website concerning ALL  the  Benefits  of  Laughter  - I  call this phenomena revealed by Heart Specialists, Neuroscientists, Psychologists and Various Physicians (collectively) the CHEMISTRY OF LAUGHTER. I've gleaned the following Information from various sources of research. LAUGHTER IS GOOD for your MORALE and also your IMMUNE SYSTEM.........It Releases Endorphins in your body that are "Feel Good Chemicals"  It can be a sure weapon against stress and if practiced regularly - as part of your Lifestyle - it can help to prevent and sometimes relieve Stress Related conditions. Laughter Clears your Emotions and helps to Sharpen your Mental Faculties. Laughter is fun and it’s good for you. It makes others feel good. It provides physical, emotional, and psychological benefits. Scientific Research reveals that LAUGHTER strengthens our cardiovascular functions; reduces stress hormones; improves circulation_ benefiting those with high blood pressure; has a boosting effect on the function of immune cells; releases Endorphins_ a feel good chemical that sometimes helps to lower pain levels; it oxygenates our body via the respiratory system_ this is very good for us; it also enhances our bio-chemistry! Laughter benefits our brain in quite unique ways. Also improves alertness, creativity and memory! Not to mention, it gives your muscle flexes a good work out. Some people who develop  a lifestyle of laughter have found an improvement in metabolism. Who would have thought of it,  that laughter could benefit us in so many ways....hey? A good laugh, hearty laugh, hilarious laugh, outrageous laughter,  trickles of laughter, smiles and laughter,  bubbly laughter!  Employ them ALL....why not? It's good to engage in things that make us laugh....to look at the funny side of life if we can.....have a laugh at ourselves rather than to take things too seriously. there are even laughter clinics available in some countries. Laughter relaxes our whole body...and effects from it can last up to 45 minutes! Laughter is a natural stress buster better than medications and good for your brain! Adopt it as part of an Anti-Stress Lifestyle in addition to some good healthy exercise.....see  it makes a difference! LAUGHTER ALSO MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF AND STRENGTHENS YOUR HEART_ EMOTIONALLY AND PHYSICALLY.... IT ALWAYS BRINGS ME SUNSHINE WHEN VISITORS ENJOY MY INSPIRATIONAL PAGES! As laughter, humor, and play become an integrated part of your life, your creativity will flourish and new discoveries for playing with friends, coworkers, acquaintances, and loved ones will occur to you daily. Humor takes you to a higher place where you can view the world from a more relaxed, positive, creative, joyful, and balanced perspective.Surround yourself with reminders to lighten up. Keep a toy on your desk or in your car. Put up a funny poster in your office. Choose a computer screensaver that makes you laugh. Frame photos of you and your family or friends having fun. Laughter is a natural part of my lifestyle in recent years and I can vouch for it's merits! Some Anti-stress toys, fun ornaments, pictures and posters would be great for the above mentioned.  My mother actually has an irresistible painting of a clown on her bedroom wall that makes her laugh and smile.............so it does work! Why not invest today? Someone said "Who makes you laugh? Who do you make laugh? It’s like sharing vitamins" Laughter operates on at least three different levels. They are the biophysical, the biochemical, and the bio-energetic levels. When we laugh, beneficial changes occur in our brain and our body. Given the body-mind connection, the very act of laughter has, it can bring about changes in body chemistry to our advantage. A daily practice of laughter can improve one's perspective on life, self-esteem and coping skills. Even the skin can benefit from regular laughter because the capillaries become filled with blood which then feeds the skin with an increased supply of oxygen and nutrients. Laughter is a natural relaxant, releasing unhealthy attitudes, muscle stress and tension. It also releases endorphins that are natural mood lifters. Laughter benefits our brain in quite unique ways. Also improves alertness, creativity and memory__ not to mention, it gives your muscle flexes a good work out. Some people who develop a lifestyle of laughter have found an improvement in metabolism. "Laughter is a simple exercise that brings you relaxation" JV "Laughter displaces negative energy with positive energy" JV "Laughter brings Sunshine time after time and often brings your thoughts into line" JV "Laughter is Anti-Aging, seek ways of Engaging....it's better than a frown!" JV ______________________ Laughter can be a great way of exercising many of the muscles of the body. Research shows it's possible for almost all our muscles to be activated during laughter. Laughing instantly reduces the levels of stress hormones such as cortisol that puts on weight and adrenaline that should not be over-spent (as it can lead to fatigue) Having a good laugh prior to sleep can lessen stress and anxiety and facilitate deep restful sleep. Laughter also provides a mild aerobic workout that energizes you during the day and helps you to sleep better at night. You can top these aerobic benefits up with Deep Breathing (abdominal). Both Laughter and Deep Breathing also benefit our metabolism because of the extra oxygen. Laughter can provide a pleasant distraction from things that cause stress, anxiety and anger. Laughter relaxes our whole body...and effects from it can last up to 45 minutes! Even if you don’t feel happy at the moment, just the physical act of laughing increases serotonin and dopamine levels, that are happy-chemicals in our brain. It also benefits your circulation. Laughter is a natural stress buster, better than medications and good for your brain! Adopt it as part of an Anti-Stress Lifestyle in addition to some good healthy exercise..... see it makes a difference! LAUGHTER ALSO MAKES YOU FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF AND STRENGTHENS YOUR HEART_ EMOTIONALLY AND PHYSICALLY.... Sunny Disposition Focus on things glad instead of sad. This will help you immensely don't think so intensely! JV http://www.naturalmoodlevels.info

This article was inspired by someone who’s words I read by the name of Dana and various thoughts I’ve had recently. I have many sayings about Happiness on Inspirations for You. Dana’s recipe for living is similar to mine in ways…her words are highlighted  (in bold print)     so you can distinguish them from mine. Sometimes, we as westerners, leave it to folk in other countries to experience moments of bliss. It somehow seems a luxury to us, we need to go on an expensive holiday or something – the great escape! But many people in certain countries have developed the art of peaceful meditations and tranquil moments in quite difficult situations, that helps strengthen them because they give themselves time to raise their thoughts above their circumstances. They also have an appreciation or consciousness of something greater than themselves that helps them to break away from cares and concerns – even in the midst of them.  How do they do this? They make it a purpose to! While I do not encourage religious pursuits because of the bondage that each one presents, we in the west have developed an independence from God or anything pertaining to Him. The education system has done us no favors but has served to hinder a natural sense in us we are born with, of a Creator-God. That’s why there are so many religions in the world – it is man’s efforts to find and relate to Him in some way. But Jesus (no religion added, just His words) came to bring Him to us (God manifest) to show us what He is really like (without hang-ups) and how to relate with Him without complications. Why go to the Dalai Lama for Peace and Joy? Because Jesus is the true source of Peace and Joy. Ask Him to become real to you. Yes, a simple walk with Jesus does give us a cutting edge above circumstances, right in the midst of them because He said “the Peace I give is not that of the world (that comes and goes) but I say to you that this Peace is to be found in Me”….when Jesus comes into your heart (invited) He becomes your Resting Place, and you can come aside in His Presence each day..... “in His presence there is fullness of Joy”….so like the saying goes, religion is to be endured but Jesus is to be enjoyed. Why did they add religion? Because man is very religious, weather he is for God or Anti-God. Everyone has a belief system, I make sure mine is simple – just Jesus! What is the secret to bliss? I can mention a few. Dana said, sometimes we place our lives on hold, telling ourselves things like, "I can't be happy until X is accomplished or until Y is over." For instance, it could be until I have a relationship, new work or my love-one is in better health. To experience true bliss, it's essential to practice being happy in the midst of all these challenges. Here are some tips that can help you find some personal bliss: Teach your thoughts how to dance toward the light. Your mind needs direction; direct it toward the light. Consciously push yourself from self-destructive thinking to self-discovery, from judgment to observation. Activities like reading Pleasant and Uplifting Poems and Visual Meditation are great for this. A little day-dreaming is good to let your thoughts roam free. It’s like oxygen and resets your brain. Break away more often. Maybe you have a nice spot on a patio or a lawn where you can stretch and laydown in the sunshine or breeze. Yes, that is nice, now and then….maybe there’s a nice shady tree in a park. You can absorb the atmosphere around you. You could do this occasionally. Yes, afford yourself the luxury of dismissing the world and busy agendas, so you can have a slice of peace and content. Why save that for holidays? We don’t allow ourselves enough time to wind down – we save that for bedtime, and actually, we would be better winding down with dim light and music or relaxed reading before going to bed. Maybe have a bubble bath on weekends (bubbles are very therapeutic). Even a foot-spa can be good or treat yourself to some air-filled fragrance with essential oils of your choice – a fresh blend that clears the mind or floral that brings beauty to mind. Yes, afford yourself some holiday-mode in your thoughts, as it were, on a frequent basis. Most of us – these days – allow ourselves little respite in this busy world. You need rest and you also need respite. Experience music – Art – Crafts Awakening happiness is a daily practice that requires routines and rituals. Set your day up so something wonderful happens. Play music in your house, car and at the office (if possible). Commit to writing, singing or dancing each morning - or experiencing others' artistic expressions in a fully-engaged way - chose your own art form. Crafts are so creative, such a joy and so rewarding. Before 10 years ago, I’ve never been a crafts person. I was having a break from research work and lost for something to do and craft cards appealed to me. I have been making them from time to time since. I love them, and it’s given me a passion that has also brought happiness to family and friends. There’s wisdom in Forgiveness Forgiveness allows us to do everything more deeply. Let yourself smile again. Break it out and allow compassion to be your inner guide and awaken your heart. You forgive someone by cancelling their debt of offense and not keeping them alive in your thoughts. Don’t wait to feel nice, it’s a simple act of your will….wish them well in your thoughts if you can….that’s a good grudge-slayer….then you get to live free of it. If you have a problem with that (you’d rather not) it is zapping your Zest for Life. Be kind to yourself and make some brain space to enjoy life….say to yourself “no mental real-estate here.” The bigger you let your heart be, the less things will crowd you in and the pressure gives way. Dana’s right, you can live life more fully when someone stops weighing on your mind. You feel so much lighter and brighter. Acquire some Spontaneity and Discovery Learn something new every day. Learning keeps us inspired, drenched in enthusiasm and forever young. It awakens our sense of wonder. It’s already there. You just have to lift the veil so you can feel it and live it. There are little things we can learn in when appreciating life around us – an awareness of the pleasant things here and there as we go about our day. If this does not work for you, learn to be a rut-breaker and establish a new routine – maybe an early morning or evening walk, taking in the atmosphere and letting your thoughts be healthy. Try to do something spontaneous each day. Give things away and let love in. When you feel connected, you feel bliss. We suffer when we feel separate. So, do whatever you can to feel connected and to help others feel connected. It could be through some service and projects. Or even just by the way you smile at someone down the street or in a café. Compliments are free to give away. You may have changed another person's life in ways you will never know. If you can’t think of any or maybe a little shy, give free smiles away. It’s amazing how smiles will cheer you up as well – it’s part of your happiness-chemistry – you will feel like a generous person for making the effort. It helps you step out of yourself and concerns each time you engage in this. Send occasional cards to love-ones and friends - make an occasion for them to be happy this way. You can hand a little gift to them especially wrapped, when it is'nt their birthday and see the surprise it brings them. Your oxytocin level will go up - yours and theirs. That's a special feel-good substance that is released in our body when something brings us much pleasure. It's the same chemical that is released when a mother feeds a baby; we sing in the shower or have a nice bubble bath; we smell the roses or a fragrant essential oil; we listen to some soft beautiful music; we stroll in a park on a nice sunny day or along the shoreline at the beach with the fresh sea breeze; we set off in the car on a holiday. It's well documented for when someone gives you a nice hug. Thanks and Gratitude Say Thank You more often and think of your blessings. These two words are potent and highly charged with bliss. Gratitude is saying yes to life. Wanting and appreciating what you have and have been given in this lifetime, no matter how big or small, it’s a practice of contentment. It keeps positive energy flowing. You already have all the ingredients for a beautiful life. Love them. Live them. Look after your Energy Level For all of us, there are things that occur each day – and sometimes said – that are unpleasant and cause negative thoughts and emotions….that are Negative Energy we don’t need. In other words, it deficits our Positive Energy. You know the saying about something that “saps our energy?” that’s why. But Thanks and Gratitude – sometimes prayer – helps to balance our energy levels by restoring our Comfort Zone. You don’t need an energy-worker for that. They can bring you other complications – namely your pocket and a dependency on someone else. It would be an expensive exercise. Really speaking, our energy level should be as natural as the food you eat and the air you breathe. Give yourself the most positive environment you can, pleasant company if possible (when it comes to listening). Lend yourself the practice of fresh air and exercise and good nutrition. You would be surprised how each one of these favor your energy and sense of well-being. For me, prayer is the Ultimate because it’s personal relating with Jesus who is there 24/7 Not some religious exercise. My motto: If someone has to tell you to do something, there’s no Joy in it (or peace either). Someone said: "You carry all the ingredients to turn your life into a bad dream, don't mix them!… ...You carry all the ingredients to turn your existence into a happy one, Mix them, mix Them!" And Dana said: “Being a happy person is a practice, where in the midst of your life's daily demands and challenges, you practice being - and chose to be - happy and free. Sure, it's great to follow a recipe, especially in the beginning, but then you must make it your own. You must experiment and see what you discover, coming up with your own signature dish.” And be not unsettled or resistant about God….a spiritual walk could be the very thing you need to change things around for you. We all have a spirit and long to be satisfied in that area. Try not to make the mistake of going for religion or new-age.  Jesus satisfies because He is a Person, the Friend of Friends….He is referred to as a Personal Savior….that’s because He is! Spend time in His presence each day – like you do with a love-one, and never look back. If you are not ready for that, I have shown you ways to enhance your daily life. For me – after years of resistance – Jesus brings Peace to my heart and Joy in my steps. Inner Peace and Happiness, that’s what most people long for, is’nt  it?  To have Him on the inside is Peace to me and Joy on the outside because of a Reason to be Living – He has brought to me. Whatever you benefit from in this article I wish you well. Look at it as if I wrote it personally to you. Janet