Ten-Important Keys To A Happy, Healthy, And Content Life

There are many paths to happiness; and if you have found one that works, you have most likely found your own "right" path. But, if you are still seeking happiness, there are certain elements of thought, word, and action, anyone can cultivate, nurture, or develop in order to create a life of peace, happiness, health, and contentment.

Below is a list of Ten-Important Keys to creating a happy life; if you could master any one of them, you'd be well on your way to a life of happiness. But, simply considering the ideas on this list will change the way you look at the world -- and the way the world looks back at you.

10-Keys to Living a Happy Life:

1.) The most important key to happiness is that you must love yourself. You will never be happy if you don't love yourself; and you will never truly be able to give love to others. You are a gift; you weren't put here to hate yourself.

2.) Love ALL that is; and love others. At any given moment, things are exactly as they should be. This doesn't mean you can't change them by creating new things; but you can't create something new by complaining about something old. All is well. Love your world and your neighbor; there is only good -- that which we see as good, and that we don't understand, and therefore see as "bad." God is ALL things; so, love ALL things. Understanding will come with love. Love is all you need. Love is all there is.

3.) Fear not; and don't be ashamed, either. You cannot be happy and afraid at the same time; nor can you be worried and happy, or sad and happy simultaneously. Emotions, such as happiness, are the result of thoughts; and you can only think one thought at a time -- so fear not! Don't fear the judgment of others; and don't fear death -- it is inevitable your body will die, but you never will. Be bold. Stand tall and go for it; you are invincible as long as you're alive.

4.) Judge not; and quit complaining. You don't have to constantly point out the good and bad in your world; they are already obvious to you -- and no one else cares. And, before you consider judging another human, realize that you cannot think about judgments, and "happy-things," simultaneously. Accept others; and accept the world as it is -- and make whatever changes you want to make.

5.)Forgive and forget. You can't be in the present, and in the past, at the same time. It is tempting to hold-on to old hurts and resentments -- there is always some perceived payoff (martyrdom, being the hero, etc...). But holding-on to such things as anger, resentment, disappointment, and grief, are like trying to hold a mouthful of boiling water, or acid, or poison -- a stupid, unproductive, painful, ill-advised course of action that cannot end well for you.

6.) Be of good cheer. Find a way to be happy, no matter what. Being unhappy is not healthy or fun. Find something cheerful to think about, talk about, or do. Repeat as necessary.

7.) Do unto others... Do the kindest thing possible in every situation; it is scientifically proven to provide an immediate, measurable health benefit to the giver of the kindness, the receiver, and even any witnesses to the kind act.

8.) Say, "YES!" Serve others generously and take steps toward your desires -- say, "Yes!" to any actions that appear to lead you in the direction you want to go. Empower others by helping when asked, and by being the answer to a prayer when possible. When you help the dreams of others come true, you receive more help with yours. Empower others to dream; and say, "Yes!" if they ask for support or encouragement.

9.) Have faith and trust in the best outcomes for people -- and for the future. Courageously face the future trusting that you will prevail in all things, and learn exactly what you need to learn in every situation.

10.) Be grateful and appreciative for all that is, all that you are, and all that you've been given. If you are busy cursing one thing you are not grateful for, you cannot be creating another thing you are grateful for. The energy of gratitude is a powerful attractor for good will.

As they say, "It isn't what happens in life, but how you respond to what happens in life..." For any wisdom teaching, religious saying, philosophy, or any other "good advice," to work for you, you must first consider the meaning of the teaching; and then you must look for ways to apply the wisdom in your own life-situations.

We all have ample opportunity to practice any of these keys to happiness; but only those who make the effort to stop automatic, programmed responses "in their tracks," and practice these principles will receive the benefits. The next time you find yourself experiencing any negative emotion, find one of these principles that applies; and apply it. It might be hard; but if it is more difficult than what you are currently experiencing, you don't really have it that bad. Cheer up!