Keys to Happiness #3

Our own words build us up and give us a sense of well being. When we are driving down the street we need to say out loud things like, "I love...." and "I really like...." When we are in our homes, when we talk to others, and anywhere else, we need to make these affirmations. This is especially true if we are feeling a bit negative or burdened.

The more positive statements we make that are true, the more our mood will lift. I don't know why, I just know it is. As I was telling the person this morning who was having a hard time, if you are really bummed out, you may have to make 100 different statements before your mood lifts. If we are really in a low mood and nothing seems good, then we need to affirm anything that is slightly good or anything we remember liking in the past. For a very depressed person it is fine to start out with, "I used to really love...." or "I used to really enjoy..." or"I kind of like...."

Here are some of the kinds of things one could say
I love.....
it when the sun is shining.
ice cream.
watching birds fly.
the color blue.
breezes.
my house.
email.
my dog and/or cat.
my church or pastor.
my offspring.
my spouse.
my __ store.
old cars.
my Bible.
grandma's quilts.
old master's paintings.
my _ teacher's style.
the way _ takes care of my hair.
the smell of lilacs or candles burning or barbeques or donuts or......
soft pillows.
__ restaurant.
fresh brewed coffee (or tea).
fog.
dancing.
bicycling.
that sign. (whatever you are looking at the time)
___ TV show.
autumn leaves.
the ocean.
the mountains.
my friends __ and__.
my boat.
___shows.
squirrels at play.

Look around you wherever you are and be aware of what you see. What do you like? What do you admire? Focus on it.