How to Be Happy, Dammit!
When you're a cynic, feeling negative can sometimes be easier than thinking happy thoughts. Get a new perspective with these 11 fresh ideas from Karen Salmansohn's book How to Be Happy, Dammit: A Cynic's Guide to Spiritual Happiness.
By Karen Salmansohn
This is the secret to happiness—in 3 words:
You decide to see...equals.
Your enemies = your teachers.
Your failure = your wisdom.
Your mistakes = your lucky discoveries.
Your conflicts = your growth opportunities.
Your undesired endings = your desirable beginnings.
Your grapes of wrath = your raisons d'etre.
Your painful feelings = your proud proof that you are dealing with your feelings—head on!
And there's a freebee bonus benefit to doing the above...You begin to be less judgmental about your: rage, fear, pain, conflicts, and disappointments...not only for what has happened in the past but also when it comes to your present and future.
- rationalize
- rationalize
- rationalize
You decide to see...equals.
Your enemies = your teachers.
Your failure = your wisdom.
Your mistakes = your lucky discoveries.
Your conflicts = your growth opportunities.
Your undesired endings = your desirable beginnings.
Your grapes of wrath = your raisons d'etre.
Your painful feelings = your proud proof that you are dealing with your feelings—head on!
And there's a freebee bonus benefit to doing the above...You begin to be less judgmental about your: rage, fear, pain, conflicts, and disappointments...not only for what has happened in the past but also when it comes to your present and future.
Published 11/06/2000