Have you heard that 'Actions speak louder than words?' A smile shared with a stranger, a warm hug given to a friend, time spend together whilst playing games with our family, going for a walk in the forest with our parents, helping in our local community, giving an incentive to our staff members, doesn't this list feel good.
When we imagine being on the receiving side, how does that make us feel?
When we imagine being on the giving end, how does that make us feel?
Over the last 8 weeks I had the privilege to run a Happiness course teamed up with my friend Dulcie Batt (Joyful Mothering) in our local community. Together with 20 participants we 'Explored what matters'. The course is a brainchild of the Charity Action for Happiness. I am sure, that you have seen my posts with themed monthly calendars, which are full of actionable ideas for every day. You might guess, that the name of the charity reveals what is fundamentally important:
Taking action.
Happiness is highly subjective, and everyone wants to live their own Happiness. Some people want more and some are already at a very comfortable level. We learned that only 50% of our personal Happiness is regulated by our genes. The rest is in our hand. Or shall I say in our mind and control. This is AWESOME news. The Ten Keys to Happier Living are based on a review of the latest research from psychology and related fields. Everyone's path to happiness is different, but the evidence suggests these Ten Keys consistently tend to have a positive impact on people's happiness and well-being.
The first five keys (GREAT) are about how we interact with the outside world in our daily activities. They are based on the Five Ways to Wellbeing developed by nef as part of the Foresight Project.
The second five keys (DREAM) come from inside us and depend on our attitude to life.
About the Ten Keys
The Ten Keys to Happier Living framework was jointly developed by Vanessa King and the Action for Happiness team in 2010, based on an extensive review of the latest research evidence relating to psychological/mental wellbeing.
One of the earliest members to join the movement, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, said:
"No matter what our situation, we all share the same aspiration for happiness. However, genuine and enduring happiness results not from material development alone, but also from the cultivation of inner peace. Moreover, we are all dependent on others for our happiness and therefore, we not only have a right to be happy, but are also responsible for the happiness of others.
"In encouraging people from all walks of life to play a part in creating a happier society, Action for Happiness is taking an admirable initiative. I wish the project every success and am happy to give it my support."
If you are interested in joining this movement, you can simply check out the webpage: https://www.actionforhappiness.org/ and sign up for FREE and confirm to the a simple pledge:
I will try to create more happiness and less unhappiness in the world around me
All participants of the course felt enriched, motivated and learned tools and strategies to live a happier life and to share this information with others!