I am always being complimented by my near & dear ones that I am a happy person to be around, with a positive and uplifting attitude; after one such talk with my sister-in-law, where she was comparing her own attitude towards life and mine, I got thinking.

Why are some people happy through everything that life throws at them and why are some people always discontent and miserable? The answer lies in how we look at things. Brooding over something that has already happened is not going to help in any way; pondering over what might happen can neither be of any use; live in the moment for this moment, knowing that whatever bad is happening to you is only a phase; nothing is forever.

I was attendng a Yoga class where our Yoga master used to tell us," If someone calls you a name , forget about it; if you keep brooding over the name-calling, you gain nothing other than calling(thinking) yourself to be that by which you were called". Be brave in facing life's challenges; be honest in whatever you do or say; be fair to everyone as much as you can( not everyone is a Buddha or a Gandhi);if you religiously follow these steps, you will automatically feel a weight being lifted off your chest. I guarantee it.

Indulge in whatever activity soothes or comforts you - like listening to music, reading, gardening, pottery, painting, etc. They can have a soothing effect on the most troubled souls.

Realise that being happy is a mental state and is not dependent on outside stimuli; of course if you are cold or hungry or sick, its going to affect the way you feel and it is only natural. But I am talking about people who are always sad, dejected and droopy; they can make everyone around them miserable.Understand that whatever problem you are facing has to end because nothing lasts forever; that is why life is called a cycle - there are always ups and downs in everyone's life, whoever it is!!

Choose to be happy and put a positive slant on anything that happens. Soon it will become an engrained habit and your gloomy outlook will be a thing of the past. Try this simple exercise and see the difference.

Tags & Keywords : Being happy and content