No.1 way to be happy

I know, I am no expert at this, but I do try to be happy and so thought of sharing, what I consider, the no. 1 way to be happy.

I could think of many things that are very important for a person's well being. Energy, fitness, money, comfort, family, relationship and many more of these were jostling to get the numero uno status. But, somehow, I think it is optimism that shines the brightest. Moreover, perfectly healthy, rich, in love and educated people, often, complain of misery in their lives. I guess, they are missing this all important positive outlook to get happy.
Photo Courtesy Frazzled Jen

Here is why I consider a positive outlook to be of prime importance for happiness:

1. Makes the darkest day livable: Positivity is a trait I was definitely not born with. I would brood over the silliest comment and worry myself sick about the trifles of life. Until I discovered the joys of positive thinking. I learned it from my kid sister. I noticed that, no matter what, she would wait for something good to come out of even the worts scenarios. And you know what? It always did! She inspired me to look at everything positively and this new found hope has made many a failure easily bearable for me.
   
2. Keeps you away from unnecessary worrying: I guess women are genetically programmed to worry. I am the type that can worry about a college exam even before joining classes. I worry about falling sick when I am perfectly healthy. I even imagine horrible future scenarios and worry about them. In short, I am a true blue paranoid. Anyway, after discovering optimism, I tend to see brighter things in future. So, I see myself as a fitter person and actually hope to have better life in the coming days.
   
3. Helps you achieve your goals: This one is easy. If you believe you can do something, you almost surely will be able to. No rocket science for sure, but the 'believe' part can be tricky for many. So, instead of fearing that I might goof up and fail, I now believe that I can reach the target. Not surprisingly, I do.
4. Keeps you healthy: By the laws of deduction, if you think positive thoughts, then you do positive things that lead to a positive life. This works out very well for the health department of your life. If you are optimistic, you will get healthier faster (not cheating from a research paper, felt this phenomenon myself) and will stay that way longer. Perhaps, this has something to do with believing in a healthier you and working towards it or maybe one of those 'good' hormones secrete when you are positive. Whatever, the reason, the final result is definitely great.