Kindness, Empathy, Respect, Joy… Happiness!
Again, as I drove on base yesterday, I was reminded how much
I appreciate the genuine smile and greeting I get from a young Air Force
Soldier each day. It is a sign of
respect and kindness. It brings a smile
to my face each and every day. The
interaction is brief, yet during that time, the soldier focuses on the person
he or she is interacting with and there are no other distractions. I wonder… what if we treated each and every person
we encountered with the same respect and kindness? If when we asked them a question we listened
completely? If we attempted to truly
hear them with empathy? Would they be
more joyful? Would the place we come to
work at be… Happier? I would like to
think so!
I spent time with elementary students talking about
happiness yesterday. We explored the Six
Sustainable Happiness Skills and brainstormed what in our lives brings us
happiness. It was a fun day of sharing,
listening, dancing and coding. I would
even say it was Joyful.
Today is the International Day of Happiness. Take a moment to think about what makes you
happy. Then, ask yourself, what do you
do to help make others happy. Perhaps
you and those you spend your days with could have a happier, fuller, more
meaningful life when you practice the Six Sustainable Happiness Skills.
What I should know about Mindfulness
Live in the moment. Be fully present NOW. The past is over
and the future hasn’t happened yet, so don’t worry so much about them.
Mindfulness is being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings in the
here and now. Be kind to yourself. Adopt a supportive stance toward yourself
and others. When we practice mindfulness, we worry less and we open ourselves
up to JOY!
Ways to practice Mindfulness
- Think
about how you know when you’re being mindful. Talk to a friend about two
ways you practice this skill.
- How
can you do more to pay attention to the present moment without judgment?
Think about two ways you can improve this happiness skill.
- Practice
mindful breathing: https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/mindful_breathing
What I should know about Human Connection
We all want to feel loved, be comforted, and know that we
belong. Strong relationships are critical to our well-being. Relationships with
family, friends, and significant others, and social connection with peers are
huge predictors of happiness in life. People with close bonds are better able
to overcome life’s challenges and are less likely to experience depression, low
self-esteem, or health problems.
Ways to practice Human Connection
- Think
about how your relationships enhance your life. Make a list of three
people who are important to you and why they’re important.
- Who
makes you feel loved? Tell one person how they make you feel loved.
- Make
time to talk to a friend without interruption or distraction. Take turns
talking about what’s important in your lives.
What I should know about Gratitude
Thankfulness fuels optimism, reinforces trust, and is often
reciprocated. Feeling gratitude can increase kindness and create a sense of
overall well-being and it adds to the quality of our relationships. Gratitude
shows that we are aware of our own privilege, and thankful for the sources of
goodness outside ourselves.
Ways to practice Gratitude
- Think
about the list you made of five people who have shown you generosity.
Thank at least one of them for making a difference in your life.
- Be
grateful for challenges. Think about how a challenge in your life could be
an opportunity for growth.
- Think
of other ways you could express gratitude every day.
What I should know about Positive Outlook
Imagine the possibilities! Be open to the idea that
everything turns out for the best, eventually. A positive outlook helps us be
more hopeful and bounce back from adversity. People are more creative,
resilient, and likely to do better in school and in life when they’re
experiencing positive emotions. Embrace life’s potential!
Ways to practice Positive Outlook
- Think
about what it means to have a “positive outlook.” How can you do this on a
daily basis?
- How
can you find the good in others? Make a note of two good traits you
appreciate in your friends.
What I should know about Purpose
Live for something bigger than yourself. You can make a
difference in the world – at school, at work, at home, for a team or a
community, or in someone else’s life. Purpose means living by your values and
goals. It means having a vision for your life’s mission and what you hope to
achieve. Set out to do something meaningful. Strive to make a positive
difference.
Ways to practice Purpose
- Think
about what gives you a sense of purpose. Make a list!
- How
can you make a positive difference for someone in your family?
- What
are three things you can do this year to live your purpose and make a
difference in the world?
What I should know about Generosity
Generosity doesn’t have to be about money. It can be about
being helpful, supportive, or simply being kind. It’s about giving of yourself
to someone else. Generosity has been shown to boost your endorphins, giving you
an increased sense of well being.
Ways to practice Generosity
- Make a
list of five ways others have shown you generosity (that did not involve
money).
- Be
patient when you're waiting for someone who is running late. You never
know what could be holding them up and your kindness will mean a lot to
them. A generosity of spirit!
- Offer
to help someone without being asked. Donate time, money, or materials to
an organization that helps others.
