Christmas is a wonderful time to reflect on the year gone by and the coming year. It is a time for aspirations and the desire to live better and love better. Some of us make resolutions (I know I do)...some of us don't. But all of us are united in one thing - in the hope that next year will be happier! And why not?
Here are some wise words I enjoyed reading. I hope you will, too.
Inspiring quotes for a happier life
History has shown us time and time again that you don't have to know someone to love them with all your heart. - Shannon L. Alder
That's true. Kindness has always been in fashion. You can change the world by being kind. How about taking one moment today to be kind to someone who needs it?
Practice means to perform, over and over again in the face of all obstacles, some act of vision, of faith, of desire. Practice is a means of inviting the perfection desired - Martha Graham
So let's make the time to thank all those people who make a difference in our lives. Includes the life operator and the person at the billing counter at the grocery store. Think about a time when someone was particularly kind to you and show your gratitude by doing something to celebrate that memory.
Not only is it possible to create a greater sense of harmony among the different parts of your life while achieving greatness, it is necessary. - Stuart Friedman
Who is that person you know you admire, who inspires you? Reflect on three traits they have, that you wish you could emulate and improve your own life.
We are each other's harvest; we are each other's business; we are each other's magnitude and bond.- Gwendolyn Brooks
Think about that special gift you've received. Have you cherished its full value? Are there different perspectives you can discover?
Where there's life, there's hope.- Marcus Tullius
Your life is special. A journey of discovery on a daily basis. How about giving some of your precious time to someone who will appreciate it? Maybe a child, or an elderly person.
True art selects and paraphrases, but seldom gives a verbatim translation.- Thomas Bailey Aldrich
What we see is not always what it is. Some meanings are lost in translation. Are there more ways to express yourself? Will you explore?
Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy. -Thich Nhat Hanh
Self-explanatory. Give smiles. Collect smiles. Perform random acts of kindness and spread the good juju.
Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It's a way to live.- Jackie Windspear
The joy of living is in giving. Give a note of thanks, a hug, a smile, a gift, positive words.
To be here is immense.- Rainer Maria Rilke
We're blessed to be alive. Can you remember that moment when someone did something for you that made you happy? Relive those feelings. Let this inspire you to action.
Letting go gives us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness. If, in our heart, we still cling to anything - anger, anxiety, or possessions - we cannot be free.-Thich Nhat Hanh
How do you define and manage your anger? Can you divert your anger in a way that it will transform into positive energy?
I fear the day technology will surpass our human interaction.- Albert Einstein
Little did Einstein know that his fears would come true so soon. How about a technology free day when you can focus on your face to face interactions and tell all the people you care about, how much they mean to you?
Did you enjoy these inspiring quotes for a happier life?
I have a wonderful announcement to make. Kira Newman of The Positive Psychlopedia (yes I love it too) is launching a free online course called The Year of Happy and I invite you to sign up for it. I have.
What is The Year of Happy?
An invitation to "Be happier in 2015 and apply the science of happiness to your life"
I quote Kira:
The Year of Happy is a year-long experiment for people around the world.
Positive psychology, the science of happiness, is learning new things every day about how to bring more positive emotions and meaning to our lives. But the trick is sorting through the information overload and applying those lessons - can we do it?
In this course, each month of 2015 will focus on one skill or activity proven to make us happier, like optimism, relationships, meaning, and goals. As we practice new life habits, we'll also be learning through readings, videos, and discussions. Each month is structured like this:
Week 1: What is it?
Week 2: How to cultivate it. This is where we start the happiness practice, which will continue for the next three weeks.
Week 3: How it makes you happier.
Week 4: Keeping it real. Learn tips for overcoming resistance, staying motivated, and avoiding the common pitfalls.The content is free, and all you need to participate is an Internet connection and a little bit of self-motivation. It should take no more than 1-2 hours per week - a great Sunday afternoon activity, or a calming way to start or end your day over a cup of tea. Just enter your email address below, and you'll get a weekly email with each week's happiness practice and readings.
Next year, let's make (and keep) the most important resolution there is: to be happier!
There is a theme for each month straight out of Sonja Lyubomirsky's book The How of Happiness, which details 12 research-backed happiness practices - see the details here.
Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones and may the coming year be everything you wish for!
The beautiful featured image at the top of the post is by Molly Hahn
