25 Rules For A Happy Life

Here are my rules for a happy life. What do you think is the secret to happiness?

1. Practice gratitude.

Begin every day with a thought of gratitude. Every morning, list 10 things in your life you are thankful for, and at the end of the day list 10 things, you appreciated that day.

2. Accept that people are different.

Don’t compare yourself to others. Don’t judge other people. Don’t ever wish you had someone else’s life. Behind what you see, there is a story you don’t know. Disease. Heartbreak. Death. Sacrifice. Suffering. Just accept people for who they are… including yourself.

3. Forgive.

The hardest thing you’ll ever have to do is forgive someone who hasn’t even asked for it. But remember, you’re not doing it for them. You’re doing it for your peace.

4. Celebrate your achievements.

There is no such thing as a small success. Every victory, no matter how small, will take you closer to your goal. Make time to celebrate your achievements!

5. Spend time with the people you love.

Even if you are busy, tired, always on the run… make time for the people you love. Your parents, your children, your spouse, and your friends. They will boost your energy and confidence!

6. Focus on today.

Stop looking back. The past no longer matters. Asking yourself “What if?” won’t help. What happened in the past belongs exactly where you left it… in the past. So, stop looking over your shoulder, and watch your steps now, in the present. Now is the only moment that matters.

7. Love.

I truly believe that love is the answer. I sincerely think that as long as you put love into every decision you make, into every relationship you build, and into every little thing you say and do every day, you can’t be anything but happy. Love can only create good.

8. Don't get upset over the smallest details.

We waste so much time being upset about irrelevant things. And it’s so not worth it. We have so little time in this world, it’s a pity to waste it being upset for the dumbest reasons. Let it go. Enjoy life. Enjoy your family and friends, and the precious moments you have together. Don’t get offended by every single thing. Don’t argue about every single gesture. Forgive, forget, let things go. Life is too short.

9. Accept that people have different opinions.

I don’t know what happened to our society. Why can’t we disagree anymore? Why can’t we have opposing opinions without insulting each other? Why can’t we have a healthy discussion anymore? People have different beliefs, and that’s a good thing. People vote differently, and take it from someone who’s lived in a formerly communist country… that’s a good thing! Let’s celebrate the things uniting us and the beautiful diversity in our world.

10. Do more of what makes you happy.

Make time for your hobbies. We tend to put aside our passions because we’re busy working, we’re tired, or we have to take care of someone else’s needs. But it’s important to make time for your happiness. Make time for that book you’ve been meaning to read. Make time for that movie you’ve been meaning to watch. Make time for what makes you happy.

11. Turn off your phone.

I know that our lives are now in those devices, but for once in a while, turn off your phone, and be present. Enjoy that sunset, without taking a picture and sending it to your friend. Hug your spouse. Smell the flowers and enjoy a nice dinner without taking photos of it. Get off that phone and enjoy life.

12. Learn something new.

Just because you’re an adult, that doesn’t mean you should stop learning new things. There are so many new things to discover in this amazing world. New cultures, new places, new languages, new skills… there’s still so much to learn!

13. Laugh.

Relax, enjoy some good humor, and spend time with people who make you laugh. We have plenty of reasons to be angry, let’s have some fun for a change.

14. Accept that perfection doesn't exist.

Perfection is an illusion. No one is perfect, not even close, so don’t put that much pressure on yourself, your kids, or your spouse, and embrace the fact that none of you are perfect. And that’s alright.

15. Don't take yourself too seriously.

Be responsible, mature, and serious… but don’t take yourself too seriously. It’s ok to be childish and fun sometimes. It’s ok to relax and not be in control.

16. Take care of your body.

You don’t realize how important your health is until you no longer have it. Eat healthily, don’t do drugs, don’t drink too much, don’t smoke too much, and go see your doctor when you feel something’s off. Take care of your body and your health. Because you won’t be able to enjoy life if you’re sick.

17. Keep in touch with your inner child.

Always remember your dreams, passions, and beliefs as a child. Keep in touch with who you were when you were a kid when you were innocent and had the purest heart.

18. Stay away from toxic people.

Once I eliminated the toxic people from my life, things got a lot better. No more manipulation, no more playing the victim to get me to do them favors, no more blackmail, drama, and blaming.

19. Always see the bright side.

It is a choice, you know. Instead of always seeing the negative part in any given situation, look on the bright side. There always is a bright side, and it’s up to us to find it.

20. Appreciate yourself.

Don’t be too hard on yourself. Appreciate the beautiful person you have become, and give yourself credit for what you have achieved. Love yourself, because you truly are amazing.

21. Don't stress over things that aren't in your control.

Stress is going to kill us all if we allow it. Nowadays, so many of us deal with depression, anxiety, and other stress-induced conditions. We don’t get enough sleep, and instead of moving forwards as we should, we get stuck in one place, where we just sit and stress about things we can’t even control. So let’s just focus on what we can do.

22. Learn how to say NO.

You know, it’s perfectly fine to say NO when you’re not feeling comfortable doing someone a favor. Maybe you’re tired, busy, or you simply have other plans. If they make a scene, they’re toxic. See no 18 again.

23. Ask for help.

If you need help, speak up. Ask family. If you can’t, ask a friend. If they say no, ask a stranger. There are so many kind people in this world, willing to give you a hand. We all need help. You can’t do it all by yourself. We need each other.

24. Focus less on possessions and more on experiences.

Some people spend all their life working hard, day and night, to save money for all kinds of things. A house, then a car, then a bigger house, or a nicer car. And while they collect possessions, they have no time to collect what’s even more important… memories with their loved ones. It’s more important to be there for your kids than to give them nice things. Be there for your loved ones.

25. Be kind.

A kind gesture always makes two people happy. Besides, as long as you do good things, good things will happen to you in return. And please, be kind to yourself, too.