14 Reasons Why Happy People Are Happy! By Andy Proctor

I read this article a few weeks ago and it was amazing! Here is the link to the full article but here are the 14 points it covers. A definite read for all. See if you are truly a happy person! 

http://www.thereturnedmissionary.com/14-reasons-why-happy-people-are-happy/

1. They are Purpose Driven

They know that they are here for a reason..

2. They are Truth Seekers

They know that there is more out there than what they see. They think outside the box. They seek to know for themselves and are not just carried by what others tell them. They are constantly learning and seeking truth.

3. They are Okay with Messing Up

They are not afraid to just get out and do something because they know that messing up is just a part of the process of life. They get back up after falling.

4. They are Teachable

5. They Like Themselves

photo credit: vegvacious.blogspot.com.

Social scientists who study positive psychology have found that 90% of our happiness has to do with our general outlook on life. 6 We are the ones who control this.

Happy people have a healthy self-love. They know they are not perfect, but they chuckle about their imperfections and see the best inside of themselves. 

6. They are Creative

The happiest people express themselves in a creative way. They leave their creative mark on the world. They feel that they are unique and have something to create that no one else can. 

7. They know their Maker

They have the glow. They stay connected to God. 

The happiest people know their Maker.

8. They are Jam-Packed with Gratitude

 The happiest people find things to be happy about every single day.

9. They Have Moral Courage

The happiest people stay happy because of their moral courage. They have the guts to stand up for what is right. They defend truth even when it is unpopular.

10. They Work Hard

They just do it. They get things done. It is a part of who they are. 

11. They Scatter Sunshine

The happiest people lift others up. 

Be of good cheer. It will be contagious and then you won’t be the only happy one.

12. They are Optimists

They are filled with optimism. Their glass is half full. They celebrate what is right with the world and they don’t complain about what is wrong with it. 

13. They Take 100% Responsibility for EVERYTHING in their Life

They live a life of responsibility, not a life of excuses. They are the creators of their circumstances, not the creatures carried by circumstance. If they have taxes to do, they do them. . They know that they are responsible for their own happiness. They understand that they are agents unto themselves.

Take control of your own life. Remember ye are free to choose for yourself.

Start taking 100% responsibility of everything in your life and you’ll be happier.

14. They Know how to Live in the Present

The Christmas Orange

Oranges always remind me of Christmas because of this story. It always helps to remind me what giving, kindness and sharing is all about. Hope you enjoy it to!

               Jake lived in an orphanage with nine other young boys.  In the winter time any extra money there was went for coal to heat the old buildings.  At Christmas, the building always seemed a little warmer, and the food a little more plentiful, but more than this- Christmas meant that each of the boys received an orange.  On Christmas morning each child was given an orange, and it was coveted like no other thing that they ever possessed.

Each boy would save his orange for several days, admiring it, feeling it, smelling it, loving it, and contemplating the moment he would eat it.  Some would even save it until New Year's Day or later, much like many of us relish saving our Christmas trees decorated until New Year's just to remind us of the joy of Christmas.

This particular Christmas day, Jake had broken the orphanage rules by starting a fight.  The orphanage mother took Jake's orange away as punishment for breaking the rules.  Jake spent Christmas day empty and alone.  Nighttime came and Jake could not sleep; silently, he sobbed because this year he would not have his orange to savor with the other boys.

               A soft hand placed on Jake's shoulder startled him and an object was quickly shoved into his hands.  The child then disappeared into the dark to leave Jake alone to discover a strange looking orange. This orange that he was left with was an orange made from segments of nine other oranges- nine highly prized oranges that now had to be eaten that Christmas night, instead of saved, admired, and cherished until a later date as all the children usually did.

The boys in the orphanage shared true love and kindness by giving up a piece of each of their oranges to make one complete orange for Jake. He was able to experience the joy of Christmas that year because of the love the boys gave to him.

               This year, may the orange remind us all of the unselfish love we share for each other that was taught to us by our Savior Jesus Christ. I hope you have a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!