Lusif Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 I've struggled with my moods for years. But it's only been in the last couple of years that I've decided it's time to become a happier person. I think I'm making progress, albeit very slow progress. But what I've found is that I'll come accross certain things that make me feel like, 'Hey, there is hope for me'. What has made/does make you feel more positive about life/yourself? Maybe it was therapy, maybe it was pills, maybe it was a method like EFT, maybe it's certain ideas and quotes you've come accross, or even music/films... anything! I know for me, reading 'Always in the Kitchen at Parties' makes me feel a lot better about myself. Also, when I stop comparing myself to others and instead affiliate myself with them, realise we're all the same. The quote 'You get what you focus on' is pretty poignant for me, also the concept of afformations (the idea of asking yourself questions that provoke esteem-building answers, Google it if you're not aware!)... I'm really curious, what lifts all of you out of depression, makes you feel hopeful and happy? Link to comment
sosilver Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Feeling good about my self makes me happy...I get a positive high from helping someone...going out with friends...or even doing something good for me like a spa day... And on days I am down, reading something funny helps me focus elsewhere...only for a short while tho... Link to comment
Sweet Venus Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Good thread!! Making goals for myself and attaining them makes me happy.. Listening to good music makes me happy.. Working out makes me happy.. doing nice things for other people makes me happy... Jogging on the beach listening to my Ipod make me happy... Playing with my dog makes me happy... Giving helpful advice on ENA and knowing I have made some difference in someones life makes me happy... Being ALIVE, and healthy makes me happy!!!! Link to comment
Sweet Venus Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 And..the occasional bottle or two of wine has been known to make me happy too!!! lol Link to comment
Daligal83 Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 I'd say going to the gym is the biggest thing. When I have a hard day, that's the first place I want to be. It makes me feel strong and confident. And it just gets me away from whatever is bothering me. I also just try not to dwell on whatever is getting me down. If I can think of a solution, then I'll go about doing it. If it's something out of my control that I can't fix, then I try to let it go since there's nothing I can do. To do this I usually figure out ways to keep busy and plan things I want to do so that my mood improves. What I've realized recently is that sometimes, being happy is a choice you have to make. When faced with certain situations, you can choose to get all miserable about it or you can chose to find a way to be happy. It doesn't mean that the situation will change, but you can still choose to find a way to be happy regardless. I had to remind myself of that at work over and over again today. I share a small office with a woman that I really like, but she is extremely negative from the first second of the day. When I try to get her to see things positively, she gets even more pissed off. It's easy for me to fall into that mentality and I have been a lot lately, so I just have to remind myself that it's not the only way to deal with crappy work stuff. I have to find ways to make myself happy at work since I'm there most of the time. Link to comment
rocio Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 Meditation helps me to be and remain happy. Also I get this giddy, breathtaking excitement from learning about astrophysics and string theory Yes I'm odd... Link to comment
Blue Skittles Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 The biggest thing that keeps me happy is KEEPING BUSY. Between work, the gym, visiting friends, running errands, and the clubs i've become involved in, i make it a point to get up in the morning, get ready, and not come home until its time for bed. It makes me feel like I've accomplished something and it keeps my mind off of thoughts that make me depressed. Now I'm visiting my folks for a week in this little small town where theres nothing to do! So i'm going crazy without my "life" back in the city. I have a hard time just relaxing and enjoying the peace and quiet. Link to comment
Sweet Venus Posted April 1, 2009 Share Posted April 1, 2009 The biggest thing that keeps me happy is KEEPING BUSY. Between work, the gym, visiting friends, running errands, and the clubs i've become involved in, i make it a point to get up in the morning, get ready, and not come home until its time for bed. It makes me feel like I've accomplished something and it keeps my mind off of thoughts that make me depressed. Now I'm visiting my folks for a week in this little small town where theres nothing to do! So i'm going crazy without my "life" back in the city. I have a hard time just relaxing and enjoying the peace and quiet. Haha..I agree with you on the Skittles.I think keeping very busy IS the remedy for many things... Link to comment
isthisused Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 My relationship with God. Focusing on what I have rather than what I don’t. Being financially secure (We don’t have a lot of money, but we are careful with what we have.) Using some of what I have to help others. Keeping my priorities straight. The Serenity prayer. Knowing that my wife and daughter have a clean safe home to live in with good food to eat and healthcare if they need it. The respect of my wife. Pride in my daughter(4.0 student tests in the top 3% in the standardized tests and has an awesome personality). Being clean and sober 8Years(former junky). I feel respected by my father(never thought that would happen.) Occasional good wild lovin from my wife. Link to comment
Lusif Posted April 2, 2009 Author Share Posted April 2, 2009 Wonderful I forgot about the gym! It can be really hard to muster the motivation sometimes, but it's ALWAYS worthwhile. Blue Skittles, that is amazing that you spend ALL day out of the house! I love keeping busy but I definitely need a bit of quiet hometime as well Thanks guys! And keep 'em coming! Link to comment
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