Happy For No Reason

I had the opportunity to read a wonderful book called Happy For No Reason by Marci Shimoff.  In this book, Shimoff interviews people she refers to as the "Happy 100", people that despite having some horrors stories to share, have maintained true happiness regardless of situation.  These amazing individuals share many tools and tips throughout the book to aid the reader in becoming happy for no reason as well. Consider this startlingly fact, "The World Health Organization predicts that by 2020, depression will be second only to heart disease in terms of the global burden of illness." Yikes!  I highly recommend checking this book out.  Here are a few of my favorite tools:

1. Question Your Thoughts.  Marci shared a story of a seminar where all the individuals seemed engaged except one. She completely focused on the one, believing that she wasn't doing a good job, and completely Ego-tripping over this one man. At the end of her presentation he approached her and told her how moved he was by what she said. Our thoughts, which are usually controlled by Ego, can and will lie, so question any thoughts that bring up negative feelings. We often make assumptions about situations based on self doubt, and rarely are we correct.
2. Laughter. Many of the resources I've read discuss this. Cafe Gratitude encourages one minute of laughter each day. In this book, one of the Happy 100, sat and spend 10 minutes each day in laughter. Laughter lowers cortisol in the body, an immune suppressant, it stimulates heart and lungs, improves breathing, and is great exercise. 15 minutes of laughter is equivalent to 2 hours sleep; laughing for 15 seconds adds 2 days to your lifespan. At first it may be difficult, but set a timer, and just start chuckling. Pretty soon, real laughter will come out. Do it with a friend!
3. Inviting Grace. This exercise involves thinking of a specific issue in your life that you need assistance solving. Write a letter to the Universe, ask for the correct people and situations to appear, express gratitude, and forgiveness if necessary. Now, put the letter away, take a deep breath, and let go. Believe that the Universe is working on it. Take the letter out in a month or so, and see how the Universe responded.  

There are 20+ tools in the book, in addition to the inspirational stories. I am just beginning working through the exercises myself. By implementing these tools, you too can be Happy For No Reason.