Guest Post | Author: Kari
There is that person who always seems to be happy no matter what they are doing and you can’t understand why they are so happy! Do they not have problems in their life? Do they not have stress that makes them tired and cranky? Do they not have annoying family and friends who expect a lot out of them?
The answer is yes they do. They live on the same planet as you after all! But they have a different approach to handling the stuff life brings them which makes them happier than most people.
Here are 7 secrets that happy people know that you need to learn to get on board the happy train of life!
1. They live in the present.
Happy people don’t hold on to the past like other people do. They focus on what is happening around them and enjoy it with a passion that only living in the moment can offer.
Many of us tend to dwell in our negative experiences and this makes us less happy in the short-term and long run.
Living in the present creates an awareness of life going on around you and allows you to enjoy what you are doing right now without baggage memories and expectations from your past. So open your eyes and pay attention to your present activity. Your happiness will thank you!
2. They have strong relationships in their lives.
Whether they are in an intimate relationship, have close friends, or have family that they cherish – they have strong relationships that support them and lift them up.
When you carry the weight of life on your shoulders alone it can be a huge load to walk around with. Friends, family, and spouses can offer a helping hand at taking that load off of you and helping you see issues you have more clearly as well as get over them quicker.
Without a support system you can have a hard time working through issues and you can carry them around with you while more issues pile up on top of them.
If you do not have a spouse and have no close family then go out and make relationships with kindred spirits by joining activities that you are interested in. When you form a strong relationship cherish it for what it does for you.
3. They know who they are and act the part!
They are not trying to be someone they are not and instead they talk, walk, and act exactly how they are without trying to impress anyone else. They don’t quiet down their laugh because it’s too loud and they don’t wear the ‘in clothes’ for the season so others think they are stylish. They just are who they are.
When you are trying to be someone you are not you are essentially telling yourself that you are not good enough. How are you supposed to be happy when you feel you are not good enough? Realize that uniqueness is a sexy quality in people and since everyone is unique you cannot be like everyone else and they should not expect you to be!
4. They do not complain.
They do not complain about every single thing that happens to them and dwell in it for days but they instead just do it or get through it or move on from it.
Complaining is an extremely negative emotion to have or be around. Complaining does absolutely nothing for anyone except make them more miserable. It doesn’t solve problems, find solutions, or get rid of negative emotions - it just keeps the problems and negativity hanging around longer. How can you be happy when you are always complaining?
5. They are doing what makes them happy.
Everyone has something in life that they absolutely want to be doing. Happy people do it. They do the things that make them the happiest in their career, activities, and life in general.
If you hate your job then change it to something you love. If you sit at home all day being miserable then get out and do something that would make you happy.
Follow your joy and participate in things that make you feel good about yourself and life and happiness will come naturally to you.
6. They see the positive side of everything.
There is literally a negative and positive side to everything and happy people see the positive side very clearly.
Negative people tend to dwell on the negative side of every situation.
It doesn’t matter what you are doing you always have a choice to look at the glass half full or half empty. It’s up to you. Just remember that if you look at it half full you will be happier in life.
7. They are compassionate and understanding
Having compassion for other people makes them, and you, happy. It’s a win-win situation.
When you have compassion for other people you are more willing to help out and lend an ear. This in turn makes them feel better about themselves and when you can help other people be happier you instantly receive the benefits for yourself. You feel better about yourself and what you are doing with this life.
When you do not have compassion and understanding you become short-tempered and irritable. This leads to complaining and negativity and it’s impossible to be naturally happy from this state.
Very Easy Sponge Cake
4 oz...110g self raising flour, sifted
1 tsp baking powder
4 oz...110g quality, soft margarine at room temperature
4 oz...110g caster sugar
2 large eggs
2-3 drops vanilla essence
To finish:
Icing/confectioners' sugar, jam
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| Belle Sends Her Love |
(Photo Source)Beijing, ChinaDate: 25h December 2010Location: The Great Hall of the PeopleCost: $231-$247Richard Clayderman 2010 Beijing Christmas Concert
Looking for something different to do this Christmas? How about a night with Richard Clayderman, a world renowned pianist who holds the title of “The most successful pianist in the world”, not a small claim to fame by any means.Accepted into to the Paris Conservatoire of Music at the age of 12, Clayderman has recorded over 1200 melodies in his career and has clocked up world record sales of nearly 70 million.This Christmas Clayderman will be performing at The Great Hall of the People, West of Tiananmen Square, on December 25, 2010.If you happen to be staying in Beijing this Christmas, this celebrated concert is not to be missed. Tickets are available in packages at $231-$247. Treat yourself a little by booking yourself into a 5 star Beijing hotel with Hotelclub and make this Christmas night unforgettable.
(Photo Source)Hong Kong, ChinaDate: 3-31st December 2010Location: NP360, Lantau IslandCost: Adult - from HKD $138 Child - from HKD $86First Snowy X'mas at Ngong Ping 360
Hong Kong is truly one of the most diverse cities in the world, culturally and now climatically!Who would've thought you can experience a white Christmas in this hustling SE Asian city? Thanks to the clever chaps at Ngong Ping 360 (or NP360 as it is affectionately known) and a giant snow machine, you can enjoy an artificial snowy Christmas in a surreal Hong Kong setting.The Christmas festivities include artificial snow falling from a giant Christmas cable car café, a family craft workshop, an angel workshop, a food fair showcasing Chinese and western Christmas-themed dishes, Christmas carols, and loads more!NP360 has already established itself as a popular tourist destination. With its first Snowy X'mas, it is definitely a destination not to be missed.To make your stay to Hong Kong the trip of your lifetime, Hotelclub offers a wide array of amazing packages that will suit your needs. You are sure to find a Hong Kong hotel that will make your stay memorable!
(Photo Source)Las Vegas, USADate: 22-26th December 2010Location: Bellagio, Las Vegas, NevadaCost: From $165"O" by Cirque du Soleil
There is no better place to celebrate Christmas than in the party capital of the world - Las Vegas. You might find yourself at the crossroads of too many hot parties to choose from but this show is truly something special.Celebrate this Christmas in a breathtaking fantasy water world that is "O" and let Cirque du Soleil take you on an unforgettable journey led by a team of talented performers, acrobats, fire dancers, and other entertainers.Shows are s scheduled on Wednesdays through Sundays from 7:30-10:00 pm. Admission to the show starts at $165. Guests must be at least 18 years of age or accompanied by an adult.Complement your Las Vegas experience and stay in one of the many wacky hotels on the Vegas strip.
(Photo Source)Berlin, GermanyDate: 27th November - 9th January 2011Location: Europa-Park, Rust, GermanyCost: €29 - for adults €26 - for childrenMagic Moments at Europa-Park
Known as Germany's biggest Winter Wonderland, Magic Moments at Europa-Park is another must-go destination this Christmas. In addition to the wide array of fun rides it usually offers, Europa-Park is mixing in a big dollop of Christmas cheers by incorporating a Sleigh Ride Snowflake, skibobs, ice skating rinks, Christmas markets, snow ramps, ice bars, and a whole lot more.The biggest attraction this year will be the big wheel in its Icelandic theme. Atop this terrific ride is a spectacular view of the magical winter wonderland.Magic Moments is being held from November 27 to January 9.The beautifully decorated trees and twinkling lights will surely brighten up your Christmas. If you can't get enough of this wonderful festive place, you can choose from a variety of cosy Berlin Hotels nearby to prolong your experience.
(Photo Source)London, EnglandDate: 11-26th December 2010Location: London Bridge, EnglandCost: £23 Adults £17 ChildrenSatans Grotto at London Dungeon
Do you want to experience a one-of-a-kind Christmas event? Fed up with Santa Claus and want to be naughty this year instead of being nice? Then let's experience a hellish Christmas with the Prince of Darkness at the London Dungeon. You won't believe how naughty and frightening Christmas can be... oh yes! It's about time that Christmas merry makers are punished for being too nice.Satan's Grotto at the London Dungeon opens on December 11-26 from 10 am to 5 pm. On Christmas Eve and Boxing Day, it will be open from 11 am to 4 pm, and will be closed on Christmas Day. Admission costs £23.00 for adults and £17 for children. Turn Christmas on its head and be sure to check out the many accommodation deals in London at Hotelclub.com .
(Photo Source)Los Angeles, USADate: 4th December - 1st January 2011Location: Los Angeles, CACost:1 day theme park: $112 Adult $104 Children"Grinchmas"
The blissful season of Christmas is upon us once again! What better way to complete this wonderful celebration than to spend the festivities with your family and seeing the Grinch in person at the Universal Orlando Resort! Brace yourself for a fun-filled celebration. Enjoy the beauty of sparkling Christmas lights and decorations, and have your photo taken together with the Grinch and even get an autograph! This is one of the most famous events you simply can't miss.One day theme park tickets cost $112 for adults and $104 for children aged 3-9 years. One park access for adults cost $82 and $74 for children.To make you family holiday budget stretch, there are many affordable Los Angeles hotels to choose from on hotelclub.com
(Photo Source)Melbourne, AustraliaDate: 15th December - 24th December 2010 1pm -3pmLocation: MelbourneCost: Photo package $30Santa Photos at Chill On Ice Lounge, Melbourne
Have a truly unique Christmas and visit Santa residing within 30 tonnes of carved ice!You will be greeted at the entrance of the Chill On Ice Lounge where you will be handed a large winter coat to prepare you for the sub zero temperatures inside. The Ice Lounge is exactly what the name suggests, everything inside, including the bar and the glasses in which drinks are served, are completely made of ice.Santa will be sitting on his ice throne from Dec 15 to Christmas Eve and you can bring your little ones for an artic experience that they will hardly forget.Children's photo packages are available for $30. Bookings essential.Book your Melbourne hotel now before it is too late!
(Photo Source)New York, USADate: 20th November - 9th January 2011Location: New York Botanical GardensCost: Adults from $20 Children from $1019th Annual Holiday Train Show with Gingerbread adventures
Immerse yourself into a miniature NYC this Christmas at the Holiday Train show at the New York Botanical Gardens.Designed by the award winning Paul Busse, replicas of 140 New York City landmarks endow the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Each replica is constructed of entirely of natural materials: nuts, tree bark, fruits, pinecones, and leaves, making this exhibition even more unique.G-scale model trains have been doing their rounds around the miniature landmarks to the delights of countless visitors over the past 18 years.If you are a locomotive enthusiast, or simply looking for something different to do this Christmas, get yourself down to the Holiday Train Show.There are many New York City hotels near the Botanical Gardens but be sure to book early to avoid disappointment.
(Photo Source)Paris, FranceDate: December 2010Location: ParisCost: £48 Adult £44 ChildrenDisneyland Paris
For a Christmas trip your kids will love, you can not go past Disneyland Paris.Fairy tales come alive in this magical world and this mega theme park is going to be even more magical this Christmas with the transformation of Sleeping Beauty's Castle into an ice palace.You will see one of the biggest Christmas trees you will ever set eyes upon and of course Father Christmas will be meeting and greeting you and your family in his toy workshop.Standard 1 day tickets cost £48 for adults and £44 for children aged 3-11 years.There are seven Disney-operated hotels at Disneyland Resort Paris. However, you can also choose to stay in one of the many hotels in Paris which offer free shuttle rides to and from EuroDisney.
(Photo Source)Rio De Janeiro, BrazilDate: 4-31st DecemberLocation: Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Rio De Janeiro, BrazilCost: FreeThe Biggest Christmas Tree in the World
It might be in the Guiness Book of Records, but not many people have had the pleasure to witness the biggest floating Christmas tree in the world in the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon.The Bradesco Seguros Christmas Tree, standing at 85 metres high and adorned by over 3 million lights this year, is one of Rio De Janeiro's proudest traditions. Over 100,000 people gather around the lighting of the tree in early December and it remains lit to the delight of over a million tourists each year.This year is the 15th anniversary of the Bradesco Seguros Christmas Tree so Rio is sure to be more festive than ever.Make your reservation now for your Rio De Janeiro hotel and see this great wonder this Christmas.
(Photo Source)Sydney, AustraliaDate: 18th November - 25th December 2010Location: SydneyCost: FreeA Sydney Christmas
The Sydney Town Hall is one of Sydney's most famous landmarks, and lately it has also become one of Sydney's most prominent canvases.This Christmas the external walls of the Sydney Town Hall will be lit up by decorative projectors to present some wonderful photo opportunities.Every night from 18 November to 25 December images evoking A Sydney Christmas will be projected onto Sydney Town Hall, injecting a big does of Australian into the festive season.With so many hotels near the Sydney Town Hall, A Sydney Christmas is a very accessible event for the whole family.
(Photo Source)Tokyo, JapanDate: 11th November - 25th December 2010Location: TokyoCost: FreeMarunouchi Bright Christmas 2010
Everyone has their own ways of celebrating the Christmas holidays. Most people put up colorful brilliant decors dangling around their Christmas trees and houses, while others may be satisfied with the presence of their loved ones and families during their festivities. But why not do both to get the most out of your Christmas?Japan is one place that puts up an amazing and breathtaking illumination displays when it comes to the Christmas season. The display along Marunouchi Naka-dori (the avenue connecting Yurakucho and Otemachi) will include nearly 850,000 champagne-coloured LEDs. Additionally, there'll also be an 8m tall Christmas tree (displaying gold and silver lights and a range of specially imported decorations) on display at Marucube, situated on the first floor of the Marunouchi Building.The display will be open from November 11 to December 25, 2010 and there is no charge! With all the singing and frolicking around, you might want to extend your stay in Tokyo. There's a wide selection of affordable Tokyo hotels you can choose from. Just don't forget to bring your camera and capture all the precious moments you'll have with your family!
Hannah's says:My favorite Christmas memory might start out sounding unpleasant for some, but it’s a very fond memory for me. When I was young, some strong wind caused our power to go out in the afternoon of Christmas day. I and my three siblings were sad that we couldn’t use our new electronic toys (I had just received a CD player!), but our family bundled up to stay warm and played games. The next day, our water went out as well. We lived out in the country, so we had to haul water up from the pond and pour it in the toilet just so we could flush. We couldn’t take showers, and we couldn’t cook food, so we ate whatever was in the pantry. It lasted several days without electricity or water. It was terribly inconvenient, but it was actually rather fun. It was like an adventure, and I remember it fondly to this day!
