I've been banging on about happiness and positivity on these pages for quite a while now. There's a reason for this- it's probably the state of mind that we are most concerned with, throughout the course of our time on the planet. And yet it can also be so elusive, so unattainable, even though that does not have to be the case....

Here in Christchurch, it's been especially important this year, to hold on to all glimmers of posititivty, to be alert to all opportunities for happiness. And that's certainly been helped by some excitement that's come our way in recent weeks, from the Rugby World Cup that New Zealand is currently hosting. We are two weeks into it now, with another four to go. The All Blacks have been very exciting to watch- their win over France on the weekend showing how consistently talented they are.... Anyway, back to the good stuff:

1. Give yourself permission to be human. When we accept emotions — such as fear, sadness, or anxiety — as natural, we are more likely to overcome them. Rejecting our emotions, positive or negative, leads to frustration and unhappiness.
2. Happiness lies at the intersection between pleasure and meaning. Whether at work or at home, the goal is to engage in activities that are both personally significant and enjoyable. When this is not feasible, make sure you have happiness boosters, moments throughout the week that provide you with both pleasure and meaning. 
3. Keep in mind that happiness is mostly dependent on our state of mind, not on our status or the size of our bank account. Barring extreme circumstances, our level of well being is determined by what we choose to focus on, and by our interpretation of external events.  Do we view failure as catastrophic, or do we see it as a learning opportunity? Incorporate elements of happiness into your daily routine, helping you to create sustained happiness.
4. Simplify. Generally, we are much too busy, trying to squeeze in more and more activities into less and less time. Quantity influences quality, and we compromise on our happiness by trying to do too much. 
5. Remember the mind-body connection. What we do — or don't do — with our bodies influences our mind. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and healthy eating habits lead to both physical and mental health.
6. Express gratitude, whenever possible. All too often we take our lives for granted. Learn to appreciate and savour the wonderful things in life, from people to food, from nature to a smile.
7. Do something for someone else, no matter how minor this may be...Remember that  old chestnut about it being better to give than to receive? It's true...

 Thanks to everyone who visits these pages, especially the regulars. Numbers continue to grow every month....