In today’s world it’s easy to take the view of the pessimist, but much more fulfilling to live the life of an optimist.

Making simple lifestyle changes can lead to feelings of happiness instead of jealousy, anger, frustration, or sadness.

Stop comparing yourself to others

Jealousy can instantly crush a good mood. Wanting something, or wanting to be something you’re not, is a foolish game that results in no winners. Constantly wishing for something that isn’t feasible is a waste of time.

If it’s not something that is achievable by hard work, it’s not something to worry about.

Want is a feeling that can ruin relationships. By constantly competing, happiness then becomes hard to find. Instead, give credit to the good things in life. Acknowledge what is present instead of criticizing what is absent.

Be accepting

Many people fear being judged, yet they judge others themselves on how someone looks, acts, dresses, speaks. Whatever it may be, to judge is simply unacceptable.

To critique and waste time nit-picking someone else is ridiculous. If the person is not hurting you, themselves, or anyone else, it will be more beneficial to stay silent.

To be accepting goes hand and hand with kindness. Be kind. Kindness is contagious. Being nice and genuine to someone will result in them being friendly back.

Don’t overstress

Every day it becomes easy to get lost in the chaos of life. It’s easy to overthink and overstress. Sometimes it’s necessary to take a step back and breathe. Odds are, whatever is the stressor, it’s not going to be as detrimental as you think. So instead of worrying about the inevitable, take a look at what has been accomplished thus far.

Have a broader and more open outlook on the world to avoid anxiety that takes away from the happiness that could be experienced at that same moment. Do the best that is possible and, other than that, don’t worry about it.

Don’t be narrow-minded

Getting stuck in a repetitive loop of the same events, people, and experiences can become boring and exhausting. Don’t be scared to try something new, like trying a new type of food, talking to someone different, or wearing a unique outfit.

Don’t hold back from something that you want to do. If it’s safe and legal, take the risk no matter how big or small it might be.

Trying new things is exciting. It creates a sense of pride and allows us to be expressive and adventurous. So do it, whatever it might be. Take a breath, smile, and do it.

Be loving and caring, don’t be afraid to show it

In today’s society it seems to become a common idea that caring isn’t “cool.” However, who looks happier? The boy or girl glaring and showing no concept of manners or the boy or girl that’s holding the door for the person behind them with a smile, and the boy or girl that’s laughing with his or her family? Don’t be afraid to love, to care, or to show happiness.

Happiness is contagious. Give someone a smile or a nice compliment, or maybe ask an engaging question to start up a conversation. Don’t be embarrassed to be happy. Be proud of it.

Make your own choices

It becomes a pattern to hate the things that people, society, or someone else hates, and only enjoy what they enjoy. The skill of thinking for oneself may be difficult to do sometimes, but it will remove a large amount of unnecessary negativity from any person’s life.

One should decide for themselves what they do or don’t like. It is not a requirement to follow an exact quota of how to feel. Feelings are personal, and no one else should have the ability to decide them, nor should they be given the chance.

Experience new things, try new things, meet new people, and then decide how to feel. What is decided shouldn’t be based off of someone else’s views or beliefs.

Sharing happiness

When writing this article, it really made me stop and think about the things that make me happy. This thought then transitioned into wondering what makes other people happy.

I asked people to send me pictures of things that make them happy in their life, no matter how big or small.

I absolutely loved seeing the things that people showed me, being proud of the things they love, spreading a positive attitude.

Throughout the story are a few of their pictures. Some of the world’s happiness.

The featured image in this story is from flickr.