"I am the decisive element in the classroom. It’s my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous."
This quote from Dr. Haim Ginott isn’t just for educators or the classroom. It’s the truth about life in general: we create our own weather.
My mood sets the tone for my day, and the only one in control of my mood is me. It does not matter if sleet is hitting the window, I overslept, and the zipper in my slacks gets stuck. It’s how I react to those little mishaps, not the circumstances themselves, which are the heart of the issue.
We are born with different internal happiness set points, but we can implement techniques into our daily lives that can form new thought habits so we react differently when life’s challenges come our way. Happiness is a skill that can be learned. All it takes is a little practice.
These tips are simple, yet not always easy. What if I told you to go all day without complaining? Could you do it? If you can stop yourself from griping and gossiping, you truly will see a difference in how you feel. Give it a try. If others in the staff room wonder why you are not joining in the breaktime bashing, explain that you are taking part in a scientific experiment.
Emerson said, “All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.” What have you got to lose? Studies show that happier people attract better relationships, better employment positions, better health, and even better sex.
The American Happiness Association states the number one happiness booster is gratitude. Start a thankfulness practice today. As you are driving home, think of three things that went well, made you smile, or at least didn’t totally suck.
The more you become aware of the little joys, the more you will see. Oprah and all the self-help gurus say to keep a gratitude journal. I call it a Joy Journal. Grab a cheap spiral notebook or a beautifully bound journal and jot three things every night.
Some days it will be easier than others to do this, but by making it a habit, you start to train your brain to see the good. The brain has an optimism center, and if you don’t use it, you lose it.
Basic self care plays a big part in happiness levels too. It sounds trite, but eating well, sleeping well, and having exercise/movement every day factor into your overall well-being. One of my cardinal rules is never make a decision when tired or hungry.
Being happy does not mean being giddy or an in-your-face-ain’t-life-grand Suzy Sunshine. Sustainable happiness simply means waking up each day with inner contentment. Even if sleet is hitting the window, you overslept, and you break the zipper in your slacks.
Kelly Epperson is author of 365 Days of Joy and When Life Stinks, It’s Time to Wash the Gym Clothes. She founded the Happiness Club of Loves Park, IL and can be reached at www.journeyofyou.com,
