Everybody has an idea of what makes them cheerful, optimistic, and productive. Do you take the time to incorporate these things in your life? Or do you get caught up in just “existing,” rather than living a life that would make you happier?

Make it a priority to figure what’s missing or lacking in your life. What would make your life more meaningful, enjoyable, inspiring, and interesting? This crucial first step will put you in the proper mindset to have a plan. Here are some things to consider and examine:

• Associate with people who uplift and motivate you. If so, how can you get together with them more frequently? What specific activities can you plan? If you need to make new friends, what kind of groups, activities, or places can you connect with like-minded people?
• Use your hobbies as a way to connect with others. If so, you can meet others through this activity! Having a shared interest is a great ice breaker when meeting new people. Seek out events that relate to your hobbies.
• Be helpful. Help in as many ways as you can, such as being a good friend, lending a shoulder to cry on, or offering a sympathetic ear to listen to. Do it for the sake of giving without expecting anything in return. This will give you an enormous sense of contentment and joy, and you will likely feel better about yourself. Volunteering and perhaps taking temporary jobs will help others and provide you with different options to find out what you’d love to do.
• Seek counseling or get different points of view from people that you trust. It’s very easy to get caught up in our limited thinking. Sometimes it helps to have other people remind us of our unlimited possibilities.
• Find the humor in life, and laugh often. Humor and laughter keeps you upbeat and motivated. It also helps you to not take life too seriously.
• Examine the lessons that can be derived from misfortunes. Mistakes allow you to learn and see opportunities hidden behind adversities. Seek meaning in every event in your life. Value every lesson that you learn.

Life has its share of troubles, disasters, and misfortunes. Bad news exists and disturbs the mind. Totally ignoring the negative is unrealistic, but you can find balance by having other things in your life that make you happy.

Make a conscious effort to have a plan for your most meaningful and pleasurable life. What are you waiting for? What specific things can you do now? I’m interested in any thoughts or comments that you have.

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