New Year, New Start: 9 Tips for a New You

Submitted by Nicky Smith, LMHC with the Employee Assistance Program of Franciscan Alliance - Northwest Indiana

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn, or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude." - Denis Waitley

May this year become a time of new beginnings for you. A time to limit placing conditions on becoming happier. Instead of saying "I will be happy when ..." or "If only I have ... then I will be happy" consider the list below. Choose one or two things that you can do on a regular basis and notice how your view of happiness expands.

1. Visualize the best possible future for yourself and others.
2. Laugh as if you have heard the funniest joke.
3. Donate things you no longer use.
4. Practice forgiveness.
5. Set aside time for one spiritual practice such as prayer, reading the scriptures, or attending church service.
6. Volunteer your time to help others in need.
7. Spend more time nurturing relationships and surround yourself with supportive people.
8. Set limits on time you spend working without breaks.
9. Be generous with compliments to encourage others…and please remember to begin and end each day with gratitude!