I’ve often been asked by friends, family, and colleagues – how do you stay so happy and positive? I’ve always said something like “I don’t know… I just do.” But having thought about it, I realised that I have cultivated certain habits or behaviours over the years that keep me in a positive state of mind. I like to think of myself as an eternal optimist. I make it my mission to be happy, and most of the time – it really works! Looking around lately, I see so many people struggling to keep a positive mindset, so I thought I would share my advice and tips for igniting happiness and gratitude, and keeping negativity away.
First of all – #yolo! You only live once, so always strive to live your best life. Dream as high as your imagination will let you. Ignore the naysayers. Do everything with pure intention and a strong belief in yourself. Avoid chasing after fame and money; rather create value in yourself and those things will come. Try and try again (and again) until you get it right. Be patient with yourself and keep your eye on the prize. Be passionate about all you do, but with calm composure. Speak with confidence and believe what you say.
Know the worth of “your people”. Call home often. It’s important to stay connected and draw as much as possible from your parents while they are still with you. When you love, love with all your heart. Speak well of yourself and others and do unto others as you would want done to you. Always treat all people with respect and consideration, but be sure to set healthy boundaries with yourself and others, and never make promises you can’t keep.
When life hurts, remember that your existence was not an accident. Always ask yourself what the lesson is and take it with you as you move forward. Don’t take yourself too seriously and learn to follow your intuition – it knows what is before it is.
Spend time with the elderly, for there you will live lives you haven’t yet experienced. Mingle with the rich, the educated, the exposed, for they will show you the limitlessness of life. Mingle with the vulnerable, for they will show you the true essence of life, happiness and gratitude.
Above all things, be cool as a watermelon – never lose control of your emotions.
Daniel Ng`andu
IDeAS Program Software Engineer based in Zambia
AND Pluviophile (lover of rain, someone who finds joy and peace of mind during rainy days).