One small shift--reading more, gossiping less, taking up fencing--can
start a revolution and lead to a new profession, relationship, and
mind-set.

"The ideal of manhood is the same as the ideal of womanhood. You are
autonomous, self-directing, and responsible for the...life of all those
with whom you live." --Paula Gunn Allen

EIGHT THINGS TO HELP UPBUILD ONESELF


[1] Count your blessing.

One way to do this is with a "gratitude journal" in which you write
down three to five things for which you are currently thankful -from the Mundane [Your peonies are in bloom] to the magnificent [a child first steps]. Do This Once a week, say, on Sunday night. Keep it fresh by varying your entries as Much as possible.


[2] Practice acts of kindness.

These should be both random [let that hurried mom go ahead of you in
The Checkout line] and systematic [bring Sunday supper to an elderly
Neighbor]. Being kind to others, whether friend or strangers, triggers a cascade of Positive effects - it makes you feel generous and capable, gives you a Greater sense of connection with others and wins you smiles, approval And Reciprocated kindness-all happiness boosters.


[3] Savor life's joys

Pay close attention to momentary pleasures and wonders. Focus on the
Sweetness of a ripe strawberry or the warmth of the sun. Some psychologists suggest talking "mental photographs" Of pleasurable moments to review in less happy times.

[4] Thank a mentor.

If there's someone whom you owed a dept of gratitude for guiding you at
One of life’s crossroads, don’t wait to express your appreciation -in
detail and, if possible, in person.

[5] Learn to forgive.

Let go of anger and resentment by writing a letter of forgiveness to a
person who has hurt or wronged you. Inability to forgive is associated
with persistent rumination or dwelling on revenge, while forgiving allows you to move on.


[6] Invest time and energy in friends and family.

Where you live, how much money you make your job title and even your
health has surprisingly small effects on your satisfaction with life. The biggest factor appears to be strong personal relationships.

[7]Take care of your body.

Getting plenty of sleep, exercising, stretching, smiling and laughing
can all enhance your mood in the short term. Practiced regularly, they can help make your daily life more satisfying.

[8] Develop strategies for cooping with stress and hardships.
There is no avoiding hard times. Religious faith has been shown to help
People cope, but so do the secular beliefs enshrined in axioms like
"This too shall pass” and “that which doesn't kill me makes me stronger”. The trick is that you have to believe them.