A Dozen Timeless Ways to be Happy!

Our passions, expectations, life experiences, and even our personalities all contribute to the level of happiness we experience in our lives. Some find happiness in their careers while others find ways to be happy in their marriages or other relationships.

No matter how you define happiness for yourself, there are certain universal and time-proven strategies to bring, and sustain, more happiness into your life. The following one dozen timeless ways to be happy can be adapted and even customized to fit your needs. Over time, these strategies will become positive and life-changing habits that will begin to bring more happiness, joy and peace into your life.

Notice What's Right

Some of us see the glass as being half-full and others see the glass as half-empty. The next time you are caught in traffic, begin thinking how nice it is to have a few moments to reflect on the day, focus on a problem you have been trying to solve, or brainstorm on your next big idea. The next time you get in the slow line at the grocery store, take the opportunity to pick up a tabloid magazine and do some guilty pleasure reading. Take all that life throws out you and reframe it with what's right about the situation. At the end of the day, you will more content, at peace and happy. Take the time to begin to notice what's right and see the world change in front of your eyes.

Be Grateful

How many times do you say the words thank you, in a day? How many times do you hear these same words? If you are doing the first thing, saying the thank yous, the latter will naturally happen. Learn to be grateful and you will be open to receive an abundance of joy and happiness.

Remember the Kid You Were

Do you remember how to play? I'm not referring to playing a round of golf or a set of tennis. I'm talking about playing like you did when you were a child  a game of tag; leap frog, or street baseball when the bat is a broken broom handle and the bases are the parked cars. One way to find or maintain your happiness is to remember the kid you were and play!

Be Kind

There is no question that by merely watching acts of kindness creates a significant elevation in our moods and increases the desire for us to perform good deeds as well. Kindness is indeed contagious and when we make a commitment to be kind to ourselves and to others we can experience new heights of joy, happiness and enthusiasm for our lives.

Spend Time with Your Friends

Although an abundant social and romantic life does not itself guarantee joy, it does have a huge impact on our happiness. Learn to spend time with your friends and make the friendships a priority in your life.

Savor Every Moment

To be in the moment is to live in the moment. Too often we are thinking ahead or looking ahead to the next event or circumstance in our lives, not appreciating the œhere and now. When we savor every moment, we are savoring the happiness in our lives.

Rest

There are times when we need the time to unwind, decompress, or to put it simply, just to chill. Life comes at all of us hard and fast. Time, as do the days on the calendar, keeps going forward at its own natural pace, which is not always the pace we would choose. Fatigue, stress and exhaustion may begin to settle in on us faster than we may think, or notice. The best remedy for this is indeed rest.

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Move!

The expression a runner's high does not infer an addiction, but a feeling or a state of mind - a state of euphoria. There is no question exercise, or any physical exertion, elevates your mood and enhances a more positive attitude as well as fosters better personal self-esteem and confidence. Indeed, one way to increase your happiness is to move!

Put on a Happy Face

Sometimes we have to fake it until we make it. I'm not suggesting that we not be honest, real or authentic, but I'm suggesting, sometimes, we just need to put on a happy face and keep moving forward. Researchers claim that smiling and looking like we are happy will indeed make us happier. Studies further show that if we act like we are happy then we can experience greater joy and happiness in our lives.

Pursue Your Goals

The absence of goals in our lives, or more specifically avoiding to pursue our goals, makes us feel like we are stuck and ineffective. The pursuit of goals in our personal lives, in our relationships, or with our careers, is the difference between having a mediocre life or a life full of passion and enthusiasm. Pursue your goals and watch your happiness soar.

Finding Your Calling

Some find meaning in religion or spirituality while others find purpose in their work or relationships. Finding your calling may be much more than accomplishing one simple strategy for increasing your happiness, but having a sense of purpose  of feeling like you are here for a reason  can perhaps bring the greatest joy of all.

Get into the Flow

Flow is the form of joy, excitement and happiness that occurs when we are so absorbed in an activity we love that we can lose ourselves and time seems to stand still. What creates flow is unique to each one of us. To find and sustain true happiness in our lives, we must get off the sidelines and get into the flow.

And two more just to sweeten the pot a little more.

Play to Your Strengths

One way to achieve flow is by understanding and identifying our strengths and core values, and then begin to use these every day. Once we aware of our strengths and we begin to play to your strengths we can better incorporate them in all aspects of our lives.

Don't Overdo It.

Know when to say when. What gives you joy and happiness the first time may not work the second time. Too much of a good thing may begin not to feel as good if the thing becomes more of a routine, or an expectation. Set healthy and reasonable boundaries for yourself and don't overdo it.

Contributed by: verygood101 @ yahoo.com

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How to Be Charming

Have you ever noticed how some people captivate everyone they speak to? No matter what they look like or how much money they have, they can walk into a room and instantly be the center of attention. When they leave, people think highly of them and want to emulate them. That's charisma, a sort of magnetism that inspires confidence and adoration.

Like beauty, luck, and social position, charisma can open many doors in life. Unlike these other qualities, anyone can become more charismatic.

1. Improve your posture. Good posture will give the impression of self confidence (even if you don't feel that way on the inside). While walking, maintain a relaxed yet definitive upright posture: spine long, shoulders back, head level with the ground. This may feel awkward or overpowering to you when you first practice it, but keep trying.

2. Relax the muscles in your face to the point where you have a natural, pleasant expression permanently engraved there. Face the world and show everyone you're not afraid.

3. Make a connection. When your eyes come in contact with another person's, nod and smile subtly with a subdued joy shining forth. Don't worry about the other person's reaction and don't overdo it.

4. Remember people's names when you meet them for the first time. This takes an enormous amount of effort for most people. Repeat the person's name when stating your name to that person will help you to remember it better. For example: "Hi Jack, I'm Wendy." Follow through with small talk and repeat the person's name. Repeat it once more when you say goodbye. It's not just about helping you to remember that person. The more you say a person's name, the more that person will feel that you like them and the greater the chance they'll warm up to you.

5. Be interested in people. If you meet a new acquaintance, for example a coworker, a classmate, a friend of a friend, etc. find out about their immediate family and interests. Be sure to ask after the names of family members and remember them. Be careful in that subject though you don't want to be nosy. If you ask too much they will become uncomfortable. Also ask after their particular interests in life. These two topics will ensure much better small talk than just harping on about school or work. Most people don't like to think about those things at social occasions unless they have to. Even if it is about networking, you should understand fully the worth of taking a break from talking shop. It is important to refrain from talking up about yourself. Be purely interested and impressed by the person with whom you are speaking.

6. Orient topics toward the audience. This means taking into account topics that interest those around you, even if you are not so keen on them. If you are in a sporty crowd, talk about last night's game or the meteoric rise of a new team. If you are amongst a group of hobbyists, draw out their hobbies and make remarks related to fishing, knitting, mountain climbing, movies, etc. Nobody expects you to be an expert. It is your level of interest and willingness to engage in topics that makes you an interesting person to be around. Exercise an open mind. Let others do the explaining. If someone mistakenly thinks you know more about the topic, be genuine and simply say that your knowledge is limited but that you are hoping to learn more about it.

7. Praise others instead of gossiping. If you are talking with someone or you are talking in a group of people, and up pops the subject of another person in a positive or negative way, be the one to mention something you like about that person. Hearsay is the most powerful tool in gaining charm because it is always viewed as 100% sincere. It has the added benefit of creating trust in you. The idea will spread that you never have a bad word to say about anyone. Everyone will know that their reputation is safe with you.

8. Don't Lie. A lie is something you say for which there is some direct evidence somewhere out there that contradicts it. If you tell Mary that you like Jane and Billy that you don't like Jane, Mary and Billy will talk and your reputation will be ruined. No one will believe a word you say.

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9. Issue compliments generously, especially to raise others' self esteem. Try to pick out something that you appreciate in any situation and verbally express that appreciation. If you like something or someone, find a creative way to say it and say it immediately. If you wait too long, it may be viewed as insincere and badly timed, especially if others have beaten you to it. If you notice that someone is putting a lot of effort into something, compliment it, even if you feel that there is room for improvement. If you notice that someone has changed something about themselves haircut, manner of dress) notice it, and point out something you like about it. If you are asked directly, be charming and deflect the question with a very general compliment.

10. Be gracious in accepting compliments. Get out of the habit of assuming that the compliment is being given without genuine intent. Even when someone makes a compliment out of contempt, there is always a germ of jealous truth hiding in their own heart. Be effusive in accepting the compliment. Go beyond a mere "thank you" and enjoin this with "I'm glad you like it" or "It is so kind of you to have noticed." These are "compliments in return." Avoid backhanding a compliment. There is nothing worse to a person complimenting than to receive the response "Oh well I wish I was as ______ as you/that situation." That is tantamount to saying, "No, I am not what you are saying I am, and your judgment is wrong."

11. Control your tone of voice. The tone of your voice is crucial. Most people feel insecure somewhere inside and have an inability to accept praise. For this very reason, when you praise, do it subtly and glibly. When you say, "you look nice today" it should be in the exact same tone that you would use to say "it's a nice day." Any variation from your normal tone will arouse suspicion about your sincerity. Practice giving compliments into a recorder and play it back. Does it sound sincere? Practice until you get it right.. It might not sound right to you, in that case, ask someone for judgement.

Tips

·         Developing charisma is an art. The general guidelines above can help you be more charismatic, but your charisma must come from within you and must reflect you as an individual or it will appear fake. Fortunately, everyone has the ability to be charismatic, and it simply needs to be coaxed out. Practice and take note of what works and what needs improvement.

·         Don't mimic others. People with well developed charisma have a remarkable ability not only to sway people's opinions but also to cause others to emulate their personalities and even gestures. At the same time, however, research has shown that charismatic people do not emulate other charismatic people. Their individuality sets them apart.

·         Have a message. Don't be afraid to be controversial, to push the envelope. If you believe in something or feel strongly about it, communicate that in a respectful way. Your charisma will help people be accepting of your ideas.

Contributed by: verygood101 @ yahoo.com

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For Whiter Teeth

First impressions make a huge difference, and a great smile can give you the confidence you need to smile with pride. While everyone wants a bright and white smile, but aren't sure how to achieve it. To help you get the pearly whites you've always dreamed of, please enjoy the following list of simple tips to get whiter teeth.

    1. Eating Habits: A lot of foods have staining properties that will, over time, affect the whiteness of your teeth. Foods like berries, soy sauce, and curry are all dark foods that can stain your teeth. You don't need to give up any of these foods however, simply remember to brush your teeth after each meal or snack. Also, the more raw and natural foods you eat, the better. Fast food and chemical-based processed foods are much more likely to leave stains.

    2. Drinking Habits: Coffee, soda, wine and tea also contribute to yellowed teeth. Not only do they satin, but hot and cold temperatures also make your teeth more vulnerable to stains, making hot coffee that much worse. Like with food, brush after drinking staining substances, but not directly after wards or you could wear down tooth enamel.

    3. Natural Solutions: It may come as a surprise, but many fruits have natural whitening properties when used correctly. You can mash up some strawberries and put them on your brush with toothpaste, or just rub on to the teeth, Leave on for five minutes, then rinse off. Another whitening fruit is orange peels. Rub orange peels on the teeth, and rinse. You can also try orange peel, bay leaves, and toothpaste finely mixed.

    4. Baking Soda :It's widely know that baking soda can whiten teeth and can be found in many toothpastes already. You can also make your own baking soda whitener by mixing baking soda with salt or by simply adding a small amount of baking soda to your toothbrush before the paste.

    5. Smoking: Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco damage and yellow your teeth in immense amounts. If you're a smoker or chewer and want whiter teeth, start by cutting down on your tobacco habits as much as possible. Even the smallest cut down will help you have whiter, brighter teeth.

    6. Fluoride :Some waters and even toothpastes contain fluoride, which has been discovered to yellow teeth. Check toothpaste and water bottles for fluoride before purchasing to avoid accidentally darkening your teeth.

    7. Water :Drink as much water as possible throughout your day. This will rinse any remaining food or substance from your teeth and lead to overall whiter teeth and improved oral health. Drinking plenty of water is good for the rest of your body too, and added bonus!

    8. Dental Care :This should be a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised at how many people complain about yellow teeth that don't even brush regularly. Both flossing and brushing 2-3 times a day at least is the best white to maintain a bright and healthy smile.

    9. Home-Cleaning Kits: There are a lot of teeth whitening kits on the market to choose from, but few of them are right for everyone or even healthy to use. Before deciding to purchase one of these kits, do thorough research on which is best for you. Some of them may do harm than help, and leave you in pain and unsatisfied.

    10. Routine Cleaning :Last but not least, see the dentist as often as possible for a check-up and cleaning. No one can get your teeth cleaner than the dentist, and they can give you new and useful tips on how to maintain whiter teeth in healthy ways. Most dentists also offer teeth whitening services, which are guaranteed to be safe, healthy and effective.

Contributed by: bsundaran @ yahoo.com

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To Lighten Your Skin

Dark spots, and freckles, and skin-damage - oh my! Looking to lighten your complexion? Every shade of skin is beautiful, but as we grow older our skin tone can change. Freckles may appear, dark spots can arise, and skin may not be as light as it once was. So, if you're still not ready to embrace your dark side, read on for a few natural whitening tips and tricks.

Use Sunblock :

One of the easiest ways to stay fair is to use sunblock on a daily basis. Find a moisturizer that includes an SPF of 15 or higher and use it every morning after washing your face. Sunblock not only prevents your skin from getting darker, but also blocks harmful UV rays that can cause cancer and premature aging. Remember your hands when applying sunblock, as they are a prime area for age spots.

Exfoliate :

Exfoliating once a week will remove dead skin cells to lighten and brighten your skin. Mix two tablespoons oatmeal and two tablespoons brown sugar with a quarter cup of milk, and stir until a paste forms. Gently scrub your face, rinse, and moisturize.

Make a Mask :

A homemade mask is a great way to lighten your skin and a good excuse to kick back on the couch. Try using one once a week. Use one tablespoon of each of the following: sandalwood paste, lemon juice, tomato juice, and cucumber juice. Mix them all together to form a paste. Spread the mixture on your face and wait until it dries. Rinse and moisturize for a natural glow.

Licorice Extract :

Licorice extract contains glabridin, a component that acts as a natural skin whitener. Apply a thin layer of the extract morning and evening, after you wash your face and before you moisturize. Licorice extract can be found at any health food store or ordered online. Be sure to store the bottle in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness. Note: test a small amount on the back of your arm before using on your face to be sure you do not have an allergic reaction.

Remember to love your skin no matter what color it is. It's a part of who you are and that's what makes you beautiful and unique.

Contributed by: verygood101 @ yahoo.com

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How to Convince People Effectively`

The ability make others believe what you believe is important for success in many fields. There is often a fine line between convincing somebody your views are valid and annoying them. In this article we'll look at some of the techniques you can use if you want to convince another individual to believe what you believe.

Steps

* Do the homework. Make sure you understand your own viewpoint. If you are going to try to convince somebody that the Eiffel Tower is taller than the Statue of Liberty, find out the facts first, don't make assumptions.

* Learn the field. For certain areas you will need to know more than just the facts, as some subjects are subjective. For example, if you wanted to convince somebody that the Statue of Liberty was prettier than the Eiffel Tower you will need to know enough about architecture and aesthetics to argue about that subject, as well as the facts, like how tall they are. If you are selling something, like a car, you will need to know all there is to know about the car you are selling. Likewise, you will need to know all about the other cars that are in competition with your vehicle.

* Engage the person politely. Maintain eye contact where possible, but don't be annoying about it.

* Establish mutual respect. You will never convince anybody of anything if they believe you do not respect them, so show the person you respect them and be good enough to gain their respect.

* Gain trust. To convince people of most things you will need their trust. They don't have to trust you as a person, but they do need to trust that what you are saying makes sense, that you know your "stuff". The best way to do this is to do your homework and fieldwork, that way you know a lot about the subject.

* Listen carefully to what your debate partner has to say. Respond thoughtfully to their point of view.

* When you can, back up what you say with real facts. Lying will only convince somebody until they find out about the lie, then you will never be able to convince them of anything again.

* Be willing to be convinced. Sometimes accepting one point from the other person and showing that you can change your mind when you are wrong will help them to be the same, and change their mind about the subject you care about.

* Practice active listening. Active listening helps you control a conversation and keeps it on track. Active listening techniques include:

·         Non-verbal feedback. Nodding your head as the other talks etc.

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·         Paraphrase what the other person has said to make sure you understand it.

* Make sure you understand the other person's objections and respond to them in an intelligent manner.

* Keep vigilant about your belief, but always respectful of the beliefs of others. Explain why your belief is important to you.

* Understand the other person's motivations. If you know what another person wants, you are more likely to be able to give it to them.

* Rephrase your beliefs in a way that the other person is better able to understand.

* Follow up. Ask questions to make sure the other person understands their new views completely.

Tips

·         To hold the eye of a crowd select individuals in the crowd and hold their eyes on-and-off through your presentation.

·         Never lose your cool. Nothing lacks conviction more than a raving idiot.

·         Always be friendly and respectful even if the other person does not change their mind.

·         Beliefs fade. You may think you have changed somebodies mind but find that in a day or two, perhaps a week, they are right back to where they were before.

·         Buy and read some books on sales techniques.

Contributed by: verygood101 @ yahoo.com

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The Best Lawyer Story You Ever Heard

Charlotte , North Carolina .  A lawyer purchased a box of very rare and expensive cigars, then insured them against, among other things, fire.

Within a month, having smoked his entire stockpile of these great cigars and without yet having made even his first premium payment on the policy the lawyer filed a claim against the insurance company. In his claim, the lawyer stated the cigars were lost "in a series of small fires." The insurance company refused to pay, citing the obvious reason, that the man had consumed the cigars in the normal fashion.

The lawyer sued.. and WON!

(Stay with me.)

Delivering the ruling, the judge agreed with the insurance company

that the claim was frivolous.

The judge stated nevertheless, that the lawyer held a policy from

the company, which it had warranted that the cigars were insurable and also guaranteed that it would insure them against fire, without defining what is considered to be unacceptable fire" and was obligated to pay the claim.

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Rather than endure lengthy and costly appeal process, the insurance company accepted the ruling and paid $15,000 to the lawyer for his loss of the cigars lost in the "fires".

NOW FOR THE BEST PART..

After the lawyer cashed the check, the insurance company had him

arrested on 24 counts of ARSON (Arson is the crime of deliberately and maliciously setting fire to structures or wildland areas.)

With his own insurance claim and testimony from the previous case

being used against him, the lawyer was convicted of intentionally burning his insured property and was sentenced to 24 months in jail and a $24,000 fine.

This is a true story and was the First Place winner in the recent Criminal Lawyers Award Contest.

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Quick Fire Health Tips

Relax during pregnancy

Tension during pregnancy makes you forget your good intentions. Relaxation exercises could help a lot. Sit with eyes closed. Relax your feet muscles, legs, neck and face. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, push your abdomen out, count to four, relax shoulder and neck muscles, exhale slowly and count to six. Repeat this 4-5 times until you are completely relaxed. 

Respiratory infections and dietary restrictions

There should be no restrictions even of cold drinks, ice-cream, curds or fried food if you are suffering from some respiratory infection. Have plenty of fluids. Rarely, an allergy to some foods like cow's milk, eggs, chocolate, etc. may aggravate a cough. 

Restrict the intake of high soda drinks

Restrict your child's intake of high soda drinks as these can lead to tooth decay among children and teenagers. 

Rice based cereals better than wheat based

The first cereal your baby should have by 5-6 months is a rice-and not wheat based one. This is digested more easily and less likely to cause allergies. 

Schedule a pap smear after your period

Schedule a pap smear for five to ten days after your period. That is when the cervical mucus is thinnest and the test gets the best sample for cancer detection. 

Sinusitis and air travel

Avoid flying if you have sinusitis, cold or cough. It can result in acute pain in the ears and sinuses. 

Skin care during winter

Winter is harsh on the skin. Dry air and harsh wind can sap moisture from the skin, causing cracking, chapping, and irritation. Do not take long, hot showers. They may sound appealing, but they strip skin of its natural moisturizing oils. Instead, take a short, warm shower; pat your skin almost dry, then put on a good moisturizer while the skin is still damp. You will need an emollient lotion for hands, heels, or anywhere else where you experience especially dry, cracked skin. 

Skin spots

Small, scaly white-to-tan spots over the upper arms, neck, chest and back could be tinea versicolor. This is a common fungal infection of the skin for which a dermatologist may be consulted. 

Sleep well

Sleep is important for a healthy lifestyle. Like eating right and exercising, sleeping well is essential to feeling your best during the day. Some tips for getting a good nights sleep are:

·         Keep regular hours, even on weekends

·         Develop a ritual before going to bed so your body gets ready for sleep

·         Exercise regularly to help relieve tension

·         Cut down on stimulants, such as caffeine

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·         Stop smoking, statistically smokers take longer to fall asleep.

Protect yourself from dengue and malaria

Personal protection against mosquito bites should be done by using mosquito repellents, netting and wearing clothes that cover the body while going out. Rooms should be properly screened with gauze/screen/wire-mesh. Care should be taken to see that there are no stagnating water bodies around the living areas and the surroundings are kept clean. 

Protect yourself from heat stroke

·         Drink lots of fluids through the day.

·         Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing in hot weather.

·         Avoid dark coloured clothes as they absorb more heat.

·         Cover your head.

·         Limit exposure to the hot sun and wear a broad rimmed hat if working in the sun.

·         Avoid strenuous activity in hot or humid weather.

Quit smoking today

·         Tell your family or a friend about your decision to quit for their support.

·         Set a date for quitting. Don't be too hasty; give yourself enough time.

·         Begin an exercise program. Exercise relieves stress and helps your body circulate the nutrients needed to repair all the damage caused from smoking.

·         Drink lots of water to flush out the nicotine and other chemicals from the body.

·         Avoid smoke-filled places, as the smell may be intoxicating.

Recognising a heart attack

Heart attacks, most often presents as chest pain or discomfort. This can be accompanied by nausea/vomiting or pain going to the neck, back, jaw, arms, or shoulders, numbness or tingling in one or both arms, shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, sweating, weakness, dizziness and indigestion. These symptoms may be constant, or come and go. 

Reduce allergies

Avoid soft toys, drapes, feather pillows and carpets. Vacuum regularly and use a damp cloth for mopping and dusting. 

Reduce harmful fat in your diet

Reduce harmful fat in your diet by avoiding processed meats such as sausages and salami, chicken skin, fried fish and meat. 

Reduce heartburn and nausea in pregnancy

Eat small, frequent meals to decrease the severity of nausea and heartburn during pregnancy. Also, avoid tight clothes, spicy, greasy foods or lying down within two hours of eating. 

Reduce salt consumption

Reduce salt consumption by using less salt in cooking and at the table. Reduce your intake of canned and preserved foods, including pickles. Include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Once you start, it takes only a short while to get used to lower levels of salt. 

Reduce your caffeine intake for a better health

Reduce your coffee intake - too much caffeine can kill your nervous system. To keep you awake, try drinking hot water or juice. If caffeine is absolutely necessary as a wake-upper, try sipping slowly to lessen your consumption and maximize the effect of the caffeine. 

Reduce your cancer risk

Eat a low-fat, high-fibre diet. Include five servings of fruits and vegetables daily from the following list - a medium sized fruit, ¾ cup of fruit juice, ¼ cup dry fruits, ½ cup vegetables, 1 cup raw leafy vegetable like spinach/lettuce, ½ cup cooked daal or beans or peas. 

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