8 Things Happy People Avoid

This list is priceless. I stayed in an abusive, painful marriage for 36 years. All that time I saw myself as a victim but what I did was wallow in self pity and I got so sick (both mentally and physically) that my doctor asked me point blank if I wanted to die. It was like he slapped me in the face. Did I want to die? At that point I thought I did. But I began to see I couldn't save my husband or my son and I walked out. (I had warned my ex for years that if I left I would never come back. Since I had threatened to leave for so long I don't think he believed I ever would. But I started on a new path where I incorporated the 'fixes' listed in this article. It'm now almost 16 years past the day I walked out and I'm the happiest I've ever been in my life. I keep telling my son that he is responsible for his own happiness. He can't get it from a relationship - it has to start with HIM. He's miserable all the time - and this is 4 years past the end of his second marriage (he's 42). I wish others well in their journeys in life. May you find what makes you happy and grab it and hold on tight. Life is a one way street - we get no more do-overs - so make the best you can of your life!!

#2 is my nemesis! But I learned something here - it's not just too-high expectations that get in the way of happiness. It's all expectations. Wow. That was an eye-opener!

I've discovered that every time something bad happens, at least two good things are right behind, if I look for them. Sometimes there are as many as five blessings following something negative! Keeping your eyes open for them helps change your focus, and thus your attitude.

When I find myself judging someone harshly, I try to find something I can honestly compliment them on, and then I sincerely give them that compliment. This is another way to change your focus and attitude. :)

I'm going to send this out to my unhappy friend and ask her if she thinks it sounds like me. (it sounds like her of course LOL)

Ya, when the mind reading starts up, that's my queue to crack open a beer and put my headphones on!

The big one here for me is mind reading. I hate to admit it but it's true.

I'm pretty happy with my life and I have to agree with everything you said. Could not have put it better myself. Now to find ways to share this with certain people without implying anything :)

I'd rather see it expressed in the positive--8 things happy people do.

Excellent article. Couldn't have said it any better. Thanks for writing. Love the smile.

Very true!