Is True Happiness Possible?

December 26, 2019 John Uncategorized No comments

Happiness has a reputation for being elusive. Some would say it’s not even possible.

GenuLines offers you some points to consider as you do your own evaluation. 

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Is True Happiness Possible?

When your struggles get to be too much it’s easy to think that happiness is not even possible. The truth is there are different levels of happiness that you can experience in your life.
 
The process doesn’t move in a straight line. Your attitude is the difference maker.
 
Look Around You
happy personIt’s one thing to say that people can’t be happy unless they have their basic needs met. But there are people all around you who don’t have their needs met yet are very happy.
 
 
 
Studies of affluent people tend to show find they’re not happier than poor people in general.
 
It’s Not About Stuff
If you look at a list of the happiest countries in the world, you tend to find that being happy isn’t about owning things. Often the happiest people live in the poorest countries.
 
It’s common to find that the USA ranks in the teens on these lists. Stuff doesn’t guarantee happiness.
 
It’s Not Even About Goals
You may insist that it’s all about about reaching your goals. If you often say things like “I’ll be happy when…” then happiness may elude you.
 
You can be happy now, before you reach your goals.
 
It’s Not About Your Circumstances
Now, of course, some things in life can really get you down. But a happy disposition can serve you well.
 
You’ll be better able to navigate the murky water.
 
*Dr. Gillian Mandich is a well known name in this area. She believes that our circumstances account for only 10 percent of our happiness.
 
Happiness is about accepting that you can experience it and understanding it’s meaning. A happy person isn’t going to be the same level of happy 24/7, 365 days a year.
 
Think about cancer sufferers who manage to have a happy attitude. Or children around the world who don’t get enough to eat.
 
Be in that state of mind and you can be happy, too.
 
JohnK 12-26-2019
 
stick figure talking about happinessOverheard: “It’s a helluva start, being able to recognize what makes you happy.”
                                             ~Lucille Ball
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Angels Everywhere, So Are They Real?

December 25, 2019 John Uncategorized No comments

If you’re celebrating Christmas today you’re probably in close proximity to angels. We see them on decorations, greeting cards, and tree ornaments.

Do you know that the majority of North Americans believe angels are real? In this interview we hear from Corin Grillo. She says angels are real, and they’re standing by to help you in your daily life.

picture of angel authorCorin Grillo is the author of The Angel Experiment: A 21-Day Magical Adventure to Heal Your Life.

Click on below to hear the interview. And, enjoy your holiday!

 

 

 

 

logo is angel button

 

JohnK 12-25-2019

chiforyourself.com home

 

 

 

 

 

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Happiness Is More Than Thinking Positive Thoughts

December 24, 2019 John Uncategorized No comments
 
Your happiness level isn’t what you’d like it to be. Someone in your circle suggests that you should think positive thoughts. That’s the answer, or so it seems. 
 
Today GenuLines looks at happiness as more than just staying in a positive mindset.  
 

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Happiness Is More Than Thinking Positive Thoughts

The dictionary defines happiness as “the state of being happy.” Not a lot of information to go on there.
 
Let’s look at some different things that happiness can be. But realize that in truth, happiness is in the mind of the beholder.
 
smiley faces show happiness
 
Your Needs are Met
When a person is happy, they usually aren’t wanting for much. It doesn’t mean that they’re not having a tough time.
 
Rather, they’re making what they have fill their needs.
You feel satisfied
When you’re happy you tend to feel satisfied with your life. You think about your life and feel good about your good fortune.
 
This could include your living space, your life partner, or the fact that you live alone.
 
Contentment is a hallmark of happy people. Whether it’s their job, home, health, or things in general.
 
Happy people do experience stress. But they have a way of drawing on their contentment when things are less than perfect.
 
You Are at Peace
A happy person often feels a lot of peace surrounding their life and family. They tend to know that everything will turn out okay.
 
They’re pretty good at turning negativity into positivity.
 
Your Definition
You can set your own definition of happiness. It’s not necessarily about getting tons of stuff.
 
It’s not about finding a spouse unless you want that. Or about having kids, unless you want that.
 
It’s a Journey
Happiness isn’t a destination where you’ll forever dwell. It’s a lifelong journey that will have many ups and downs and struggles.
 
Still, you manage to feel good about it.
 
In the 1989 movie “Parenthood”, one of the main characters is a struggling mother. She says she loves “the roller-coaster” of life.
 
Her husband, though, is struggling and not as happy. He focuses on the downs instead of the ups.
 
It’s How You Act
When you’re happy your actions lean toward the positive. You eat better, you move more, you think better thoughts.
 
Know that you have it in your power to be happy where you are in your life right now.
 
Thinking positive thoughts is not the be-all and end-all of happiness. It’s having your needs met, yes.
 
But it’s not about having everything, or even the best. It’s about being satisfied with what you have while also being able to work toward the things you want.
 
It starts with your thoughts. And it manifests with your actions.
 
JohnK 12-24-2019
 
stick figure talking about happinessOverheard: “If thou wilt make a man happy, add not unto his riches but take away from his desires.”
                                                         ~Epicurus
 
 

 

 

Article Image by Gino Crescoli from Pixabay  
 
 
disclaimer about happiness
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Happiness Can Improve Your Health

December 17, 2019 John Uncategorized No comments

Today we look at the idea of happiness. It would take a lot more space than we have here to completely cover the subject. 

Today GenuLines zeroes in on how a happy attitude can be a boost for your health. 

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Happiness Can Improve Your Health

puzzle about happinessHappiness is an important ingredient in a healthy life. Studies find that happiness plays a big part in good health.
 
This ranges from living a healthy lifestyle to reducing chronic pain.
 
 
 
Happier people are about twice as likely to eat fresh vegetables than unhappy folks. This is a much healthier option than a diet high in processed foods.
 
Better eating habits translate into more energy. Keep in mind that negativity or sadness can drain the energy from your body
 
Boosts Immunity
Feeling happy also helps boost immunity. In one study researchers actually gave the cold virus to a group of people.
 
Those who said they’re happy were three times less likely to suffer cold symptoms!
 
Lessens Stress
If you’re happy, you’ll have a lot less to keep you up at night, to worry about, so you’ll end up with less stress. But that’s not all.
 
Happy people tend to report less stress even in stressful situations.
 
Protects Cardiovascular Health
Eating better and moving more combined with your happiness, also boosts cardiovascular health. You’re less likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke. or other heart health and cardiovascular issues.
 
Increases Longevity
Eating right, exercising more and feeling great about life can mean living longer. One long-term longevity study tracked the lives of 32,000 people.
 
It’s not surprising that the happy people tended to live 14 percent longer.
 
Diminishes Pain
Happiness benefits extended to chronic pain sufferers, too. Happy people tend to deal better with their pain.
 
This extended to other illnesses as well.
 
When you’re happy, you’re more likely to eat right, drink enough water, and move. Don’t be surprised if being in better spirits means being more active.
 
Change your mindset and watch how you change your level of happiness. Your happiness has little to do with your circumstances.
 
It has everything to do with how you react to them.
 
JohnK 12-17-2019
 
stick man feeling happinessOverheard: ” The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet”
                                                    ~ J. Robert Oppenheimer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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The Power of Self-Belief

December 10, 2019 John Uncategorized No comments
Self-belief makes you unstoppable. Don’t believe it?
 
Allow GenuLines to offer you a little reminder of how this works.

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The Power of Self-Belief

You’ve heard it before. If you believe in yourself, there’s little to stop you in whatever your pursuits.
 
superman's self-belefIt gives you the power to push forward and to defy the odds. You’ll be able to handle any roadblocks that come your way.
 
And you’ll brush off the naysayers.
 
It gives you peace of mind when you stick to your self-belief. To keep that self-belief strong, you need to define your goals.
 
 
 
You wouldn’t expect a general to fight a war without a map. You too need a map to guide you on how to proceed.
 
Too many people skip this step and wonder why they aren’t getting anywhere. Goals are your guidance, but carrying through with them is only done when you believe that it’s possible.
 
This belief is the energy you need to take action.
 
It helps you to focus on getting your tasks completed. You’ll also build confidence when you have self-belief.
 
It’s a powerful tool that will attract others to your confidence.
 
They’ll follow your lead, and you’ll help show them what is possible. When you run into any stumbling blocks (and you will), that confidence will help you see them through.
 
You’ll know how to take alternative action when necessary. The people following you will respect that as well. Several forces will try to beat you down.
 
You may even find yourself letting it happen.
 
You need to get centered on why you started your journey in the first place. Use affirmations to reinforce your message.

Be consistent with your affirmations

Unfortunately, many of the negative forces are going to be from your family and friends. They will see it as helping you avoid mistakes.
 
Many people will succumb to this negative pressure and give up. One way to prevent this is to join groups of like-minded individuals.
 
These can be connections to your business. Or they can be groups that focus on self-help.
 
These organizations exist to try and push the negative forces out. It’s great to go to meetings and get encouragement from the group.
 
These associations can lead to friendships that help you encourage each other. You may even form business partnerships from these friendships.
 
It’s good to know that you have this kind of support. They understand when everyone else around you doesn’t.
 
Your self-belief will get a shot in the arm, too.
 
JohnK 12-10-2019
 
stick man feeling self-beliefOverheard:  “Once we believe in ourselves, we can risk curiosity, wonder, spontaneous delight, or any experience that reveals the human spirit”
                                       ~E. E. Cummings
 
 
 
 
 
 

Article Image by Peggy und Marco Lachmann-Anke from Pixabay

 
 
 
 
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Make a List of Everything You Are Grateful For

December 3, 2019 John Uncategorized No comments
Business magnate Richard Branson says he’s “passionate about lists.” What’s on your lists?
 
GenuLines suggests making a list that proclaims your gratitude.
 
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Make a List of Everything You Are Grateful For

You may forget the little things that you’re grateful for in your life. But, if you keep them in plain sight, it can help you reinforce your gratitude.
 
check listSo why not write them down, and keep them close by?
 
If you find yourself overwhelmed by negative feelings, refer to your list. It can serve as a way to reset your negativity.
 
Think of all the things you’re grateful for and start listing them. If you get stuck, think about the people in your life.
 
 
 
Who gives you happy thoughts?
 
List the aspects of what those people do to make you happy. If you love the way your spouse smiles at you, write that down.
 
It can be something simple, such as reading the newspaper on the train. The point is, no item is too small to add to the list.
 
Do you love the jokes that the server tells you when you get your cup of coffee and your muffin? That goes on the list, too.
 
Your list should never be complete as you will find new experiences and people to add to it. Each day, there is potential for people to make a small difference in your life.
 
But, remember that you make differences in other peoples’ lives as well.
 
Try to make those experiences more positive than negative. If people around you bring you down either avoid them or try to help them to be more positive. 
 
If you are the one bringing people down, you need to try and reverse this.
 
The list will be a big factor in helping you. Negative and bitter feelings stem from not appreciating your life and all the things in it.
 
That’s one reason why keeping a list is so important.
 
You can choose to write this list on a piece of paper, or keep it on an electronic device. It doesn’t matter how you store it, but you want it to be accessible.
 
Commit to reading it and make regular updates to it. Add to it as you find more things that you are grateful for in your life.
 
Maintaining this list could be the basis for a book that you write about appreciating your life. By publishing your list, you may help others do the same.
 
Reading your ideas might spark them to be grateful, too.
 
JohnK 12-3-2019
 
stick figure talking about listsOverheard: “Lists today are a way of trying to get through the day because we are losing a sense of time”
                                                ~David Viscott
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Article Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

 
 
 
 
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With Gratitude from GenuLines

November 28, 2019 John Uncategorized No comments

 

Thank you GenuLines/Chi For Yourself community!

 

 

JohnK 11-28-2019

chiforyourself.com home

 

Learn the Facts Before Passing Judgment

November 26, 2019 John Uncategorized No comments
 
Mark Twain once said, “facts are stubborn things.” And GenuLines knows that not checking the facts can kick you like a stubborn mule!
 
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Learn the Facts Before Passing Judgment

Adversity often occurs when people react without having all the facts. Sometimes, they’ll think they have the facts but they’ve learned the wrong information.
 
Avoiding these situations is a matter of getting the facts and making sure they”re correct.
When you have the facts on your side, you can present your argument.
 
Magnifying glass finds fact
 
Further, you will be less likely to make a judgment about a situation because the facts back it up. This will prevent you from getting yourself and others into any trouble.
 
The internet offers us a vast pool of information. But people tend to be too willing to trust any information they find.
 
They get a false sense of security, believing that the first search engine results are the best. That’s not always the case.
 
Search engine results change with time. You can get different results from one search to the next on the same search engine.
 
Look for a variety of sources that you believe carry authority.
 
For instance, when you look for medical advice, don’t stop at a site such as WebMD.com and call it quits. While this website may have qualified advice, it’s not the only source.
 
Another could be the Journal of The American Medical Association (JAMA) website.
When you find other websites, look for sources that the articles cite.

Are they valid sources?

Check to make sure they’re from authoritative people.
 
Watch for red flags. Like blogs that make claims but don’t cite sources.
 
Anyone can create a blog, and have it published in minutes. They’re free to publish whatever they like.
 
That’s why readers must be critical of every source they treat as fact.
 
There’s nothing wrong with a blogger posting an obvious opinion piece. But, don’t accept the post as fact.
 
Treat it as a good starting point for your research.
 
You’ll hear people cite Wikipedia.org as a source for their facts. While that resource has gotten better at fact-checking, don’t lose sight that anyone can add and make changes to it.
 
Still, it does have some uses. At the end of most articles, there’s a wealth of resources and links that authors often include.
 
Use them for further research.
 
JohnK 11-26-2019
 
 
stick figure listening for factsOverheard: “There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact.”
                            ~Arthur Conan Doyle (The Boscombe Valley Mystery)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Post image by Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

 
 
 
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Does Your To-Do List Work For You?

November 19, 2019 John Uncategorized No comments
A to-do list can help keep order in your life. But does your list make the grade?
 
This GenuLines overview will help you get up to speed.
 
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Does Your To-Do List Work For You?

picture of to-do list
 
The to-do list is a helpful tool. Something is satisfying about checking off an item when completed.
 
It can also be a reference when a boss wants to know employees’ progress. But, are you doing the right tasks to meet your longer-term goals?
 
 
 
That can leave you feeling as though you aren’t progressing.
 
Worse, you’ll be going through the motions of “doing something.” This will make the process of not getting anywhere that much more frustrating.
 
To-do lists are a good idea. But, you need to make sure they’re in-line with your goals.
 
You should consider taking a top-down approach to your tasks rather than bottom-up.

Start with your long-term goals

picture of to-do listWhere do you see yourself in a few years from now? If you can’t answer that question, you need to do some soul-searching.
 
Find what you want to accomplish at a high-level. Then, you can use that to break it down into granular tasks.
 
 
Finally, you use the mid-level tasks to help define the to-do list that you use daily. People put off setting long-term goals because the time frame seems so far in the future.
 
How can you be expected to know what’s going to happen five to ten years from now? It’s much easier to choose the shorter-term time frames.
 
You can measure what happens two weeks from now as it’s going to happen soon.

Commitment

picture of to-do listSome people believe that declaring a long term goal and chiseling it in stone commits them to it. Remember that circumstances can change, and goal adjusting may be called for.
 
Don’t be afraid to commit to your goals. You may want to create a few long-term goals.
 
 
As you’re working on what it will take to reach those goals, you can decide which path makes the most sense. You can take into account both feasibility and costs.
 
Some goals become unattainable for one reason or another, so prepare to change course. In fact, if you can project these possibilities, you can put them on your list of goals.
 
Set your goals and break them down into sub-tasks. Creating your to-do lists will become easier.
 
And, they’ll get you closer to accomplishing your goals.
 
JohnK 11-19-2019
chiforyourself.com home
 
stick figure talking about to-do listsOverheard:  “The best cure for a sluggish mind is to disturb its routine”
                                             ~William H. Danforth
 
 

 

 

 

 

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Trust Your Choices To Work For You

November 12, 2019 John Uncategorized No comments
You trust others, but in yourself, you’re not so sure. Are you in this camp?
 
Today GenuLines offers some ideas to help you turn this around.
 

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Trust Your Choices To Work For You

alligator and man with trustYou may have a difficult time trusting yourself. If so, you’re not alone.
 
Often, when you lose trust in others, you start to lose trust in yourself.
 
To help you overcome this problem, you need to focus on key aspects of trust. The first is to be mindful of your accomplishments.
 
 
 
Pass off your accomplishments as unimportant and they won’t be there to draw on when you need them. That’s sure to interrupt the process of trusting yourself. 
 

Trust your instincts

This feeling will put you on target if it comes from the deepest part of you. An instinct is something you feel strongly about and does not come only from experiences.
 
It comes from something internal that defies explanation. It’s part of that inner voice that is telling you what to do.
 
You need only listen. How many times have you said to yourself that you should have listened to your instincts?
 

Opening up to others

A funny thing happens when you let others into your life. You find that you become more trusting of yourself.
 
Don’t be afraid to need other people.
 
Draw from the strength of others to supplement what you know. It’ll unburden you from feeling as though you have to do everything yourself.
 
And it will open you to the possibilities of trusting yourself.
 

Filter out negative information

You’re bombarded with negativity throughout your life. You get it every day in the news, at work, and too often, at home.
 
The more you learn to focus on positivity in your life, the easier it will be to trust yourself. A good first step towards this goal is to avoid negative people.
 
Trusting yourself sometimes requires a leap of faith. Take some chances.
 

Risk

Sure, you want to take calculated risks. But you don’t want to over-analyze every decision you make.
 
That will only cause you to stagnate.
 
It’s true that not everything will work out the way you plan. But you’ll never know unless you try.
 
The good news is that when you’re ready to try, many of your decisions will work for you.
 
JohnK 11-12-2019
chiforyourself.com home
 
stick figure talking about trustOverheard: “The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.”
                                 ~Ernest Hemingway
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Article image by skeeze from Pixabay

 
 
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