a friend forwarded this to me and thought of sharing this here. hehehe. kinda cool right?
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Saturday, July 12, 2008
best habits of the happiest people
over more than 3 decades of analysing personal happiness, psychology professor michael fordyce identified 14 traits associated with increased happiness. volunteers who used these strategies felt happier even years later.
1. be more active and keep busy. get involved in activities that are:
1. be more active and keep busy. get involved in activities that are:
- enjoyable (sort of obvious, but when fordyce study participants thought about activities they enjoyed, as opposed to those they didn't enjoy, they learnt something new about themselves)
- exciting and physically active rather than sedate and tranquil. (but there's a place for both)
- new and unfamiliar
- social rather than solitary
- meaningful, not trivial
2. spend more time socialising.
formal clubs and organisations and informal relationships (family, friends, spouse) contribute strong feelings of satisfaction, support and a sense of belonging.
3. be more productive at meaningful work.
choose careers wisely, persevere towards commitments and goals and try to find meaning in work or voluntary activities.
4. get organised.
crack procrastination and take some lessons from the time management books to help work towards and refine goals.
5. stop worrying.
list your worries daily for a few weeks to observe your worry patterns: most don't come true and many are beyond your control anyway. learn to distinguish between worry and planning and see the planning ease the worry.
6. lower expectations and aspirations.
"how pleased we are with life is not merely determined by what happens to us," says fordyce. "it is also determined by what we expect to happen to us."
- don't tempt disappointment: cultivate a modest expectation of daily life.
- recognise that "success" may not be as key to your happiness as you've been led to believe.
- don't wait to be happy - it's a way to travel, not a place to arrive, the present, not the unknown future, matters most.
- select life goals that are within your ability to attain.
7. think positively and be optimistic.
it's not what you have, it's how you look at it. take a real situation (you didn't get the house you wanted to rent/ you missed the train) and see it in its most positive and and most negative light, and you'll get the picture. ultimately, says fordyce, it's about believing you can be happy no matter what.
8. be present-orientated.
there's more happiness in the "here and now" than the "there and then". savour the moment and keenly appreciate the pleasures of life.
9. work on a healthy personality. to get going in the right direction, try to:
- like yourself - analyse your views about yourself and how these affect your happiness.
- accept yourself, shortcomings and all.
- know yourself: you need insight and understanding to make good decisions about what to do.
- help yourself: cultivate self-sufficiency and being "inner" rather than "outer" directed.
10. develop an outgoing social personality.
you'll likely expand your social life with small changes such as smiling more, acknowledging others and initiating conversations.
11. be yourself.
get comfortable expressing yourself honestly and you are more likely to find others who like you "just the way you are".
12. eliminate negative feelings and problems.
seek help with problems such as addiction or depression. it's hard to work on happiness if your unhappiness is too encumbering.
13. close relationships are no. 1
healthy, loving relationships are critically important, whether with family, friends or a romantic partner.
14. value happiness.
fordyce says people who regard happiness as important are - quite simply - happier.
- healthsmart magazine of reader's digest
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
school's cool
it's school time once again and i can't help but feel a little envy with the students coming back to school this year.
what i miss about school are the times when i get to buy my school stuff and check out my new books, share updates with my classmates and talk endlessly about our vacation.
time really runs rather way too fast. just imagine that in the next year we'll be celebrating our 10th anniversary of graduating from high school. i hope the concerned bodies take the initiative to organize reunions this time.
if i'd be asked which part of schooling would be my favorite? that'll have to be college. yeah. not because it registers the most recent memories but also because it's the time i experienced freedom. freedom to decide on my own on certain things. it was also during this time that i've met most of my friends. i've experienced so many "first times" during college and these make me solicit a smile whenever i get to reminisce these memories.
these made me prove what i was often been told about before, to enjoy my student life because once i graduated and started to have a career, i'd definitely miss school. why is it like that, when you're still studying, you're already eager to get a job, and when you are already working, you'd be wanting to go back to school? oh well...
my advice to students who's coming back to school this year, enjoy and savor every moment of being a student. yes, it is really exhausting but it's where you are groomed to be ready for the real world. establish good relationships as early as now, it will be helpful in the future. remember to balance your academic and social life. most important of all, study well. dunno how exactly to explain it, when i was a student, i used to let it in then out of the other ear. only to prove later on that every advice given to me was right.
been there. done that.
what i miss about school are the times when i get to buy my school stuff and check out my new books, share updates with my classmates and talk endlessly about our vacation.
time really runs rather way too fast. just imagine that in the next year we'll be celebrating our 10th anniversary of graduating from high school. i hope the concerned bodies take the initiative to organize reunions this time.
if i'd be asked which part of schooling would be my favorite? that'll have to be college. yeah. not because it registers the most recent memories but also because it's the time i experienced freedom. freedom to decide on my own on certain things. it was also during this time that i've met most of my friends. i've experienced so many "first times" during college and these make me solicit a smile whenever i get to reminisce these memories.
these made me prove what i was often been told about before, to enjoy my student life because once i graduated and started to have a career, i'd definitely miss school. why is it like that, when you're still studying, you're already eager to get a job, and when you are already working, you'd be wanting to go back to school? oh well...
my advice to students who's coming back to school this year, enjoy and savor every moment of being a student. yes, it is really exhausting but it's where you are groomed to be ready for the real world. establish good relationships as early as now, it will be helpful in the future. remember to balance your academic and social life. most important of all, study well. dunno how exactly to explain it, when i was a student, i used to let it in then out of the other ear. only to prove later on that every advice given to me was right.
been there. done that.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
the marikina valley forums
are you from marikina? do you love interacting in forums? then this news you've got to hear. the marikina valley forums is now up and running. discuss anything and everything marikina and meet up with your co-marikenyos as well.
i joined this forums months ago upon the invitation of mhel, a good friend of mine. i was a bit reluctant at first but after joining in, it proved to be one of a kind forum experience.
since we are all from marikina, setting an eyeball is never a problem. almost everyone is just a text away. in about an hour or so, everyone is already at the meeting place.
these guys are really awesome. whenever we are together there is non-stop laughter. we share common interests, discuss different opinions and other bonding stuff.
more power to marikina valley forums and to the people who continue to support its aims and goals!!!
i joined this forums months ago upon the invitation of mhel, a good friend of mine. i was a bit reluctant at first but after joining in, it proved to be one of a kind forum experience.
since we are all from marikina, setting an eyeball is never a problem. almost everyone is just a text away. in about an hour or so, everyone is already at the meeting place.
these guys are really awesome. whenever we are together there is non-stop laughter. we share common interests, discuss different opinions and other bonding stuff.
more power to marikina valley forums and to the people who continue to support its aims and goals!!!
Monday, June 2, 2008
26 thank you's
26 years ago at exactly 1:43 am at e. rodriguez sr. memorial hospital, an eager cry of a 7.9 lb new born child echoed through out the delivery room. i was born. my parents were both excited to see the latest addition to the family while i wailed endlessly maybe because of pain or maybe because i was taken away from my mom's womb which has been my abode for 40 weeks (yes, my birth certificate indicates i "overstayed" for another month). it was probably because of uncontainable joy that my dad even got my name from an old newspaper that was used as a smoked fish wrapper (i wonder what that pambalot ng tinapa was doing at the hospital). enough of the personal history. in my 26 years of existence in this earth, there are inumerable things to be grateful for, great and small, values, things, people, and events that has molded me or has somewhat contributed something significant in my life.
1. my mom, who took care of me since i started to have a heartbeat. all these heartbeats are pounds of love and gratitude i have for you and dad.
2. my dad, despite deriving my name from a pambalot ng tinapa, i know you sacrificed a lot into bringing me up to what i am right now.
3. my family, for always being there. there's nothing really that can be compared to a family's love and concern.
4. my 817,689,600+ seconds of existence. man, that's nearly a billion seconds of God's gift of life. now that's what i call a true "millionaire"
5. my happy childhood memories. my playmates, my yaya amy (yes i still remember her) i remember when she had a fight with our neighbor. she was crying so hard and the only consolation i gave her was to let her watch her idol romnick sarmieta in that's entertainment. to my childhood friends, some of whom i still get in touch with. missin' you all.
6. my education. i am fortunate enough to complete my studies considering a small percentage of the populace are able to finish through college. to my teachers who indefatigueably devoted their time and my classmates whom i shared so many memories with.
7. the simple luxuries in life that i am able to afford.
8. the meals that i eat 3 or more times a day. just imagine those who consider themselves lucky to have even two meals in a day.
9. the places i've been to. some of which i never thought i would be able to go to.
10. my job. again, imagine how many millions who are jobless. imagine those people who wished they were in the position that i am in now. because in the long run, it is not really the salary that matters but the satisfaction you get from doing your work.
11. my good health. it is never really my desire to get filthy rich as long as me and my family are of sound mind and body.
12. my friends, old and new. friends in its truest essence. friends who have sticked with me come hell or high water. they may be a few but they add bliss and ease up my life's journey. also to short-lived ones, for without them, i would never truly realize the value of the true ones. it's like finding a gem in a pile of rocks.
13. my knowledge and wisdom.
14. my natural compassion for others. i tend to befriend more those who are lowly, meek and humble. those whom i feel i could give more than i can receive. the satisfaction i get from knowing that i helped even a little is what i value more.
15. my sincerity in dealing with others. often misunderstood and misjudged by those who barely know me, still, i show my sincerest feelings. i'm not good in concealing how i truly feel and i deal with an honest heart. if there's one thing i dont envy with others, it's how some hide their "masks" too well.
16. the recognitions i received. these things that inspire me to believe more in myself despite being a pessimist at times. this only goes to show that i am somehow capable.
17. my gift of a funny bone. it gives me great elation whenever i see that i made someone laugh. it naturally comes out in me whenever i'm at ease with someone i'm talking with, and it goes non-stop sometimes.
18. the courage to face adversities. my natural belief that everything in life is a test. many times we will fall. many times we will be defeated. the will to go on will help you survive through. i know that when everyone fails me, the Lord will help and there's nothing more to expect but win.
19. my appreciation for the small beautiful things in life. i don't dwell to much on the thought of pursuing big things. as long as i am happy and contented with what i have, it is reason enough to be happy and thankful. of course it's natural to dream and desire, but sometimes having too much of these make one discontented on what blessing he already has.
20. the failures in life. this is where true friends shine through. where you discover your true strengths. where you recognize your God and your frailty as a human.
21. answered prayers. God is really good. sometimes when i dont get what i pray for, He always gives something way too much better.
22. my optimism. i find life beautiful in general. there are lots of hindrances and obstacles along the way but knowing everything will be fine at the end of the day is really something to look forward to.
23. my steadfast faith. i may not piously go to church every sunday but my belief and faith remains strong and unwavering.
24. my being forgiving. there are lots of times when the people you would least expect to hurt you would do so. yes, i really forget the wrongdoings done to me. a mere "sorry" or a small spontaneous talk is enough.
25. the people whom, in one way or another, i've made happy. my favorite adage goes "the best way to cheer yourself is to cheer somebody else up." nothing is more heartwarming than knowing you made someone's day, made somebody happy with a small deed from me.
26. the future. what the future holds is always something to look forward to. everyday is like a gift wrapped in a box, you never know what to get inside. i'm just hoping the future would be better than the past.
these are just a few things that i am thankful for. i am so blessed.
as i start on to my real "new year", there is nothing really to hope for but for a better life in general.
1. my mom, who took care of me since i started to have a heartbeat. all these heartbeats are pounds of love and gratitude i have for you and dad.
2. my dad, despite deriving my name from a pambalot ng tinapa, i know you sacrificed a lot into bringing me up to what i am right now.
3. my family, for always being there. there's nothing really that can be compared to a family's love and concern.
4. my 817,689,600+ seconds of existence. man, that's nearly a billion seconds of God's gift of life. now that's what i call a true "millionaire"
5. my happy childhood memories. my playmates, my yaya amy (yes i still remember her) i remember when she had a fight with our neighbor. she was crying so hard and the only consolation i gave her was to let her watch her idol romnick sarmieta in that's entertainment. to my childhood friends, some of whom i still get in touch with. missin' you all.
6. my education. i am fortunate enough to complete my studies considering a small percentage of the populace are able to finish through college. to my teachers who indefatigueably devoted their time and my classmates whom i shared so many memories with.
7. the simple luxuries in life that i am able to afford.
8. the meals that i eat 3 or more times a day. just imagine those who consider themselves lucky to have even two meals in a day.
9. the places i've been to. some of which i never thought i would be able to go to.
10. my job. again, imagine how many millions who are jobless. imagine those people who wished they were in the position that i am in now. because in the long run, it is not really the salary that matters but the satisfaction you get from doing your work.
11. my good health. it is never really my desire to get filthy rich as long as me and my family are of sound mind and body.
12. my friends, old and new. friends in its truest essence. friends who have sticked with me come hell or high water. they may be a few but they add bliss and ease up my life's journey. also to short-lived ones, for without them, i would never truly realize the value of the true ones. it's like finding a gem in a pile of rocks.
13. my knowledge and wisdom.
14. my natural compassion for others. i tend to befriend more those who are lowly, meek and humble. those whom i feel i could give more than i can receive. the satisfaction i get from knowing that i helped even a little is what i value more.
15. my sincerity in dealing with others. often misunderstood and misjudged by those who barely know me, still, i show my sincerest feelings. i'm not good in concealing how i truly feel and i deal with an honest heart. if there's one thing i dont envy with others, it's how some hide their "masks" too well.
16. the recognitions i received. these things that inspire me to believe more in myself despite being a pessimist at times. this only goes to show that i am somehow capable.
17. my gift of a funny bone. it gives me great elation whenever i see that i made someone laugh. it naturally comes out in me whenever i'm at ease with someone i'm talking with, and it goes non-stop sometimes.
18. the courage to face adversities. my natural belief that everything in life is a test. many times we will fall. many times we will be defeated. the will to go on will help you survive through. i know that when everyone fails me, the Lord will help and there's nothing more to expect but win.
19. my appreciation for the small beautiful things in life. i don't dwell to much on the thought of pursuing big things. as long as i am happy and contented with what i have, it is reason enough to be happy and thankful. of course it's natural to dream and desire, but sometimes having too much of these make one discontented on what blessing he already has.
20. the failures in life. this is where true friends shine through. where you discover your true strengths. where you recognize your God and your frailty as a human.
21. answered prayers. God is really good. sometimes when i dont get what i pray for, He always gives something way too much better.
22. my optimism. i find life beautiful in general. there are lots of hindrances and obstacles along the way but knowing everything will be fine at the end of the day is really something to look forward to.
23. my steadfast faith. i may not piously go to church every sunday but my belief and faith remains strong and unwavering.
24. my being forgiving. there are lots of times when the people you would least expect to hurt you would do so. yes, i really forget the wrongdoings done to me. a mere "sorry" or a small spontaneous talk is enough.
25. the people whom, in one way or another, i've made happy. my favorite adage goes "the best way to cheer yourself is to cheer somebody else up." nothing is more heartwarming than knowing you made someone's day, made somebody happy with a small deed from me.
26. the future. what the future holds is always something to look forward to. everyday is like a gift wrapped in a box, you never know what to get inside. i'm just hoping the future would be better than the past.
these are just a few things that i am thankful for. i am so blessed.
as i start on to my real "new year", there is nothing really to hope for but for a better life in general.
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