A New Year of happiness
It's very common to wish other people a happy New Year, however not many people actively attempt to boost their happiness levels as a New Years resolution. My resolution last year was to become a happier person, and it worked. Of course, all good things require some effort, and it took a lot of thinking for me to be successful. I want to share my methods for achieving happiness with everyone, and hopefully it will work for you too:
Life has a different meaning for everyone. For example, a religious person's interpretation of the meaning of life may be quite different from that of someone who does not follow to a subscribed religion. Regardless of this difference, I have found that everyone can derive some meaning by embracing the small things in life. Rather than only anticipating the good things in life, (the things you want the most), focus on enjoying the little things that improve your daily life. For example, take some time to enjoy a big ice cream cone or to reflect upon an interesting class you have attended. Something as small as really enjoying a cup of tea or petting your dog can make a huge difference in your day. The small things add-up quickly and when you derive pleasure from them, you enjoy each day much more.
It is very important to learn to appreciate what you already have. We live in a society that focuses on making you want more, however, nobody needs more material objects to make them happier. We are all very lucky to have the opportunity to attend school and learn about things that interest us. In addition to this, most of us are pretty spoiled when it comes to having our needs met and exceeded, even though our budgets are tight as students. It is also important to realize that we all have many friends, classmates and family members that are worth appreciating. Do not take this valuable support network for granted.
Lastly, do not get caught in a boring routine. Even if you are busy, be sure to try new things and meet new people. It is easy to become bored with life (especially in the winter), so why not sign up for a continuing education (non-credit) course that interests you, or try going to a new restaurant or bar with some classmates? Trying new things is always exciting, and it will keep you from getting the winter blues.
Hopefully this advice will be as valuable to you as it has been to me, and I wish you all a happy New Year.
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.
Life has a different meaning for everyone. For example, a religious person's interpretation of the meaning of life may be quite different from that of someone who does not follow to a subscribed religion. Regardless of this difference, I have found that everyone can derive some meaning by embracing the small things in life. Rather than only anticipating the good things in life, (the things you want the most), focus on enjoying the little things that improve your daily life. For example, take some time to enjoy a big ice cream cone or to reflect upon an interesting class you have attended. Something as small as really enjoying a cup of tea or petting your dog can make a huge difference in your day. The small things add-up quickly and when you derive pleasure from them, you enjoy each day much more.
It is very important to learn to appreciate what you already have. We live in a society that focuses on making you want more, however, nobody needs more material objects to make them happier. We are all very lucky to have the opportunity to attend school and learn about things that interest us. In addition to this, most of us are pretty spoiled when it comes to having our needs met and exceeded, even though our budgets are tight as students. It is also important to realize that we all have many friends, classmates and family members that are worth appreciating. Do not take this valuable support network for granted.
Lastly, do not get caught in a boring routine. Even if you are busy, be sure to try new things and meet new people. It is easy to become bored with life (especially in the winter), so why not sign up for a continuing education (non-credit) course that interests you, or try going to a new restaurant or bar with some classmates? Trying new things is always exciting, and it will keep you from getting the winter blues.
Hopefully this advice will be as valuable to you as it has been to me, and I wish you all a happy New Year.
Editorial opinions or comments expressed in this online edition of Interrobang newspaper reflect the views of the writer and are not those of the Interrobang or the Fanshawe Student Union. The Interrobang is published weekly by the Fanshawe Student Union at 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd., P.O. Box 7005, London, Ontario, N5Y 5R6 and distributed through the Fanshawe College community. Letters to the editor are welcome. All letters are subject to editing and should be emailed. All letters must be accompanied by contact information. Letters can also be submitted online by clicking here.
