Meir Ezra Blog: Interested in Life?

Everyone is looking for happiness. But many people make the mistake of thinking their happiness comes from other sources.

"As soon as the weather warms up, I'll be happy."

"If my friend would come visit, I'd be happy."

"I would be really happy if I could move to a new house."

Fortunately, you can make yourself happy.

"The clue to happiness is being interested in life." -- L. Ron Hubbard

For example, why does a sunny day make you happy? Maybe because you become interested in the outdoors? Because you can participate in interesting activities?

Do you feel happy when you're around a certain friend? Perhaps you are also interested in what he or she has to say? Perhaps you do interesting things together?

What makes you happy about a new house? Is it interesting to be there and to live there? Maybe you can take more interest in your current home?

Five Simple Exercises to Increase Your Interest

1. Look around your desk or work area and find a few interesting items. Take a moment to enjoy each of them.

2. Think about your spouse or family. Write down three or more things about your spouse or family that you find interesting.

3. Think about your job. Write down three things that are interesting about your work.

4. What were three interesting things you did yesterday?

5. What are three interesting things you will do today?

If you do not feel happier after doing these five exercises, do them again until you do!

Three Tips for Making Others Be Happy

Now that you know the clue to happiness, you can use it to make others happy as well. Here are some ideas.

1. When children are upset or unhappy, find something in life which brings out their interest.

For example, a small girl falls and scrapes her knee. After you clean her up, she is still crying. So you say, "Do you like this picture of a kitten?" "Where's your doll?" "Will you help me make a snack?"

2. Your friend is depressed because he lost his girlfriend, Sheila. How could you get him interested in life?

"Let's take a walk." "Have you seen this new website?" "Who is the most interesting person you know?"

3. If you want people to be happy when they talk to you, find out what interests them.

"What is your favorite food?" "What's the most interesting vacation you have ever taken?" "What was the last book/play/concert/movie you really enjoyed?"1039