There is a book out called, Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents. The author, Christine Carter, Ph.D., asks “What do we wish most for our children? Next to being healthy, we want them to be happy, of course! Fortunately, a wide array of scientific studies show that happiness is a learned behavior, a muscle we can help our children build and maintain.” Drawing on what psychology, sociology, and neuroscience have proven about confidence, gratefulness, and optimism, and using her own often hilarious real-world adventures, Carter boils the process down to 10 simple happiness-inducing steps. It’s worth a read!
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Somewhat related, here are some tips for “exercising” kindness:
Send a random text to a friend or family member every day, simply telling them you love and appreciate them. Try complimenting your coworkers.
Be friendly with all wait staff and service workers you interact with. Ask them how they’re doing! No one ever does, it’s always them asking how your day is.
Give your regulars gifts, and not always around Christmas—your letter carrier, favorite wait staff, or the custodial staff at work or school.
Hold doors open for others. If you see trash in your neighbor’s yard, pick it up. Share the fruits of your garden this spring and summer. Offer seedlings or cuttings of your favorite plants this winter. Gift a book you think a friend might love. Maybe even better, gift a book to their children.
Work at being a good listener—don’t feel it’s your job to find an answer. Try these magical words: “How can I help?” There are few words in the English language more powerful for cementing relationship bonds. Do more to help around the house. Take a photo while wearing or using a gift someone gave you last Christmas or on your Birthday.
Smile at strangers. Let people through in traffic. Pay attention to the person behind you at the grocery checkout line, and let them through if their buy is small. Write thank you notes. Practice kindness mindfully, and you’ll make this a better world for both yourself and everyone around you.
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One evening, the literary genius Victor Hugo was walking down a street in Paris. A beggar at the side of the road asked for a helping hand. Victor Hugo reached into his pockets and found not even a single coin to give the man. He said, “I am so sorry, my brother, I don’t have even a single coin to give you.” The man said in response, “Have no fear. You have given me everything in calling me your brother.”
