My 12 commandments
I decided to compile a list of 12 commandments of happiness inspired by Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project And here’s what I’ve come up with that *crossing my fingers* I will actually carry out and continue doing so in real life.
1. “Life is a journey, not a destination.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
When I was growing up, despite all the challenges we went through mom always reminded me that the journey is what mattered and not where you end up. I guess it was an acknowledgment to the fact that my learning/studying will never cease to stop, mom encourages me to keep doing what I love, seek knowledge. Mom feels that she never had the opportunity to be highly educated, and so she encourages me to go as far away to seek knowledge where ever I can, for only then will I learn and be an educated and learned individual. Mom believes you won’t be able to bring your riches with you when you’re dead, but the knowledge I’ve learned along the way will always stay within me,
2. “You are what you believe yourself to be.”
― Paulo Coelho, The Witch of Portobello
I believe myself to be devoid of any sadness from now on, that I believe I will be happy, and nothing will change how I feel about this otherwise. I am the author of my life and I choose happiness as my path.
3. No one really belongs to anybody, and nobody belongs to anyone.
He was never really mine, nor was I really his. So there is no reason for me to have this empty feeling of having lost someone for he was not mine to begin with.
4. Ignore the “parasites” of your lives.
The “parasites” of your lives make you feel bad and take advantage of your generosity, befriend those who will enrich your life and you theirs. And if such people are difficult to befriend, be your own friend and make yourself happy doing the things that make you feel good.
5. Choose the direction you want to lead your life, rather then bend to the will of others.
You may not fit the cookie cutter image of everyone that you graduated with, but that’s what makes you special. You are the captain of your life and you helm your own ship, this is your life and not theirs. Follow your passion, and experience life the way you always want to.
6. Do something new/different everyday.
I am the sort that believes in color therapy, I paint a different face everyday with different palettes of eye-shadows, eye-liners and lip gloss reflecting how i feel each day. I feel happy looking at the different colors framing my eyes. Everyday I challenge my creativity to come up with a new combination, to accentuate my eyes that are hidden behind my glasses.
7. Show your parents that they are are loved everyday.
A hug goes a long way, sans words, you convey how much you care for your mom and dad. Never be embarrassed to kiss and tell them you love them.
8. Recognize the ghosts of your past
Bad experiences, bad people, broken hearts and ex-lovers are all part of your past, acknowledge them, for you are stronger now having gone through all that horrifyingly heart wrenching experiences. You are now able to appreciate the good people, friends and experiences that you will encounter in your future. Smile for the ghost of the past are in the past and not your present.
9. Be yourself
I haven’t really been my zany self for a long while, it is time to embrace my inner nerd and dorkiness that have laid dormant for awhile. Do what made me happy years ago, tan at the beach, read a book in a cafe with a cup of cappuccino, dance the night away, sing out loud at 3 am in the morning (you’re an insomniac what else can you do?), start writing a journal all over again (start a brand new one, for brand new you), practice that 7 languages you’ve learned (what’s the use of knowing them without utilising them and that leads to traveling. Explore France, Germany, Istanbul & Italy beyond the beaten track (you’ve backpacked all your life, it’s time to enjoy a better way of living)
10. Keep in touch with friends other than via e-mails and texts or chat programs.
Write letters, postcards to friends in far flung places, put a stamp on it and send it via snail mail. The excitement and happiness of receiving a letter or a postcard is infectious.
11. Go outside
Feel the heat of the sun, that’s vitamin D being created in your skin, stuff that’ll make you not feel so low. Too long cropped in at work is bad for the imagination and your well being. See the world outside as it moves, people walking past, nothing remains constant.
12. Capture the moment
Experiencing events like concerts, musicals, competitions keep you happy and your adrenaline high, bring a bar of dark chocolate to snack on and the PEA will make you feel good. Photograph the smiles, the people the excitement and relieve the experiences over and over again, I recommend scrapbooking if you have some free time.
