Happy ideas

#81 - Watch kids play

2009-10-25T06:43:00.000-07:00

"The soul is healed by being with children." - Fyodor Dostoevsky (Russian Novelist and Writer, 1821-1881)

#80 - Eat happy food

2009-10-20T00:03:00.000-07:00

Food like salmon, black berries, banana, spinach and sunflower seeds have compounds that will boost your mood. Choose the right food for a happier, healthier you!

#79 - Embrace festivals

2009-10-15T22:22:00.000-07:00

Embrace festivals and join in the celebrations.

"The truth is that existence wants your life to become a festival...because when you are unhappy, you also throw unhappiness all around." -Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh

#78 - Eat street food

2009-10-14T20:28:00.000-07:00

I love sampling the smörgåsbord of local food offered by street food vendors, especially on my travels.

"Food is our common ground, a universal experience." -James Beard

Photo - Shot in Taipei, Taiwan, 2008.

#77- Swing!

2009-10-13T20:48:00.001-07:00

Sit on a swing!

"The world is a playground, and life is pushing my swing."
- Natalie Kocsis

#76 - Travel the world

2009-10-13T00:22:00.000-07:00

Travel if you can, for a change of scenery imparts new vigour to the mind.

If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay home. ~James Michener

Photo-Shot in Florence, Italy, 2005.

#75- Watch flowers dance

2009-10-11T02:43:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen a flower down
Sometimes angels skip around
And in their blissful state of glee
Bump into a daisy or sweet pea.
~Jessi Lane Adams

Photo - Shot in Lucca, Italy, 2005.

#74 - Go to a funfair

2009-10-07T00:48:00.001-07:00

Why? Because funfairs are fun!

Photo - Shot in London, 2008.

#73 - Support a cause

2009-10-05T18:34:00.000-07:00

Support a cause for humanity, peace or the environment.

"Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." - Mark Twain

Photo- Shot in Johor, Malaysia, 2008.

#72 - Be thankful

2009-09-30T23:58:00.001-07:00

Be thankful that you are blessed with food to eat and a place to stay.

"Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful." - Buddha

#71 - Eat comfort food

2009-09-29T21:38:00.000-07:00

When you're feeling out of sorts, treat yourself to some comfort food.

"Food, like a loving touch or a glimpse of divine power, has that ability to comfort."- Normam Kolpas

#70 - Play like a child

2009-09-28T20:20:00.000-07:00

"I think there's a little child in all of us and we all too often forget to let the child out to play." - Donna A.Favors.

Photo - Shot in Malaysia, 2005.

#69 - Go back to nature

2009-09-27T18:33:00.001-07:00

When life gets too overwhelming, it's time to go back to basics. Take a step back and retreat to the countryside where life is tranquil.

"For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver." - Martin Luther

Photo - Shot in Lim Chu Kang countryside , Singapore.

#68 - Live in the moment

2009-09-24T19:02:00.000-07:00

"One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our windows today." - Dale Carnegie

Photo - Shot in Provence, France 2007.

#67 - Look up

2009-09-21T20:13:00.001-07:00

Keep your chin up during trying periods. Maintain a positive view and realise that you cannot please everybody. And don't forget to read your favourite quotes to keep you inspired and motivated.

“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.” - Albert Einstein

Photo - Shot in Paris, France 2007.

#66 - Get out of town

2009-09-16T18:49:00.001-07:00

Hop on a bike and ride out of town. You'll discover that many interesting places are but a short ride away.

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes." - Marcel Proust

Photo - Shot in Penggarang, Malaysia, 2005.

#65 - Sail away

2009-09-15T22:21:00.001-07:00

It's not far down to paradise
At least it's not for me
And if the wind is right you can sail away
And find tranquility
The canvas can do miracles
Just you wait and see
Believe me

It's not far to never never land
No reason to pretend
And if the wind is right you can find the joy
Of innocence again
The canvas can do miracles
Just you wait and see
Believe me

Sailing
Takes me away
To where I've always heard it could be
Just a dream and the wind to carry me
And soon I will be free
- Christopher Cross

Photo - Shot in Copenhagen, Denmark, 2004.

#64 - Don't sweat the small stuff

2009-09-14T23:57:00.001-07:00

Life is already stressful enough, don't be too anal and let yourself be bothered by little insignificant things.

#63 - Embrace simplicity

2009-09-13T18:26:00.000-07:00

Manifest plainness,

Embrace simplicity,

Reduce selfishness,

Have few desires.

- Lao-tzu

#62 - Throw a party

2009-09-09T00:10:00.000-07:00

Gather some friends together and throw a party. You'll definitely feel happy after a night of feasting and merry making!

"Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance."

#61 - Eat ice cream

2009-09-06T20:38:00.001-07:00

Ice cream is my favourite comfort food. Eating ice cream always makes me happy!

#60- Awakening

2009-09-05T07:04:00.001-07:00

The lotus produces a beautiful flower even with its roots in the dirtiest water. The symbolism is that a person can rise above being rooted in the ugliness and suffering of this world, and should try to be pure and help others with the beauty of the spirit.

A lotus represents life in general. As the lotus flower grows up from the mud into an object of great beauty, people also grow and change into something more beautiful.

#59 - Indulge!

2009-09-04T01:54:00.000-07:00

Go out with friends and treat yourselves to a nice meal! Good friends and good food will always equate to a wonderful time!

Photo - Shot in Paris, France 2007.

#58 - Do nothing

2009-09-02T21:48:00.001-07:00

Take a day off and do nothing. Give your body and your mind a good rest.

"Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time." - John Lubbock

Photo - Shot in Bend, Oregon, 2007.

#57 - Flip through your album

2009-09-02T00:36:00.000-07:00

Bring out the album and reminisce happy memories.

"The advantage of a bad memory is that one enjoys several times the same good things for the first time." - Friedrich Nietzsche

#56 - Surprise someone

2009-09-01T00:06:00.001-07:00

You don't have to wait for special occasions to send someone flowers or gifts. Surprise that someone every now and then. Happy surprises are always welcomed.

"The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize the, but that they seize us." - Ashley Montagu

#55 - Go shopping

2009-08-31T07:11:00.000-07:00

When you're feeling down, a little retail therapy may just help to lift you up, if you shop wisely that is.

"I always say shopping is cheaper than a psychiatrist." - Tammy Faye Bakker

#54 - Pursue your dreams

2009-08-30T04:48:00.000-07:00

Don't let anyone or anything stop you from achieving your dreams. If music is what you like, go take some lessons. It's never too late to pursue what you like.

"To achieve happiness, we should make certain that we are never without an important goal.'- Earl Nightingale

#53 - Visit someone

2009-08-29T01:29:00.000-07:00

I'm always filled with happiness after visiting the people I love and care about. Find time to visit your friends and loved ones, they'll surely appreciate your time and presence.

"The most beautiful things in the world are not seen nor touched. They are felt with the heart."- Helen Keller

#52 - Try scrapbooking

2009-08-27T21:14:00.000-07:00

Scrapbooks are loads of fun. They're fun to make. They make great gifts too.

#51- Teach

2009-08-27T00:49:00.000-07:00

If you have a chance to teach someone, you'll find it an extremely rewarding experience. Kids like listening to stories. Try reading to them and see their faces light up!

“I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.” - Lao Tzu

#50 - Keep learning

2009-08-26T06:47:00.000-07:00

Learning new things and undertaking new challenges keep me happy. Stay curious and you will never stop learning as long as you live.

"Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn and you will." ~Vernon Howard

#49 - Show gratitude

2009-08-25T06:09:00.000-07:00

Show gratitude and appreciation to someone close to you, like writing a letter to thank them for who they are and what they have done for your life. It costs you nothing but it might mean the world to them.

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” - John Fitzgerald Kennedy

#48 - Keep priorities balanced

2009-08-23T21:12:00.000-07:00

Are you so caught up in the day-to-day busyness of life that you forget to live? We’re often so focused on achieving our ultimate goals that we fail to appreciate other things along the way. From now on, keep your priorities balanced. Put equal amount of time into your family as into your career. Engage in meaningful activities like bonding with family and friends or pursuing charity work.

#47 - Count your blessings

2009-08-22T22:51:00.000-07:00

Reflect on what really matters and work towards a happier and more fulfilling life. Reliving happy memories is one of the most effective ways to cheer you up. If you want to stay happy, don't forget to count your blessings everyday.

"The secret of happiness is to count your blessings while others are adding up their troubles."

#46 - Avoid toxic people

2009-08-22T01:59:00.000-07:00

Avoid people who may bring you down with their negative attitudes. Detaching yourself from people who make you miserable can help you feel happier and become healthier.

Toxic people are like poison. They drain us of our energy, time and sanity. Steer clear of people who rob you of your self-esteem. Instead, surround yourself with people who make you feel good about yourself. When you're happy, you will in turn attract more happy people.

"You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection." - Buddha

#45 - Read inspiring stories

2009-08-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

Reading inspiring stories makes me feel inspired and motivated. Reading about how others have overcome adversities helps me put things into perspective. I've learned alot from other people's success stories, they make my life better.

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." - Walt Disney

#44- Keep a dog

2009-08-19T20:40:00.000-07:00

Rusty is always happy to see me. Seeing him makes me happy even on a crappy day.

"If it wasn't for dogs, some people would never go for a walk."

"Dogs are better than human beings because they know but they do not tell." - Emily Dickinson

"A dog is the only thing that loves you more than he loves himself." - Josh Billings

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." - Roger Caras

#43 - Change your scenery

2009-08-18T21:57:00.000-07:00

Have lunch in the park instead of at the food court. The change in scenery will awaken your senses.

"If everyday is an awakening, you will never grow old. You will just keep growing." - Gail Sheehy

Photo - Shot in Loire Valley, France, 2007.

#42 - Move on

2009-08-17T21:10:00.000-07:00

Don't dwell on the past. Learn from mistakes, look ahead and move forward. You will save yourself lots of misery.

"Being happy doesn't mean everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections."

#41 - Run

2009-08-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

Running helps to improve your mood. When the endorphins start coursing through your system, you'll feel yourself getting lighter and happier. Running gives you tremendous health benefits too. It's easy to get started*, all you need is a pair of running shoes.

"Sunshine is delicious,
Rain is refreshing,
Wind braces us up,
Snow is exhilarating,
There's really no such thing as bad weather,
Only different kinds of good weather."

*Do check with your doctor if you have any health problems.

#40 - Eat chocolate

2009-08-16T02:40:00.000-07:00

Eating chocolate makes me happy. Dark chocolate makes my heart happy too! Flavonoids found in dark chocolate can help maintain a healthy heart and good circulation, and reduce blood clotting that could lead to heart attack and stroke.

"Life is like a box of chocolates... you never know what you're gonna get. " -Forrest Gump

Photo of chocolate shop - Shot in Belgium, 2007.

#39 - Take a break

2009-08-15T00:23:00.000-07:00

Take a break from work or chores and have a cup of tea. Even better, invite your friends over and while the afternoon away. It's good for your soul.

“Come, let us have some tea and continue to talk about happy things.” - Chaim Potok

#38 - Watch fireworks

2009-08-13T19:20:00.000-07:00

Watching fireworks is rare treat that I savour. Spectacular fireworks evoke a lot of joyful emotions because they're often used to celebrate momentous occasions. If you know of any firework displays going on in your area, make time to be there. You won't regret it.

Photo- Shot in Singapore, 2007.

#37- Eat well

2009-08-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

Eat enough protein and carbohydrates daily to fuel your body. Eating the right kinds of food will even make you happy. Baked potato improves concentration, calms the nerves and boosts our mood. Salmon has high Omega-3 fat content which helps our body produce extra serotonin.

Photo- Shot in Paris, France, 2007.

#36 - Ride a bicycle

2009-08-12T00:16:00.000-07:00

If you have a chance, ride a bike in the countryside, through the rolling green fields where the air is clean and fresh. Imagine the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin...you'll be as free as a bird!

Life is like riding a bicycle - in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving. - Albert Einstein

Photo - Shot in Provence, France, 2007.

#35 - Smell the roses

2009-08-10T18:33:00.000-07:00

Instead of rushing about daily, stop and smell the roses. It's often the little things that can bring cheer to your day.

"Avoid being impatient. Remember time brings roses." - Anon

Photo - Shot in Copenhagen, Denmark, 2004.

#34 - Sit by the beach

2009-08-09T22:33:00.001-07:00

Listening to the sound of waves crashing against the shore and feeling the sea breeze blowing in my face never fail to put me in a good mood.

"The three great elemental sounds in nature are the sound of rain, the sound of wind in a primeval wood and the sound of outer ocean on a beach." - Henry Beston

Photo - Shot in Bintan, Indonesia, 2007.

#33 - Stroll through a garden

2009-08-09T01:05:00.000-07:00

Strolling through a garden that is bursting with colours will do wonders to your soul and spirit.

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. - Marcel Proust

Photo - Shot in Bruges, Belgium, 2007.

#32 - Grow plants

2009-08-08T01:37:00.000-07:00

Gardening is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding hobbies to have. Pottering about in the garden is relaxing; watching plants thrive under your care will certainly make you happy.

"Earth laughs in flower."- Ralph Waldo Emerson

#31 - Catch a sunset

2009-08-06T19:47:00.000-07:00

Watching a gorgeous sunset always fills me with awe and happiness.

Happiness is a Swedish sunset; it is there for all, but most of us look the other way and lose it. - Mark Twain

Photo - Shot outside our house in Singapore.

#30 - Go on a ride

2009-08-05T19:45:00.001-07:00

Visit a theme park or funfair, and enjoy an adrenaline packed day. The carnival-like atmosphere is infectious, you'll find lots of happy faces.

"People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing." - Dale Carnegie

Photo - Shot in London, UK, 2008.

#29 - Be around kids

2009-08-04T20:20:00.000-07:00

While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about.
~Angela Schwindt

#28 - Take a walk

2009-08-03T18:22:00.001-07:00

When I'm feeling down, I take a walk around the neighbourhood. As I move along, I start to notice the sunlight filtering through the trees, I feel the breeze and hear birds chirping. I always end up feeling happier and lighter.

Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Appreciate your friends. Continue to learn. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.” ~Mary Anne Radmacher

Photo - Shot in Copenhagen, Denmark, 2004.

#27 - Develop a hobby

2009-08-02T22:01:00.000-07:00

Hobbies can give perspective to your life. Having a hobby can enhance your life and improve your personality. It also relieves stress and makes one happier.

"Today is life - the only life you are sure of. Make the most of today. Get interested in something. Shake yourself awake. Develop a hobby. Let the winds of enthusiasm sweep through you. Live today with gusto." - Dale Carnegie

Photo - Shot in Bintan, Indonesia, 2006

#26 - Smile

2009-08-02T01:15:00.000-07:00

Start everyday with a smile. It can brighten the darkest day. It costs nothing yet gives so much.

Peace begins with a smile. ~Mother Teresa

#25 - Celebrate birthdays

2009-07-31T23:13:00.000-07:00

Don't just let your birthday pass by quietly. Celebrate it with friends and loved ones, celebrate life!

"And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." - Abraham Lincoln

#24- Give yourself a treat

2009-07-30T21:56:00.001-07:00

When you've accomplished something, celebrate and reward yourself. Giving yourself a treat is a good trick to help you stay motivated. But be careful not to over-indulge!

Photo - Shot in Paris, France, 2007.

#23 - Breathe correctly

2009-07-29T23:19:00.000-07:00

Breathing can deeply influence our health and happiness. Deep breathing raises levels of blood oxygen, promoting health in many ways — from stimulating the digestive process to improving fitness and mental performance. Learn how to breathe correctly and you can melt away tension and stress and improve your energy.

#22 - Do something exhilarating

2009-07-28T18:19:00.000-07:00

Exhilarating activities like white water rafting, sky diving or bungee jumping give an incredible adrenalin rush, leaving one feeling thrilled and happy.

Photo - Shot in Chiangmai, Thailand 2008

#21 - Flower power

2009-07-27T20:25:00.001-07:00

Flowers are the perfect pick-me-up to boost our moods. Place some flowers in the house or office. If you start the day in a positive mood, you'll transfer happy feelings to others around you too.

In the hope of reaching the moon, men fail to see the flowers that blossom at their feet. - Albert Schweitzer

Photo - Shot in Paris, France 2007

#20- Upgrade your knowledge

2009-07-26T20:49:00.000-07:00

Read, upgrade your knowledge and learn new things.

"You can't do anything about the length of your life, but you can do something about its width and depth." - Shira Tehrani

#19 - Visit a farmers market

2009-07-26T07:27:00.000-07:00

Happiness is seeing the pride farmers take in their produce as I walk through a farmers market.

Photo - Shot in Loire, France, 2007.

#18 - Go hiking

2009-07-25T01:57:00.000-07:00

Hiking gives a good workout and opens your senses to the natural environment around you. It's great for you physically and spiritually.

I always glow with happiness after a good hike.

#17 - Look around you

2009-07-23T20:29:00.000-07:00

Pay more attention to what's around you, and be surprised at what you may find.

Take a look at the ordinary
Don't need to look for Paradise
You could be next to
an angel in disguise
-Corrinne May, Angel in Disguise

#16 - Record happy memories

2009-07-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

Our memory fades over time but photographs will bring back happy recollections of events, celebrations and vacations.

Life is a rough biography. Memories smooth out the edges. ~Dante G. Roque

Photo - Shot in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, 2007

#15 - Go off the beaten path

2009-07-21T19:28:00.000-07:00

Happiness is trying something new and different every now and then. Avoid the same old crowded places, get off the beaten track and thrill yourself with new discoveries.

“One way to get the most out of life is to look upon it as an adventure” - William Feather

Photo - Shot in Chiang Mai, Thailand, 2007

#14 - You're in charge

2009-07-20T19:03:00.000-07:00

When you wake up, tell yourself you want to be happy today. And chances are, you will be. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

Photo - Shot in Chiangmai, Thailand 2007

#13 - Travel with an open mind

2009-07-19T18:52:00.000-07:00

Travel to new places with an open mind. Embrace the differences in a new culture, learn new customs and appreciate different ways of looking at life. You'll return home, a better and happier person.

“Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” - Seneca

Photo - Shot in Sri Lanka, 2005

#12 - Seek solitude

2009-07-19T02:35:00.000-07:00

I like to escape from the madding crowd sometimes. Putting a bit of solitude into your life is essential to your well being and happiness.

I lived in solitude in the country and noticed how the monotony of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind. - Albert Einstein

Photo - Shot in Bath, UK, 2008.

#11 - Get enough sleep

2009-07-18T00:58:00.000-07:00

Sleep deprivation makes one moody, irritable, impatient and too tired to do the things you like to do. Sleep impacts many of the chemicals in your body, including serotonin. People with a deficiency in serotonin are more likely to suffer from depression.

Get enough sleep. It's more important that you think.

"Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."
--Benjamin Franklin

#10 - Hug a tree

2009-07-17T18:37:00.000-07:00

Be one with nature. As you walk through the forest, take a closer look at how the branches spread out to form a beautiful shape. Look at the different textures and hues of the leaves. Or simply hug a tree! Mother nature creates beautiful things.

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. ~Lao Tzu

Photo - shot in Hortpark, Singapore on 17 July 2009

#9 - Surround yourself with happy colours

2009-07-15T21:24:00.000-07:00

Colours can have a profound impact on your mood. Citrus hues and sunny yellows never fail to cheer me up. Pink is warm, welcoming and an instant pick-me-up. Turquoise is energising and inspiring. Blue brings on a feeling of calm and serenity, related to the sky and happy days.

The whole world, as we experience it visually, comes to us through the mystic realm of color. ~ Hans Hofmann

#8 - Get out of a rut

2009-07-14T18:37:00.000-07:00

Get away from your normal routine. Do something different. Take a different route or try new things.

Know what's weird? Day by day, nothing seems to change, but pretty soon... everything's different. - Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes

Photo - Shot in Singapore, Arab Street, 2008.

#7 - Get creative

2009-07-13T18:14:00.001-07:00

I find lots of happiness working on creative projects. Since I am not gifted in drawing, I make picture collage using postcards and photos. Last weekend, I created two 'cheery Blurt boards' in my bedroom. They're for me and the kids to stick photos and quotes.

I also found a steel frame at a steal in Ikea, so I made a collage using Lavender postcards. They remind me of lavender fields I had seen in Melbourne and Provence.

Creative activities like this give me immense pleasure. Looking at the finished work hanging on the wall makes me happy.

Photos - Shot in 2009.

#6 - Look to nature

2009-07-12T17:47:00.000-07:00

Find beauty in the wonders of nature. Even though you maybe under a tree, always look for the light shining through the branches.

"Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it." - Confucius

Photo - Shot in Bend, Oregon, 2006.

#5 - Try a little kindness

2009-07-11T21:35:00.001-07:00

Many times the best way to get out of the blues quickly is to turn our attention on others. We also end up feeling more connected to the people around us, as well as empowered by the experience of helping someone.

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." - Ghandi

Photo - Shot in Chiang Mai, Thailand, 2008

#4 - Open your mind

2009-07-10T18:13:00.000-07:00

Open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you're free
Look into your heart and you'll find that the sky is yours
- Jason Mraz

Photo - Colosseum, shot in Rome, Italy, 2005

#3 - Making choices

2009-07-09T19:18:00.000-07:00

Recognise that there are times in life when you cannot win every battle. Sometimes I choose to be happy than to be right.

Photo - Shot in Chiang Mai, Thailand, 2008

#2 - Sense of wonder

2009-07-08T18:20:00.000-07:00

We were happier and more creative when we were kids. Somewhere along the way, when we became responsible adults, we lose that childlike sense of wonder.

Wonder is closely connected to beauty, awe, mystery and imagination. Let's recapture that sense of wonder!

"Never lose the child like wonder. It's just too important. It's what drives us." - Randy Pausch

Photo - Singapore, 2007

#1 - Enjoy the journey

2009-07-08T06:27:00.000-07:00

Are you so caught up in the day-to-day busyness of life that you forget to live? Don't just focus on achieving goals, appreciate the little things along the way.

Photo: Shot in Provence, France, 2007

Happiness

2009-07-08T06:24:00.000-07:00