I don’t know if you have noticed, but our lives are dominated by habits, which is a characteristic of all animal beings. In a way, a certain repetition provides us with the feeling of stability, and therefore safety. Psychological links with notions of social bonding give an outstanding strength to relevant habits. Furthermore, our senses, which are our communication system with the outside world and the regulators of appropriate signals to internal processes, trigger the secretion of appropriate chemical messagers depending on circumstances. And of course, we should not forget the chemical signature of whatever enters our body from the outside that can alter the body’s chemical balance to one of dependence on certain substances (e.g. sugar, alcohol, tobacco, drugs). Satisfying a primary need probably relates to the release of endorphins and the feeling that ‘all is good’, making it difficult to change our habits, even if they are actually harmful. Eating and drinking habits or patterns of physical movement are typical examples. Even though it is probably impossible to alter our psychological need for the feeling of safety, to our good luck, our senses can change and are relatively easily trained. For example, most people have the experience of liking a taste they used to dislike or vice versa.
To sum up, since habits play an important role in an individual’s health and well-being, and they can actually change over time, it is to our advantage and not impossible, to try and have ‘good’ habits rather than ‘bad’ ones.
Be honest
There’s an unrivalled grace about being honest. It shows a clear and strong mind that can differentiate between right & wrong, a brave character that has the courage to support the truth and which is not afraid of responsibility. A liar resembles a worm that always needs to hide under the ground. Those who are not scared to tell the truth gain respect from themselves and others. The truth shines thousands of times more than the sun (Mahatma Ghanti); it is the foundation for meaningful relationships, for a meaningful existence. Even though we may easily find excuses to justify our lies, we should not forget that having a clear mind, soul and consciousness is a prerequisite for well-being. Hiding the truth can be rarely justified if, for example, there are issues of survival; still, our heroes are those who did not deny it.
Be grateful
Nothing should be taken for granted. Every day and every moment we are alive and free, we can chose to live in positivity. Empathy and the ability to look at our lives from a wider perspective and in relation to others across space and time, allow us to have a clearer picture and recognize our good luck. We should think of and feel grateful for all those good things we experience. If you think of the negative ones, do so in order to find solutions and a way out. Do not fill your heart with bitterness, you’ll get sick.
Here are a few examples why I am grateful; Start thinking of all the reasons why you should be grateful; you’ll feel a lot more content!
- I am grateful for the beauty of existence all around me.
- I am grateful I am alive and free, able to work towards happiness.
- I am grateful for everything I have succeeded, and for being able to try for more.
- I am grateful for all the beautiful experiences I’ve had, all the nice feelings I’ve shared.
- I am grateful for all the difficult experiences that have helped me to improve.
- I am grateful to those who have been able to share love, respect and hope.
- I am grateful to all those strangers that were kind to me without expecting anything in return.