It is so easy to let everyday things get you down. Sometimes it seems that no matter where we turn we experience one problem after another. There are more than enough challenges and obstacles to go around as if there is a never ending supply. However, no matter what your situation, no matter what you are experiencing, you can find peace, satisfaction and be happy. Here are five things you can do to be happy right now!

1. Make it your daily intention to be happy. There is a significant difference between saying, “I want to be happy,” and “I intend to be happy.” I call this the power of real intent. You see, intent will align your conscious with your subconscious to bring about what you sincerely intend. Intending to be happy will bring peace and happiness.

2. Practice emotional generosity. Emotional generosity is the quality of being kind, welcoming and understanding of everyone you encounter regardless of their flaws, imperfections and inadequacies. When you give someone a break or give them the benefit of the doubt you are giving of who you are not just of what you have. Emotional generosity creates positive emotions leading to happiness.

3. Consider yourself equal to others. The fact that no one is more important than you is a powerful concept. The flip side is also true – no one is less important than you either. Sure, there are people that are more accomplished, more talented, maybe have a higher position than you, but that does not make them more important. The person standing in line at the bank has as much right to be there as you do. In relationships, people who perceive themselves as equal have a more satisfying relationship.

4. Underreact. When faced with a crisis, an urgent situation or an important decision, simply choose to underreact and you will actually have a more appropriate response. Think of this as an emotional caller-ID where you screen your situations to see if you will “pick-up” emotionally. Choosing to not ‘pick-up” emotionally allows you to be objective and look at situations more positively.

5. Be abundant. By developing the mentality that there is enough good, enough blessings, and enough miracles for all of us you don’t need to waste negative emotions when something good happens to someone else. You can truly be happy for them and leave the envy and jealousy behind.

Being happy does not come from anything external. Happiness is created from the inside out. There are many more things you can do to be happy right now. This is just a short list of five things you can do right this minute that will increase your level of peace, lift you up with positive emotions and you will be happy.

Kirk Wilkinson – Happiness expert and author of The Happiness Factor: How to be HAPPY no Matter WHAT! www.thehappinessfactor.com