How to be happier

This is from Stoic philosopher Epictetus, from his writing “Enchiridion” – 

“Of things, some are in our power, and others are not… Examine it by this first and chiefly, whether it relates to the things which are in our power or to the things which are not in our power: and if it relates to anything which is not in our power, be ready to say that it does not concern you.”

Many people get upset and try to control things that are not in their control.  This is a recipe for frustration and angst.

Things that are not in our control largely involve what other people do or say, what happens at the neighbor’s house or on the other side of the world, the weather, and all that is on the news.

Want to be happy?  Control the controllables, and let the rest go, as it is not your concern.

Easy to say. 

Practice.

The Five Love Languages

There is a good book called The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman.  Have you read it?

It’s about how to express heartfelt commitment to your mate. 

Here they are – 

Words of Affirmation

Acts of Service

Receiving Gifts

Quality Time

Physical Touch

He says that love can be expressed and received in all five languages.  However, if you don’t speak a persons love language, that person will not feel loved, even though you may be speaking the other four. If we wish to love each other, we need to know what the other person wants.

All of us blossom when we feel loved, and wither when we do not feel loved.

So, what is YOUR love language?  Which of the five makes you feel loved the most? 

And just as important to know – what is your mate’s love language?  (If you have to ask, do so!) 

Are you speaking it? 

Multi-tasking kills cognitive power

Multi-tasking test.  Count to ten.  Now count ten letters of the alphabet starting with A.  “A, B, C, D, E…etc.”

Easy right?

Now multitask.  Alternate numbers and letters.  1A, 2B, 3….etc. to ten.

Multi-tasking doesn’t work well.

Trying to split focus makes you less accurate and less creative.

Stay in ONE zone – one task at a time, and worry about the rest when you are done.

Be Nice.

Under stress, under fire, under deadlines – even when you may be justified to be rude, angry or righteous, still – be nice.

Because it’s better for others, yes. But more so, because in the short and long runs, it’s better for you.

People have long memories. 

Be nice. Especially when you don’t have to.

Plan your food supply

I’ve come to the conclusion that on most days if I do not meal prep and bring my lunch when I’m on the road, I’m probably going to eat junk and lose ground.

(Talking to myself here)

What’s easily available is not good. But if it’s in a little cooler on my passenger seat, it is good and couldn’t be more convenient.