by Nicole Dias

Created on: June 29, 2009   Last Updated: June 30, 2009

I have spent a lot of my life dealing with adversity. Through all of it, however, I found that allowing myself to be happy was not only good for me emotionally but also physically. I truly believe that allowing oneself to be happy and understanding all of the reasons to be happy are critical to living a fulfilling life.

Here are my Top 10 Reasons to be Happy:

1) Emotional Health: In today's day in age many people are getting treated for depression. In doing so they are taking pills with numerous side effects. Some are more dangerous than depression itself. While I do understand that not everyone can will themselves to be happy, it is important to try.

2) Physical Health: Happy people or those that tend to be happy most of the time also have more energy. It is clear that those suffering with depression have moments where getting out of bed is a chore. To wake up a happy person means getting out and enjoying life. In addition, people who are happy are less likely to partake in emotional eating, which is another problem for those searching for physical well-being.

3) Life is TOO Short: Many people agree that life goes by so quickly. Why spend it being miserable and unhappy? Living life to its fullest means waking up to appreciate what you have.

4) People Will Enjoy Your Company: I don't know about you, but I personally hate being around people with a "woe is me" attitude. It is a downer that effects everyone around them and quite frankly can be annoying. Don't be that person that nobody wants to be near.

5) True Success is Measured by Happiness: Many people with millions of dollars are not happy. In my eyes that means that they are not successful. To me success is a marriage that withstands the trials and tribulations of life even without an abundant savings account, or an attorney who works pro bono but goes home and is content and pleased with themselves, it is someone who is proud of their children for their accomplishments, not just those involving money. That is the measurement of success.

6) Your Legacy: People want to remember those that smiled and laughed all of the time. They want to remember good times with someone. Enjoy life and give those you will leave behind someday those memories.

7) Your Children: Children look up to their parents far more than some understand. By living a happy life, you are helping to establish standards that your children will follow. Rather than settling for what does not make them happy, they will strive to do those things that do make them happy.

8) If You are Reading This, Someone Else Has it Worse: Some people have no homes, no food, no family, no friends. Yet many of those people still try and think positive. As somone who at least has a computer, there are other people who have it worse.

9) Self-Control: No one else can make you happy. Happiness comes from within, so please do not delude yourself into believing that you need someone else in your life to fulfill it. You create your own destiny and happiness by how you choose to think.

10) Happiness Is MUCH More Fun!

Learn more about this author, Nicole Dias.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.