by Jason Ray France

Created on: July 31, 2009   Last Updated: August 02, 2009

1) Choose to be happy. Worrying is like beating your head against the wall for no reason. It has also been said to be like praying for what you don't want. If you decide ahead of time to be happy, you won't be affected by unforeseen circumstances. Wake up each day and make a conscious choice to have a positive attitude. This is one of the most effective ways to take control of your life.

2) Be grateful for your blessings. Start a gratitude journal, or at least make a list of things that you are thankful for. You more than likely will be pleasantly surprised by all that you have to be joyful about. Those of us in this country with the least, still have much to show gratitude for. Your health and the health of your loved ones is definitely worth being grateful for and may be a good place to start.

3) Take care of yourself. Your body is a temple-treat it as such. Don't let anything harmful into your mind or body. Spend time outdoors, keep yourself hydrated, and eat plenty of natural foods. Exercise regularly and make sure that you get enough rest. Just as important, ensure that you feed your brain with knowledge daily.

4) Take time for yourself. Being selfish isn't necessarily a bad thing. If you don't take the time to rejuvenate yourself first, you won't have anything left to give anyone else. Whatever it is that works for you, fit it into your routine. It could be a certain sport, meditation, yoga, or even just a nice hot bath. Emotional and mental balance can be just as critical as being in good physical condition.

5) Learn to laugh at yourself. If you can't laugh at yourself and admit when you've made a silly mistake, you will end up wasting a lot of energy on defending yourself needlessly. Rather than respecting you, others will be more likely to see you as an ego maniac. It's hard to be comfortable around someone that thinks they can do no wrong.

6) Rise above the drama. There are enough real issues to be concerned about, without creating things to be upset about. So what if someone didn't do things the way that you thought they should?! It takes all different kinds of people to make up this world. Be glad that everyone isn't just like you. That would make for a pretty boring existence.

7) Assume the best about yourself and others. Assuming the best about yourself is another way of saying to love yourself. You deserve to see yourself and others in the best possible light. Don't beat yourself up and don't play the blame game with others. Loving is always worth

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