Being Happy

by Andrew Matthews


Change and the subconscious

• The mind is like an iceberg: there is the part we see, the conscious, and the much larger part we don't see, the sub-conscious. Our subconscious mind is responsible for a large slice of the results in life
  
• These rotten patterns I have - when will they change? When will they stop? The answer is," Life changes when we change"
  
• Old negative patterns are tenacious but changeable
  
• All change is met with resistance; be prepared for challenges
  
• We are never stuck with patterns; always think positively about yourself and visualise your life you want it to be
  
• The world is a reflection of ourselves
  
• The goal of any psychotherapy is to change an individual's image of himself
  
• Self-confidence
  
• You deserve the love and respect just because you are you
  
• Our subconscious behavior and our subconscious programmes are intertwined with our self-concept
  
• Our expectations can make us sick
  
• Think healthy, happy thoughts; accept and love yourself where you are right now, and acknowledge that you have been living life to the best
  
• Pain causes us to contemplate, to change direction. It prompts us to look at things differently. Some people never realise that it is time to take their hand off the stove
  
• The environment affects us much; if you are serious about changing your life, get serious about changing what surrounds you.
  
• Change is inevitable - face changes bravely, as it is natural for all things to change
  
• Do not blame anyone, including yourself for things. Change and solve the problem
  
• If you are not happy, CHANGE! It is the easiest to change yourself!
  

---

Money

• Use money; don't let money use you
  
• Money -
  
  • commitment
    
  • save, then spend
    
  • observe wealthy people
    
  • ask for help
    
  • spoil yourself occasionally
    
  • stretch you belief system
    
  • reaffirm yourself
    
  • make plans; set goals
    
  • trust yourself with money
    
  • do not blame others. Or yourself.
    
  • enthusiasm
    
  • poverty is a mental disease
    

Fear

• You are only open to intense fear when you are being inactive; the minute you start to take action and actually do something, fear subsides
  
• Living in the now is about taking action without the fear of the consequences ( but no without considering... )
  

Live in the now

• Live for now; enjoy everything you have now
  
• Time doesn't really exist, except as an abstract concept in your head. The present moment is the only time you have.
  
• Letting go of situations sometimes accelerates results
  

Forgiveness

• If we refuse to forgive somebody, then we are really saying," Instead of taking some action to improve matters, I prefer to live in the past, and blame somebody for it. ( or blame myself )". We are just putting ourselves through extra mental anguish
  
• Unforgiveness is one of the greatest causes of sickness, because a sour mind creates a sour body
  
• Blaming and feeling guilty are equally dangerous and destructive
  
• When we are to blame, we avoid the real issue which is to do something about the problem
  
• It's always our choice whether we get on with our life and live in the now, or whether we chain ourselves to grudges and upsets of the past
  
• Be open and frank; people will love you for it
  

Imagination rules

• Your subconscious mind affects what you get: Think positive to get positive results.
  
• Exercise your imagination: it rules the world
  
• Have wild dreams and take steps to fulfill them
  
• Have a goal and review it constantly
  
• Whether you think you will succeed or not, you are probably right
  
• Mental practice is very important ( maybe even better than physical exercise ) as there are little distractions etc, and it builds confidence
  
• What you believe is often what you get; think positive
  
• The mind creates mind thoughts: such thoughts can attract like a magnet. Discipline your thoughts and you can determine what you reap
  

Thoughts and Words

• Speak only if you have something constructive and positive to say
  
• Repeat thoughts to reaffirm yourself: our words affect how we think and feel
  
• ASK! Asking is important as it
  
  • indicates self-worth and self-esteem
    
  • keeps you healthy through openness
    
  • is logical as others cannot read minds
    
  • makes others happy to help you
    
  • ~ even if people reject us 50% of the time, at least we get some help on the other 50% of the time, which we otherwise will not have!
    
  
  

Working at being happy

• Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be
  
• Most people remember compliments for a few minutes and insults for years
  
• Being happy can be hard work sometimes - you've got to hang on to your treasures and throw out the garbage
  
• Disasters aren't so disastrous if we tackle them a piece at a time. The sooner we recognize what we stand to gain from the experience, the easier it is to deal with
  
• Laughter is the best medicine
  
• If everything has gone wrong, why worsen things by not being happy as well?
  
  
• An attribute of gratitude ensures that our attention is on what we want. Count your blessings and you'll get more
  
• Whatever labels we place on ourselves are our responsibility
  
• Adversity reveals genius, prosperity conceals it
  
• Living is different from pure existence. Life is a risk, but that makes it interesting
  
• To get whatever you want, do whatever you can!
  
• There ain't no such thing as a free lunch
  
• the hour before dawn is the darkest; hang in there and you will see brightness
  
• Notice how much children laugh every day?
  
• Relax and stay calm - it's the best way to solve problems
  
• Be emotionally unattached, let go of end-results and work towards our goals. It is the process that is challenging and rewarding
  
• Life is worthless, unless you give it value
  
• Wherever you are, it is the place to start; the effort put in will make a difference!