There is something about the start of a new year that makes us want to do better; we make resolutions to improve, to work harder, exercise more, be neater and eat less. Henry S. Miller’s “The Serious Pursuit of Happiness” suggests that instead of resolutions, we amp up our happiness each and every month by creating a “happiness calendar,” which focuses on 12 strategies that, if added to your life, will increase feelings of lasting positive emotions. Here, briefly, are some of the suggestions:
January: A Month of Hope and Plans —Write one small positive goal each morning of each day of January and a plan to make it a reality.
February: A Month of Gratitude — The best antidote to greed, envy and jealousy. We feel much happier when we are grateful for what we have, rather than envious of what we don’t. Each night, write down three things for which you are grateful: your relationships, work, family, etc.
March: Month of Kindness — Find one opportunity each day to perform some act of kindness for someone else; no matter how small, and then enjoy the feeling that you have made a difference in that person’s day.
April: A Month of Optimism — Be conscious of negative thoughts. When they occur, replace them with something positive. Develop the strategy of seeing the glass as “half full” and expecting your actions will bring good outcomes.
May: A Month of Friendships — Close relationships are known to be one of the best happiness-inducing strategies. Reach out to friends and arrange to spend time: a walk, coffee, etc., but make it a face-to-face time.
June: Month of Love — Call or write someone you love and tell them how much they mean to you.
July: A Month of Spirituality — Whether it is your own secular belief, your own private faith or an organized religion, recognize and benefit from these feelings.
August: Month of Health and Fitness — Summer is a good time to focus on health and fitness and to begin some daily regimen, even if it is just walking. Are you conscious of eating well and getting enough sleep?
September: A Month of Contribution — How can you make a positive difference in the world? What are you contributing that will last after you have gone, even if it is just planting a tree that eventually will provide shade for someone else.
October: Month of Savoring — Take the time to appreciate and enjoy the beauty of the fall colors; your daily meals, the faces of children at play… all the many things we so often take for granted.
November: A Month of Forgiveness — Are you holding lingering resentments? Write a forgiveness letter, even if you decide not to send it. Retaining anger only hurts yourself.
December: Month of Generosity — The true spirit of the season lies in the giving of our time and our financial help to those in need.
Let us welcome the promise of the New Year. Even if we accomplish only some of the suggestions in the happiness calendar, we will have increased our own happiness as well as those around us; multiplied by many people, that is no small accomplishment in making the world a better place for us all.
In ending this final column of 2013, I would like to express my gratitude for the many readers who contributed to my happiness by sharing their thoughts in their many e mails and letters. Hugs to all of you and a safe and Happy New Year to everyone.
Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 49 Rose St., Apt. 510, Branford, 06405.
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