Our lives have so many ups and downs it’s dizzying.

When we hit a bad patch whether it just lasts a day or for months, there are many things we can do to try to lift ourselves out of the sadness that comes over us.

Jump-start a better mood by doing this – it is guaranteed to work every time:

• As difficult as it may be, devote your attention to helping others – do not keep fixating on what is making you unhappy because that just makes you unhappier.  Do small deeds (or large ones) for those around you.
• Do not attempt to tie your improve mood or increased happiness to getting what you want – you may have too long a wait.
• By devoting our focus to others and looking for nothing in return, we train our brain to let go of what ails us long enough to actually find a workable solution.
• Be the purveyor of positive thoughts toward others:  tell people how good others look, how nice they are, how much you appreciate them and you will find what comes back in return will be more than enough to get you through some tough times.

We have no right to expect happiness as an entitlement if we are unwilling to bring small acts of kindness to others.  Getting your way is not the only way to be happy.

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