Soapbox.

So yes, I am taking another elective course from the College of Human Environmental Sciences. And no, I am not happy about it. Why am I taking it again you may ask. Well, someone in the College of Communications decided that it would make me a well rounded person if I had to take so many elective courses outside of my college and major. This is not the brightest of bright ideas in my opinion. While I could be taking a journalism, mass communication or graphic design course to better help me in my chosen field of study, I am taking other classes such as Individual & Family Resource Management and Women's Studies instead. Blah, blah, blah. Let my rant and rave continue! But for a brief moment, I'd like to discuss an interesting topic that one of these "elective" courses have brought to light for me.

While reading for my Individual & Family Resource Management class, I came across the topic, the science of happiness. This made me stop and think about all the things that can make a person happy. Most people would think that money is the root of all happiness. But while reading, I found this to be completely untrue. Although money makes a person a small amount happier, things such as family and friends, children, religion, music, pets, exercise and food ranked in a lot higher than that of money. Crazy to think that when things in our life aren't as great as we want them to be, we feel that if only we had a little more money we would be much more happier. I know that I am guilty of thinking this when things in my life aren't exactly going my way.

So, where am I going with this? I would like to share with you some of my findings on how a person can be happier and have a more satisfying life. According to psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky, there are eight things a person can do to make him or herself happier.

1. Count your blessings. One way to do this is with a “gratitude journal” in which you write down three to five things for which you are currently thankful—from the mundane (your peonies are in bloom) to the magnificent (a child’s first steps). Do this once a week, say, on Sunday night. Keep it fresh by varying your entries as much as possible.

2. Practice acts of kindness. These should be both random (let that harried mom go ahead of you in the checkout line) and systematic (bring Sunday supper to an elderly neighbor). Being kind to others, whether friends or strangers, triggers a cascade of positive effects—it makes you feel generous and capable, gives you a greater sense of connection with others and wins you smiles, approval and reciprocated kindness—all happiness boosters.

3. Savor life’s joys. Pay close attention to momentary pleasures and wonders. Focus on the sweetness of a ripe strawberry or the warmth of the sun when you step out from the shade. Some psychologists suggest taking “mental photographs” of pleasurable moments to review in less happy times.

4. Thank a mentor. If there’s someone whom you owe a debt of gratitude for guiding you at one of life’s crossroads, don’t wait to express your appreciation—in detail and, if possible, in person.

5. Learn to forgive. Let go of anger and resentment by writing a letter of forgiveness to a person who has hurt or wronged you. Inability to forgive is associated with persistent rumination or dwelling on revenge, while forgiving allows you to move on.

6. Invest time and energy in friends and family. Where you live, how much money you make, your job title and even your health have surprisingly small effects on your satisfaction with life. The biggest factor appears to be strong personal relationships.

7. Take care of your body. Getting plenty of sleep, exercising, stretching, smiling and laughing can all enhance your mood in the short term. Practiced regularly, they can help make your daily life more satisfying.

8. Develop strategies for coping with stress and hardships.There is no avoiding hard times. Religious faith has been shown to help people cope, but so do the secular beliefs enshrined in axioms like “This too shall pass” and “That which doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.” The trick is that you have to believe them.

Well, in that case, I have a lot of work to do. I think steps 5, 7 and 8 will be most challenging for me. I do consider myself an extremely happy person, but I think I can handle a little more happiness in my life!

Until next time, this is me lately!