I’ve just been for a walk up Nicky Nook. For those that don’t know it, Nicky Nook is a beauty spot just outside Scorton with a short steep hill, which once you’ve huffed and puffed your way to the top, rewards with a breathtaking view which stretches as far as the Lakeland fells. It’s a fab place to go and when I get to the top I often sit on a little stone wall and contemplate life! That’s what I did this morning!

As I sat on that little stone wall I thought about how happy climbing that hill had made me feel. Ok I’m sad I know! But I started to ponder on the concept of happiness. It’s a subject that seems to be banded around quite a lot at the moment. But what does it mean? Is it important and if it is how do we seek it?

Defining happiness is tricky – climbing Nicky Nook obviously did it for me but feeling like your hearts about to pound out of your chest isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. A recent article in the The Times referred to a study from Harvard University where researchers concluded that real happiness is actually not an individual choice but is dependant on the happiness of others to whom individuals are connected directly or indirectly. When I read this I realised that happiness isn’t about those beautiful must have stilettos I tried on last week Or that bottle of red wine I regularly jump into or even those 2 delicious mince pies I had with cream last night? (oh, but they were good!!) Quick fixes they certainly are but, as Robert Holden said in his book Shift Happens, “Happiness is not an it! Happiness is not in things it’s in you. Happiness is your inner light that has no “off” switch.”

 Try these 5 mini LifeBooster happiness tips to keep your own true and lasting inner light shining brightly.

1)    Smile at everyone you come across this week. Yes even the bank manager and the traffic warden. See what sort of a reaction you get. Monitor how that feels.

2)    Don’t buy those expensive shoes you really don’t need. Walk away and see how empowered you feel.

3)    Have a “give my body a break day” Treat you poor old body like you would a hurt animal or child. Pamper it, soothe it, relax it and think loving kind thoughts about it.

4)    Spend some time with someone you love whoever that might be. Give them a big hug and tell them how much you love spending time with them.

5)    Take the bigger picture of life. As the saying goes “Don’t sweat the small stuff” To help in this regard, try to decide if things which upset you will matter in a year from now, six months from now, or even next week or tomorrow. Try to let things go if in the grand scheme of life there’re not important.

Copyright@2008JoanneIngham