If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by worry, you know how difficult it is to feel happy at the same time. Worry and happiness are by nature complete opposites; they cannot co-exist. When you worry, you’re focusing more on the negative side of a situation – wondering what might happen that will challenge your ability to cope, or otherwise dreading negative events. When you’re happy, you’re not focusing on the negative side but rather affirming all that’s good in your life.

The problem that many people face is figuring out how to minimize worry and spend more time feeling happy. Below you’ll find five easy ways to transform worry into a genuine state of happiness:

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By Philip E. Humbert

One of my favorite songs is Bobby McFerrin’s refrain, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”. I recently had the opportunity to observe people’s reactions when a highway was closed because of an accident ahead. As we waited, I watched as some listened to radios, a few began tossing a Frisbee, other’s seemed to be working or reading, and some opted for a quick nap. But, there were also a handful who were clearly agitated and angry. Pacing about, swearing, and upset, they decided that the best response to this event, which none of us could control, was to be very unhappy. I was reminded of Abraham Lincoln’s comment that, “Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” The following are my Top 10 Tips to increase happiness in your life:

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by Wendy Betterini

Years ago when I rented my first apartment and moved out on my own, my mother bought me a “bluebird of happiness” glass figurine which has held a place of honor in every home I’ve had since.

Over the years, this little glass bird has become a sort of talisman for me. A mere glance at it sparkling in the sunlight on my windowsill reminds me of the journey I’ve taken in claiming my right to be truly happy.

When my mother first gave me the bird, I wasn’t happy. I was excited about living on my own and eager for some new adventures, but I hadn’t a clue what true happiness was.

For more than ten years, this little glass bird sat silently and watched as I struggled to grow into myself, understand my purpose for being, and find the happiness I was meant to know. It witnessed numerous broken hearts, disappointments, loneliness, and despair I seemed determined to repeat over and over again.

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