7 EASY STEPS TO HAPPINESS- TRY IT NOW!

Horrible weather got you down? With the busy lives we lead, it’s easy to let something as important as our own happiness lose priority. Have you ever wondered what it is that naturally happy people do differently and how they achieve such long-lasting contentment? 
Here’s your answer. These seven steps will help you lead a much happier, healthier life. Start today and see what a difference just a week makes! 
Day One: Practice Tolerance and Acceptance
Take notice of the things you find irritating or disappointing, such as people who behave in rude ways, or events and actions that might not be going as you would like them to. Then practice tolerance and acceptance toward them. Accept them completely by allowing them to be as they are without trying to change them or interfere in any way. 
"Acceptance of one's life has nothing to do with resignation; it does not mean running away from the struggle. On the contrary, it means accepting it as it comes, with all the handicaps of heredity, of suffering, of psychological complexes and injustices." -- Paul Tournier

Day Two: Practice Letting Go
Today is the day you practice letting go of things. Just for today, let go of whatever it is that you’re still holding onto so tightly. Let go of the things that you know are toxic for you, whether they are thoughts, behaviors, or people. Just let them go. Release the desire to chase success and money, let go of the need to chase after peoples’ approval and affections, and let go of the need to blame outside forces for whatever is missing in your life. Let go of all of it. Simply be present in what is. 

Day Three: Practice Forgiveness
Today, identify all of the people who have mistreated you, all of the painful things that have happened to you in the past, and practice forgiveness towards them all. Forgive those you have hurt you and let go of the resentment and pain. And don’t forget to forgive yourself for past mistakes. Today you will focus on forgiving everyone and everything and allow yourself to feel the peace that comes from doing so. 
"Do not hold resentment. Do not get so mad at times when things are a little wrong. Remember that others have as much right to their opinions as self, but that there is a level from which all may work together for good." 

Day Four: Practice Gratitude and Appreciation
Today, your main focus is to practice expressing gratitude and appreciation for the wonderful being that you are, as well as the gifts you experience in life from the presence of other wonderful people and things. Search for things you appreciate in yourself, in others, and in your life. 
Write a note to those you appreciate, like your significant other, or your parents. Let them know how much you love and appreciate them as well as how grateful you are to have them in your life. Get creative with it, and most of all, get grateful. 

Day Five: Practice Giving More and Expecting Less
Give more, expect less. This doesn’t necessarily apply to just material items. Give attention and time to those you care for, even if it’s not certain that they’ll return the favor. You can give more of your knowledge, your expertise, your unique gifts and talents to others. Give more of your time to your partner, your children, friends, family, and coworkers. You can give material items to those in need, through donations, or even time as well by working at a shelter. 

Day Six: Practice Playfulness
You probably weren’t expecting this one were you? However, allowing yourself to have fun is just as important as these other steps to promote happiness. So, be silly, be weird, let your freak flag fly. Allow yourself some time to be playful and carefree. Go ahead and dance and sing while cleaning the house. Whatever you do, don’t think too much. Just have fun with it!

Day Seven: Play the Role of Your Ideal Self
Today, behave as if all of your goals have been fulfilled and you have your entire life figured out. Act as if there is nothing you lack, as if you know it all, have it all, are it all. Identify as your ideal self. Go through the day wearing the costume of your ideal self and approach all matters in that way. Because today will be the day you experience what it's like to be the amazing person you've always dreamed of yourself as being. Feel the feelings that come from being who you want to be and living life the way you want to live, because chances are that you will feel so good that you will never want to go back to the old you.

Once you accomplished this seven step challenge, identify what practices would be beneficial to your everyday life. Make sure to incorporate them into the future.