Happiness is not a goal; it’s the natural byproduct of a purpose-driven life.  ~ Rabbi Shmuley Boteach

For many of us happiness revolves around the little things that seem to make our days brighter: spouses who remember to put the toilet seat up in the middle of the night, children who eat their greens and clean their rooms and even dishes that magically get put away without us having to blow a gasket. Yes, these things help our lives run that much smoother. They make us feel happy but they’re NOT going to keep us happy.

True happiness comes as a result of living a full and content life–a life with purpose and direction. It’s hard to feel empty, depressed or insignificant when your life is brimming with joy, fullness and a sense of meaning and purpose. Want to keep the blues at bay? Here’s how…

• Be your brother’s keeper ~ nothing says I care about you like extending kindnes, love and compassion to people around you. Living a life of service will help you focus less on yourself and more on others. Whether you’re a mentor, teacher or good samaritan, helping your fellow man is guaranteed to have you feeling joyous in no time.
• Be thankful ~ gratitude is the best antidote for discontentment. You may not have everything you want in life but you have a lot more than most people have in their lifetime. Being grateful for the little things helps to create a divine pathway for bigger things.
• Be funny ~ laugh out loud!! Laughter is the best cure for the emotional woes that life bring. Don’t be ashamed to laugh at yourself and others (when appropriate). A little laughter in the valleys of life can lead to a lot of sunshine on the mountain top.
• Be quiet ~ the #1 enemy of peace of mind is busy-ness. Sometimes when we’re cranky, feeling weighed down or anxious, it’s a direct result of our inability to be still. The best way for us to recharge our inner self is to take the time to sit and listen to what we’re really saying. Whether you use the time to pray, meditate or write a journal entry, making the time to listen to the whispers in your heart will give you the peace and tranquility you need.