We like 'New'. New toys; a new car; a new baby; a new job; a new outlook; a New Year. 'New' frequently offers hope; and hope makes us feel good. The key word is 'feel'. Hope begins as an internal thought and/or feeling. To externalize any thought or feeling and make it into something tangible and positive, we must act upon it. We can't just say the words 'Happy New Year' and expect it to be.
This is just as true of negative or bad ('challenging') thoughts and feelings as it is of those that are positive or good. If we act on them, we can make them into something tangible and positive; if we take no action the results will be negative or (at best) nonexistent. Here on hopelesshappiness.com we have been saying that about hopelessness for weeks. Accept the challenge and learn from it.
When it comes to increasing the length and frequency of our 'moments' of Happiness, the following is always true IF your actions DO NO HARM to yourself or others:
- Thoughts and/or feelings plus action is greater than zero.
- Thoughts and/or feelings plus inaction is less than or equal to zero.
And to clarify, action DOES include (perhaps most importantly) simple, everyday behaviors. Most of us do not have the means (financially or otherwise) to solve major world problems, but (if you are reading this) you likely do have the means to impact your sphere of influence in a positive, tangible way; and what better way to solve the world's problems than one person at a time; (I believe it's the only way).
So don't just say it - live it!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!