1. Forgive yourself. Oh sure, start with the hardest one! Yes, this takes a lot of self-discipline, but if you are able to truly forgive yourself — for whatever reason — your happiness will show.
2. Accept an apology (even if one hasn’t been given). This is another hard one (especially if you include that last part). Truly accepting an apology can take weeks, months, or even years. But once it finally happens, you can start mending broken relationships or, at the least, building a better you.
3. Give someone a compliment. How often do we share compliments with others? Sometimes it can be scary, but think of it this way: when was the last time you were mad at someone that gave you a compliment? I challenge you to deliver every positive compliment that runs through your mind for one day.
4. Give yourself a compliment. This is a little trickier than the previous one, but not impossible. Find something you love about yourself and say it. Out loud.
5. Stop and smell the roses. The world has glorified the need to be busy, but we’re in a unique time in history where we are forced to slow down. Take a moment each day to enjoy the beauty around you, in all its forms.
6. Indulge. Enjoy a simple pleasure — something you don’t let yourself have or do very often. Eat that big fat chocolate cupcake. Buy that item you’ve been eyeing in the store window.
7. Play with your kids. When was the last time you got down on the floor with your kids and played a game or built a fort. Those moments won’t last very long.
8. Ask one of those kids for a hug. Having tiny arms around your neck has to be one of the best feelings ever.
9. Dress up. Dressing up for your spouse can go a long way. And don’t forget — you’re never fully dressed without a smile.
10. Write a hand-written letter to someone you love. Even better? Deliver it in person!
11. Watch a sunrise. You might need to arise early, but I’ve never seen a sunrise and wished I was still back in bed.
12. Make a list of things you are grateful for. Try to think of things you normally wouldn’t, like the sunrise!
13. On social media, ask: “What makes you smile?” I tried this and all the comments had me laughing!
14. Go stargazing. Get out of the city and find a place you can really see them. The Milky Way is always my favorite.
15. Go on a run or a walk. Endorphins are all the rage!
16. Listen to your favorite song. Music is what feelings sound like, so listen to a happy song.
17. Commit a random act of kindness. Maybe you’ll even start a chain of “paying it forward.”
18. Go people-watching. Pay attention to the little things.
19. Text your significant other something you love about him or her. Then, ask your spouse to return the favor.
20. Smile! Plaster one on your face. Soon, it will become genuine.
Try just a few of these, and you will be sure to turn that frown upside down!
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