Simple Secrets of Happy People
-- David Niven

• You are not just here to fill space or be a background character in someone else's movie. Consider this: nothing would be the same if you did not exist. Every place you have ever been and everyone you have ever spoken to would be different without you. We are all connected, and we are all affected by the decisions and even the existence of those around us.

• We assume that happy and unhappy people are born that way. But both kinds of people do things that create and reinforce their moods. Happy people let themselves be happy. Unhappy people continue doing things that upset them.

• Ultra competitive people, who always need to win, end up enjoying things less. If they lose they are very disappointed, and if they win it's what they expected would happen anyway.

• You are not just the size of your bank account, the neighborhood you live in, or the type of work you do. You are, just like everyone else, an almost inconceivably complicated mix of abilities and limitations.

• Relationships are built on mutual appreciation, and there is no better way to show that appreciation than to tell someone how much you care.

• Don't write yourself off. If you don't believe in yourself, you won't be able to function.

• Even if you are right, there is nothing to be gained from letting yourself become adversarial with your loved ones. Remember how much more important these people are to you than is the issue you are talking about.

• Animals have so much to teach us about love. The closer we get to animals, the more they give us.

• Don't skimp on sleep. A full night's rest is fuel for the following day. Rested people feel they work better and are more comfortable when the day is over.

• Whether you are at home, in the workplace, or among friends, be the person who exudes optimism, and you will find it reflected right back at you.

• Make it easy for people to deal with you. Don't be angry or disruptive merely because you can.

• When you have chosen reasonable, meaningful, and aligned goals, pursue them with all your heart.