Copyright © 2018 Becca Anderson Published by Mango Publishing Group, a division of Mango Media Inc. Cover Design: Roberto Nuñez Layout & Design: Morgane Leoni Mango is an active supporter of authors’ rights to free speech and artistic expression in their books. The purpose of copyright is to encourage authors to produce exceptional works that enrich our culture and our open society. Uploading or distributing photos, scans or any content from this book without prior permission is theft of the author’s intellectual property. Please honor the author’s work as you would your own. Thank you in advance for respecting our author’s rights. For permission requests, please contact the publisher at: Mango Publishing Group 2850 Douglas Road, 3rd Floor Coral Gables, FL 33134 U.S.A. [email protected] For special orders, quantity sales, course adoptions and corporate sales, please email the publisher at [email protected]. For trade and wholesale sales, please contact Ingram Publisher Services at: [email protected] or +1.800.509.4887. Think Happy to Stay Happy: The Awesome Power of Learned Optimism Library of Congress Cataloging ISBN: (p) 978-1-63353-731-6, (e) 978-1-63353-730-9 Library of Congress Control Number: 2017962616 BISAC - OCC010000 BODY, MIND & SPIRIT / Mindfulness & Meditation - SEL016000 SELF-HELP / Personal Growth / Happiness Printed in the United States of America Contents Foreword Introduction: Change Your Thinking to Change Your Life Author Note: The Art of Self-Affirmation: How to Use This Book Be a “Day Lifter!” Random Acts of Love Be a Good in the World Make Contact In Your Own Backyard Spread Joy at the Office Scatter Happiness All Around Give Gladness to Others What the World Needs Now Learn the Language of Kindness The Little Things Count Free Hugs for All! Don’t Forget the Senseless Acts of Beauty! No Strings Attached Make Amends Share the Love! Always Remember, It’s Not All about You Live with Purpose and Meaning The Art of Making a Life What Is Your Personal Mission? Think “Best-Case Scenario” All the Time Do You Know How Great You Are? Your Goals Will Grow You Yes, You Can List Your Life Ask “How Are You?” and Mean It! Today Is a Great Day: Let Yourself Enjoy It Accentuate the Positive Be the Light on Dark Days Make Time for Gratitude Every Day Look at Everything in a New Way Gossip Makes Us All Unhappy Do What You Say You’re Gonna Do Offer Unconditional Positive Regard Practice Simple Acts of Goodness Life Is Too Short to Not Have Good Coffee What Are You Here to Do in This Life? The Virtues of Kindness, Generosity, Patience, and Hope Just Say Yes Don’t Just Go Through It, Grow Through It Rewire Your Brain to Be More Positive Remember to Be Kind to Yourself, Too Be of Good Cheer Be Happy For Others (and Let Them Know It!) Simply Reframe Your Perceptions Find Joy in Gratitude Actions Really Are Louder Than Words Weed Negativity Out of Your Mind (and Out of Your Life) Love Notes Make New Happy Memories Reach Out The Happiness Plan When Was the Last Time You Were a Good Samaritan? Make a Difference in the World Say My Name Self-Care Is a Divine Responsibility Check In with Your Friends Seek Out the Shy Think Globally Shower the People You Love with Love Naps Make Us Happy Share the Positive Teach What You Know The Little Things in Life Make Furry Friends Be a Kid for a Day Pass On the Pleasure of Reading Go Ahead and Make Someone’s Day Offer Unconditional Positive Regard Conclusion: Your Guide to Glad Days DIY Affirmation Journaling Pages About the Author Foreword Choose happiness. This is your life: only you can truly control your choices, and choosing happiness is the best way to achieve being the best you that you can be. Here are some suggestions for how you can ensure happiness in your life: Be the best you can be by your own standards. Surround yourself with people who inspire you and make you feel good. Focus on what you have, not on what you lack. Remember: optimism trumps pessimism. Smile often and genuinely. Be honest…to yourself and to others. Help others. Embrace your past, live in the present, and look forward to what is yet to come.