Very Happy Phil

Hello Very Happy People!

I like to focus on the positive side of everything. However in order to illustrate something I will begin by highlighting the fact being negative about yourself has negative results! Some people criticize themselves or others all the time. In UK its called 'slagging' in Australia its called 'Bagging' or sledging! And its bad! Bagging is no laughing matter!

I will tell you a little story; I spent some time with a few funny friends of mine. As is common among Australian males a lot of negative 'joking' or 'bagging' was being done in conversation. I had enough of it and started a BAN ON BAGGING! "No negative words allowed henceforth or a one pound fine!" But as you know, habits are a challenge to change! One of my friends couldn't stop himself and within 2 minutes he had built up a big fine!

It's difficult to talk people up when you are always bringing them down. It's difficult to be positive about yourself when you are negative all the time. We must be positive about ourselves. I know I am a nice guy. I am a great guy, I don't need anybody to tell that. Don't confuse self confidence with arrogance. Arrogance is undesirable while self confidence is very desirable!

Hello Very Happy People!

One factor in our happiness is spending time doing things that we value and are important to us. There is a great way we can discover what we value and find important. I will give you an example; Answer this question; How would you like to be described by a close friend when you die?

Then answer this question; How would you be described by a close friend now if you were to die?

I will tell you a little story; I was asked the first question and I answered it. I then had to answer the second question and after thinking about it replied that my answer to the second question was the same as my answer to the first question. I then realised how important the questions and my answers were. I realised that the way I live my life is one of the reasons I am very happy guy. I live my life according to my values and what is important to me. In other words if I were to die today, I would be happy with my life and I would die happy. After psychologist Dr Hertha Collin asked me the above questions and heard my answers, it was clear she was pleased with what she heard, saying "you are living the life that all my clients want". I am fortunate to have come across some great psychologists and this is one of the most important things I learnt from Dr Hertha Collin.

Hello Very Happy People!

Happy New Year! I will tell you a little story; I attended the only sober New Years party in Perth! Hosted by happy wise Buddhist monk Ajhan Brahm, the event was fun and full of great people.

Over the last two weeks I celebrated Christmas and New Year and a friends wedding AND I did them all without alcohol! I had a great time! Of course we don't need alcohol or food or presents to celebrate anything! There are many reasons why I choose not to drink alcohol and at least one relates to happiness;

Drink is a depressant!

There are pros and cons to drinking alcohol as well as pros and cons of not drinking alcohol. I stopped drinking alcohol about 4 years ago. Here are a few of my reasons why I don't drink;

More happiness/positive
More energy
No alcohol mood lows/swings
Better mental and physical health
Clear head, especially the morning after
Driving ability
Self Control
Challenge! (Peer pressure and culture pressure to drink like everyone else)
Save money
No alcohol induced misbehaviour/aggression/violence
Avoid the empty calories and nutritionless contents of alcohol
Inspire kids to do the same
Inspire others to do the same

Pros of drinking;
Some research shows Moderate drinkers outlive teetotalers and heavy drinkers. (But I am very healthy and I think I will outlive drinkers and non drinkers!)
Some people 'need' alcohol before they give themselves permission to have fun and enjoy themselves!
Some friends may feel uncomfortable/insecure if you don't drink alcohol with them