It’s crazy to consider that in so many cases misery is perpetuated through habit. There are people right now who think it’s normal to be unhappy.

For some it happened over  time—like the forming of a callous. For many, however, they grew up in unhappy households that inherit such an unfair emotional estate. Whether the “normal” was nurtured, or you just woke up one day bored with your own disdain, there is a clashing with the light that you have inside of you. It is constantly provoking your senses, sabotaging moments that deserve your smile.

If you are aware of this and it bothers you, do please find a way to break the misery habit. Remember that in so many ways we can reshape the way we see life itself—the exterior—by also reshaping the way we see ourselves

Don’t feel it impossible to tell yourself a different kind story. It’s your world, after all. You create it.  And because I’m such an expert on the subject, here are some ideas for finding your way:

Smile a ton. There’s so much to smile about—the puffiness and exaggerated cotton-look of clouds. Sunrises and sunsets and all that groovy radiance in between. Squirrels being all squirrelly. Your kids acting like goofballs.

Kids are awesome sources of joy. If you have some don’t treat them like a hindrance. They will save you from the drag that can most definitely be adulthood time and time again.

 Your smile sets a course for changing the world. Believe that!

Laugh more. Get into the habit of not taking things so seriously. It’s no secret or coincidence that a lot of stand-up comedians suffer from some sort of depression.

Laughter and poking fun at one’s self —in a semi-healthy way—is a definite elixir.

Stand in awe of everything around you and in you. You are a walking, talking, breathing manifestation of wonder! You are as beautiful as the day you were born. Though you are temporary, the things you do are not. The waves you create will travel far and wide, and come back around again either to be adjusted or made stronger.

You occupy—such a dirty word—a beautiful and glorious planet. Aside from the massive ego trip of totalitarian countries with their penises and rulers we—you and me—we can have moments where we overlook that to study the awesomeness of flowers, the curves of old cars, the joy we get from waving at strangers on country roads and smiling at folks who seem to have a perma-grimace.

Having moments of quietness when you can connect to your source makes for wonderful fun.

• Dance often. We to attach our bodies to music in a total sweet rhythmic symbiosis. Do you realize how amazing that is? When I watch someone dance I can’t help but feel joy and elation. And when I get into my daily groove, folks, I’m in heaven!

Shake your groove thang. You know you want to.

• And most definitely remember this—you are sunshine, dammit! Shine your heart out! Don’t compromise and squelch the light that’s begging to be unbound. Imagine you’ve got a potato sack full of ruckus-like joy. I am asking you to please unloosen the knot in the sack.

Let it out!

Your happiness cannot be given to you by anyone else. It is a constant everyday pampering of your soul. It’s the daily proverbial positive affirmation that you read or say that inspires you to be your groovy, lit up self. All habits can be altered, thrown out, renewed and changed altogether. It all depends on what you want.

Hug somebody who needs it, say I love you a million and three times, give a kid a thumbs up and an old lady a high five. If you did something that bothers you, do something that doesn’t.

It’s  pretty simple to remember that you’re gonna die, so don’t get too hung up on yesterday or even five minutes ago.

The pages are turning. Turn with them.

Kelina Nelson is on a mission to help make the world smile and do as many good and groovy things as possible. She’s a mom, love of Mr. Brown, full-time gardener, recovering pessimist and a writer of thoughts who knows they’ve just gotta be put to use.

 Like “I’m not ‘spiritual’ I just practice being a good person.” on Facebook.