How well do you remember your childhood days? It appeared back then the only things that occupied our minds were sweets, cartoons, or Santa Claus. We were so oblivious of other things that would later bother us, that what we didn’t know about, we didn’t care about either.

But as we mature, we start to get more concerned with the things that surround us – life and death, loving and parting, success and failure, to name a few.

It’s not the actual event/situation that bothers you; it’s the way you view them.

So are you missing those days? If so, the answer lies in how you saw the world back then. Here’s a guide to make sure you won’t lose your way:

Appreciate life’s simple pleasures. A smile, laugh, kiss or hug are powerful things. Trust them. Believe in kindness, honesty, dreams, and imagination. Living positively is the first step to becoming happy.

Lighten up. Don’t dwell on mistakes, laugh them off. If you remember a time when you were speaking in public and you had a mental block, don’t dwell on it. Yes it was uncomfortable. But most likely, your audience will forget about it in a day or two. Everybody goofs sometimes. The good thing is that people tend to forget such situations.

Surround yourself with what you love. Do you like pets? Why not adopt a dog or cat? Are you a film fan? Classic motion picture moments can be recorded as keepsakes. Keep away from those that drag you down. If that high-paying job makes you sulk at the thought of having to go to work, find a job you like first before quitting. Stay away from anyone who tries to compel you into their way of doing things when you’re not keen on their methods.

If you’ve been planning a trip but never got around to it, book it and go. Don’t wait. Thinking of furthering your education? Do it. While you still can, do something to enrich your life otherwise you’ll never know the extent of your capability.

You’re never going to please everybody, so don’t wear yourself out trying. Besides, it’s rarely worth it. Always put your loved ones first, if you’re aiming to make anyone’s day, do it for them.

Keep fit. Become the fit and healthy person you regard yourself as. Value your health and well-being. In doing so, you’re always ensuring you’re at your best.

Never assume anything; don’t get into a panic about forgetting your words before presenting your speech. Do not fret over blundering at a job interview. While it’s OK to prepare for the worst, don’t fall into the trap of expecting ONLY the worst.

Alter your way of thinking. Let criticism, be it for past mistakes or condemnation because of your background fall on deaf ears. Don’t take on board all that they tell you. After all, you know yourself far better than anybody else does. Avoid self-pity and wallowing in it.

Remember: Don’t get annoyed over things just because it’s how the majority of people would react when confronted with the same situation. Negativity – in the form of anger, jealousy, etc drains your passion and your energy, however inadvertently.You just have to try keeping these negative feelings in the low, because giving in to these emotions can on occasion make you unreasonable, and you might find yourself making bad decisions.

Happiness is always in your grasp. You can attain it once you know how.