Happiness is our natural state and nothing to do with forces beyond our control, says #1 New York Times bestselling author and nationally known stress-management consultant Dr. Richard Carlson. In this book, he uncovers a profound breakthrough in human psychology. Contrary to common belief that happiness depends on outside circumstances-that by solving our problems, improving our relationships, or achieving success we will find contentment- Dr.Carlson shows that happiness is our natural state.

A brief summary of the key thoughts from the book, contributed by a positive and happy-go-lucky young lady named Preeti from Vancouver, British Columbia.

1. The principle of Thought: Every negative (and positive) feeling is a direct result of thought. We are the producers of our own thinking. It is our thinking, not our circumstances, that determine how we feel. Thoughts are only thoughts and do not represent reality. If something comes to mind, recognize if for what it is, a passing thought.

Understand everyone has a unique, individualized thought system. Thought systems are what we see the world through, our own concepts, beliefs, expectations, and opinions that we know of from our past
experiences. Every negative feeling is a direct result of thought.

2. The principle of Moods: Our moods are always changing, moods are part of the human condition: you will always see life and the events in it differently, in different moods. When you are in a low mood, learn to pass it off as simply that, an unavoidable human condition that will pass with time, if you leave it alone and avoid giving it too much attention. Your moods change, not your life. Don’t take low
moods too seriously. Don’t try to solve your problems in a low mood. Solve your problems in a high mood when we have full access to our wisdom.

3. The principle of Separate Realities: It is impossible for 2 human beings to see things precisely alike. There are no exceptions to this rule. Each thought system is unique to itself. It is futile to try to change others. Understand the fact of separate realities, there is no logical reason to take personally what others say and do. All we need to do is accept it as a given that each of us sees life from our own
separate reality, our own interpretation of life, our own frame of reference. Once you understand separate realities is a fact of life, defenses will drop & hearts will open, growth & compromise become possible.

4. The principle of Feelings: Recognize the powerful connection between our thinking and our experience of life. Our natural state of mind is to feel positive, it consists of contentment, love & gratitude. This is a state in which we see life clearly. This is the state of mind from which new & creative ideas evolve, and where solutions to problems seem obvious. Our negative feelings are the biggest indicator that we are off track & seeing life in a distorted manner. We need to clear our heads and stop what we are thinking. Distrust your feelings in a low mood.

5. The principle of Present Moment: The only way to experience genuine & lasting contentment, satisfaction, and happiness is to learn to live your life in the present moment. Regardless of your past experiences, the specifics of your current circumstances, how much you analyze your past or speculate about your future, you will never be happy until you learn to live in the present moment. A mind that is “out of the moment” is fertile ground for worry, anxiety, regret, and guilt. This doesn’t mean that every moment of your life should (or ever will) be spent focused in this moment, only that it is important that this occurs more often than not.

Richard Carlson is considered one of the world’s foremost experts on happiness and stress reduction. As the author of twenty popular books, which have sold more than 26 million copies worldwide, including the runaway bestseller Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff, he has shown millions of people how to not let the small things in life get the best of them.

Get your copy of the You Can Be Happy No Matter What by Richard Carlson. .