Making Someone Smile is Easier Than You Think.
Do you want to put a smile on someone's face?  Maybe make their day a little bit brighter?  It doesn't have to take much time or money on your part.  In fact, many things can be done as a part of your normal routine and cost little or nothing.  We  often underestimate how people can be affected by an act of kindness and they are contagious, so it's well worth the small effort. Try out one or more of these 7 ways today, and put a smile on someone's face. Spread a little happiness today!

1. Send a positive message. We often don't take the time to send a positive email or text message. Handwritten notes are even more rare...just grab a "Post-It". Start a new practice: take a few minutes to write/send a positive note on a regular basis. You just might start an epidemic!

2. Take someone out to lunch or coffee or invite them to your home.  You will get to know each other even better than you do right now. If you feel like being more adventurous, throw a small party for several of your friends or colleagues and put smiles on a multitude of faces.

3. Give someone an inspirational book to read. You will feel good doing it, reading the book can change or inspire the person, and they will think of you every time they read it. You can share my book, 21 Days to Happiness, or one of the books from my recommended reading list!

4. Offer to babysit or take care of a pet for a few hours. You know the value of being able to have a few hours of "alone time" without worrying about the children and pets. Don't wait to be asked. Offer to do it at a time when the person can do something fun and relaxing.

5. Deliver a meal to someone you know that is sick or having a rough time. We have all been sick and know the last thing you want to do is to cook. There are also times when life is tough and it is hard to do all of the daily chores. You can be a tremendous help by providing a meal that can be enjoyed.

6. Volunteer your time to a local charity.  Every minute you dedicate will cause many smiles.  It is very rewarding to help without being asked. 

7. Thank everyone that supports you throughout the day.  The list of those that you come in contact with is endless.  Remember family and friends, co-workers, teachers, store employees, janitors, those that deliver your mail and staff at restaurants.

Don't Forget to Smile
So there you have it. Seven ideas for ways to make someone smile. There is one more way that can't be ignored: reveal a genuine smile to everyone you meet.​ You will experience how easy it is to get others to smile!

Learn more about happiness and how to spread happiness to others in my book 21 Days to Happiness. Order a copy for yourself and one to share with a friend!

Sometimes We Chase the Wrong Things
In a culture obsessed with high tech gadgetry, cellphones, credit cards, fast cars, large houses, and job titles, it should be no surprise that most people experience stress and anxiety.  The strain of striving after material advantage and the dictates of the Almighty Dollar have made many people virtual slaves in their jobs.

Even after working more than 50 hours a week or getting every material need and luxury that money can buy, many people still live unhappily.  Success at work, instead of bringing fulfillment, leaves many people with a feeling emptiness and disillusionment.

But there is still hope for the tired professional and the exhausted worker.  Stress and anxiety need not ruin lives and careers.  To get back on track, it may be helpful to consider the following advice on how to be an achiever who lives a balanced life:

Identify what's important
What we really are lacking is balance.  A good start would be to have a career and life plan that balances your time and effort between work and home. If we plan carefully, we will most likely make the right action or choices. Life shouldn't be a big enigma. Life can be made simple and enjoyable. A career or life plan must start with having a stated purpose. 

Knowing what you really want helps you get rid of unnecessary fatigue brought about by things which are not really important.  Knowing your priorities also help you get rid of unnecessary worries and prevents you from wasting energy. Writing it down --- putting your plan on paper --- is the first step on having a balanced life.

Your first task is to identify what you want.  Do you prefer to have  a fun personal or family life, vibrant health more than having financial success or a well-respected position?  Maybe you can have both without making any sacrifice in terms of time or quality of life? Write it down! Goals are much easier to achieve when we identify them and list them on paper.

Quick questions
To get our bearings, it is important to be constantly aware of our priorities.  A good way to start redefining one's priorities is by answering the following questions:

• Are you neglecting yourself physically, mentally or spiritually?
• Are you neglecting your spouse, your children, your peers?
• Are you fulfilling your commitments?
• Are you operating in your comfort zone?

Don't be discouraged if you answered "yes" to some of those questions. Taking a moment to acknowledge where your life is out of balance is a great first step toward happiness. Once you've identified problem areas, you can begin making changes that lead you toward a happier, more fulfilled life.

It's All About Balance
You have the power to manage your everyday stresses. You have opportunity to make healthy changes in your life. It may take time, but don't be afraid to start now. These helpful tips will ease the pressures and get you moving toward happiness.

• Focus – Take a few minutes to focus. Which tasks from your to-do list are the ones you really want to do? Which ones can be delegated? What happens if something from your list doesn't get completed today? You'll often find it won't be a crisis if you have to push a few things back to another day.
• Don't be the Lone Ranger for every crisis or situation - Even The Lone Ranger can used a sidekick. Not every job can be effectively accomplished alone.
• Give yourself a pat on the back - Every once in a while, give yourself credit. Acknowledge all the good things you have done.
• Take breaks to recharge - Even a quick five-minute walk can help you clear your mind and refocus. You'll find after a break, you have more energy, and return to your tasks feeling refreshed.

Do Happy
You always have a choice about how to respond to the world you live in. Being proactive and taking some time for self-care and prioritizing will go a long way toward reducing stress and the feeling of being overwhelmed. Do what makes you happy!

Get More Great Tips
You can find more great tips on how to be a happier, healthier, more energetic person in my book 21 Days to Happiness, which is NOW AVAILABLE AS AN AUDIOBOOK. Listen on your commute to work, or while taking your daily walk and refresh your mind as well as your body.