Five Ways to Become a Happy-Go-Lucky Person
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I love the sound of the breezy, devil-may-care term, happy-go-lucky.
Merriam-Webster defines happy-go-lucky as blithely unconcerned and carefree. Synonyms include affable, laid-back, low-pressure, and mellow.
Perhaps more to the point, the Urban Dictionary defines happy-go-lucky as a person who is cheerful about most things, has a positive view on life, and annoys the you-know-what out of their friends. Don’t you love the quirkiness of Urban Dictionary?
Anyhow, perhaps being cheerful and endlessly optimistic is a bit annoying, but who cares? Actually, I am envious of those people because, although I have my silly moments, I am WAY too serious most the time.
So join me and my goal of lightening up. Think of all the benefits.
If you are laid-back, you’ll be less stressed out and definitely have more fun. If you have a carefree attitude, you’ll be more likely to take risks and step out of your comfort zone. If you are cheerful and have a positive attitude, people will want to be around you which will result in more friends and better relationships.
If you can become more of a happy-go-lucky person, I’d lay bets that you’ll find life more enjoyable and even more fulfilling.
Here are five ways to get you started on the path of that devil-may-care attitude:
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Be a Little Silly
As I suggested in an earlier blog, unleash your silly every once in a while.
If you’re not sure how to do that, simply imitate children. My 5-year-old grandson is constantly cracking himself up. Pretend you’re a kid again and tell a silly joke, sing a silly song, wear a silly hat, make a silly face, or just think silly thoughts.
Children have that devil-may-care attitude that gives them freedom to act silly no matter who is watching. Copy some of that.
I saw this quote, “Live a life of love, honesty, appreciation, kindness, and strength. Sprinkled with a little silliness.”
Yeah! Let’s bring silly back!
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Choose Laughter
If it’s either laugh or cry – choose laughter.
So what if something goes wrong or your carefully laid out plans go awry. Learn to laugh at yourself. You’re a happy-go-lucky person now, remember? Don’t take yourself so seriously.
What if life is getting you down and laughter seems a million miles away? Watch a screwball sitcom or movie, listen to a stand-up comedy routine, or check out the latest silly YouTube video. You can even laugh at an absurd situation in your life. You’ll probably giggle about it later anyway. Why not be amused by it now?
Find Joy
I love this quote by Henri J. M. Nouwen: “Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day. ”
Yes, many things are out of your control, but you can choose to be joyful. Yes, you can!
Don’t let stupid stuff you won’t even remember in a few years sap your good vibes. Mellow out! Don’t expect other people, events, or circumstances to bring you joy either. Your happiness must come from within. Focus on the good things in your life, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Bring joy to others and you will increase your own. Try to do one thing every day that beings you some bliss.
Smile
Happy-go-lucky people smile a lot.
Studies confirm that each time you turn that frown upside down, your brain has a let’s-be-happy party. So just do it!
Think of a special moment with your spouse, or something silly your grandchild said, or a funny joke – fake it if you must. A beaming smile is magical because this facial gesture not only helps you, but invites others to smile with you and feel better too.
Whatever it takes, smile more and bring a little sunshine into your life and those around you.
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Be Playful
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing,” George Bernard Shaw famously said.
Being playful can boost your creativity, make you forget your worries, and connect you to the world in a fun and interesting way.
Not sure where to start? If you’ve forgotten how to play, take notes from your grandchild or even your dog. Finger paint, play badminton, have a costume party, or get out a favorite board game you loved as a child. Have a race with your dog. Keep a favorite toy on your desk. Put some funky music on and dance like crazy while you do chores. Be a bit mischievous.
There you go, five ways to start you down the path of becoming a happy-go-lucky person. Focus on the lighter side of life and quit stressing out so much.
Who knows, if you adapt some of these strategies it may even give you the emotional distance you need to come up with creative solutions to all those problems you’re worrying about.
And you’ll definitely be happier!
I love this post; it’s definitely some great advice. I know I prefer to be happy-go-lucky, but sometimes it’s hard when I get busy. Not to mention, life in retail can cloud this perspective. Thanks for the reminder.
It a challenge for us all – I needed the reminders myself!
A very timely post. Don’t let bad stuff sap your good vibes is something that we should all practice, it will definitely give us a positive happy perspective in life. Thanks for sharing.
This blog is my most popular post to date, which I find interesting. As you said, not letting bad stuff sap your good vibes, is something we all know but harder to put into practice. But I’m working on it!
i appreciate the effort, but idk what it’ll work, sorry if i am sounding pessimistic. You see, I am nearly 15, and have the maturity and mindset of a 40 year old. I don’t know what brings me joy, Most people my age are worried about crushes, appearance, reputations, etc. I am worried about health(mental,physical,whatever),college credit, etc. I don’r know what brings me joy, or what children are like. I never had a normal childhood. Most kids i think were worried about cooties and candy. I was focused on becoming an author,(was, not am-keyword there) grades, and so on. O don’t know how to relax-I am bipolar. Idk what to do. Sorry, I know-not helping, but any suggestions, other than your article i just read, and am commenting on? Thanks.
My heart goes out to you. The teen years are some of the most difficult. I hope that you have adults in your life you can trust and turn to – if not your parents perhaps a teacher or counselor? I tend to take life too seriously also and am a worrier which is why I wrote this article in the first place. After my Mom died last year and I went through some other trials I wrote this article: http://babyboomerbliss.net/three-simple-things-you-should-do-every-single-day/. These three simple things helped me. If you are a spiritual person, there is a link in the article to a free online modern language Bible. The faith I belong to has two books for teens. Here is a link for a free download if you’re interested and your parents approve: https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/family/teenagers/young-people-ask-volume-1/. If you are suffering from bipolar disorder, I would urge you to seek professional help. I am so sorry you had a difficult childhood and are trying to find your way through the rough teen years. My Mom always said, “This, too, shall pass.” (Actually, I wrote a blog on this too: http://babyboomerbliss.net/this-too-shall-pass/) Nothing stays the same – and sometimes that’s a good thing. We are resilient creatures at heart. Never lose hope that you will find your way and things will get better. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.