So, you aren't 100% happy all of the time? Of course you aren't. I'm not either! But I do have a natural predisposition to be happy - and you do, too. This article can point you in the right way to feeling much happier, much more of the time.

First off - why aren't we always completely happy? Well, two things. 1) - stuff happens and 2) - none of us had a perfect upbringing. (Our parents. not being telepathic, couldn't possibly satisfy our every need, the instant it arose, so we must have gone through periods of worry, insecurity and even the occasional moment of panic as a child.) This is all entirely normal.

What this means that to a greater or lesser extent, even as adults we are all prone to a little anxiety, depression and occasional sleeplessness. We'll experience irrational fears, sometimes to the extreme level known as "panic attacks". There are bound to be some feelings of worthlessness, insecurity, pointlessness ... Maybe even suicidal thoughts. This is why some people fall prey to substance abuse (most commonly alcohol, as it can give the illusion of a warm insulation from life's hard knocks).

The thing is, absolutely everyone experiences some or all of these unwelcome feelings, whether mild or severe. And, of course, everyone pretends that they don't. We kid ourselves that problems belong to other people, not us.

But knowing that everyone else has their own insecurities and emotional weaknesses does make our own a little easier to carry, doesn't it?

You see, it's just not true that everyone else on the planet is financially sorted, happy and well adjusted. In fact, all of us humans are a bit screwed-up in one way or another - it's the way we are, and the way the world is.

What you can do is this - simply accept that you have a few little foibles. Just patch up what you can and live with the rest.

Now, what can you do to increase your chance of being happy?

Quite simply - make sure that you savor every moment of the "good stuff" that comes your way today, and put some effort into ensuring that you are in a better situation in the future.

Because wherever you find yourself today is where your past decisions and actions (or inactions) have brought you. And where you will be in a year's time (or two, five or ten years) will be a direct result of the decisions and actions you make today and tomorrow.

So if you feel that your ability to work at creating a better future for yourself is compromised because of a particularly severe level of emotional turmoil - you need to address this as a matter of urgency. Perhaps you need to consider which close friends you can look to for advice? Or even look into the possibility of getting some counselling? One way or another, you must get past your mental roadblocks. NOW is the time to move forward with the business of consciously creating the life you want.

Set yourself some goals and commit them to paper. Yes - *write* *them* *down*. Then, set about creating an action plan to achieve your goals. And, starting today, do at least one proactive thing to bring you closer to your goals. Each and every day from now on, you commit to doing at least one thing that brings you closer to achieving your goals.

Honestly - that's it! The secret to happiness, summarised: 1. Accept that you aren't perfect (particlularly in the emotional stakes) 2. Appreciate every little bit of pleasure, fun, beauty and human warmth that comes your way from now on 3. Decide how you want your future to be and use this image to create written, actionable goals 4. Every day, work at moving a bit closer to achieving your goals.

Now, I can recommend stuff that helps with each of those points - but that's for another day.

Right now, just take a minute to think about what you can do, before you go to bed tonight, to make yourself a little happier. Because it will rub off on those around you. We could all do with a bit more happiness in our lives. Here's to you, creating a happier future you, starting today!