I was once asked, "How can I make my kids happy?" That is a great question, and the answer is simple. You cannot make someone else be happy. Your children will have to learn how to create happiness for themselves, and they will. However, there is a secret that you can use to help your kids, or those around you to become and stay happy. Are you ready to hear this? Here is the secret: When you decide to be happy with yourself and live your life with a positive and grateful attitude, your kids (and most people around you) will want to be like you. Many times when I go to the store I set an intention to be nice to whoever I run into no matter what. This is going to sound crazy, but when I do this everyone in the store smiles at me, or nods their head as if saying hello. If I do run into a negative person, a quick happy response and a big smile usually creates a positive and friendly exchange.
People will be attracted to your happy mindset. It's an amazing feeling! All of a sudden, you will notice that most people around you are in a good mood. Wherever you go, people will go out of their way to be positive. Your optimism becomes contagious. Your enjoyment with life becomes a happiness magnet to those around you. Your happiness and positivity will bring good things to you and to those you love. This is what I like to call the happiness effect.