A Recipe for Happiness

Read voraciously. Read a variety of stuff. Pick up the books and magazines that don't appeal to you and see what you can learn. Practice listening more than talking. Don't be afraid to ask questions - it will make you a more interesting and interested person. Stay curious about life and the world around you.

Spend as much time with your family as you can. Listen eagerly to your grandparents' tales. Reminisce about your childhood with your cousins and siblings. Get to know your parents as people, rather than just the people who raised you.

Take pleasure in the laughter and innocence of little ones. Let them grind down your cynicism and remind you to let your imagination run wild.

Eat green vegetables every single day, but never order a salad when you're eating out. Cook things from scratch and marvel at how delicious it tastes. Learn to bake and take pleasure in the process - and in the eating, of course.

Move your body regularly - not as a punishment, but as an act of love. Notice how physical activity can make your mind soar too.

Remember to stop and look up at the stars every so often. Let the vastness of the sky remind you what a wonderful coincidence it is that you are here on this bizarre planet at all. Think about everything that has come before you, and everything that is still to come.

Always have an adventure on the horizon. Realise that adventure doesn't have to mean getting on a plane. It can mean a weekend visiting friends or a drive out to the seaside or a long walk without any purpose other than getting some fresh air.

Work hard at something you really love. It doesn't matter if it doesn't pay the bills - you can find something else to do that. Pour your heart into it and reap the rewards, even if they aren't financial.

Be grateful for everything that you have in your life. Appreciate that no matter how hard you may be struggling, there is still so much to be thankful about.

And finally, understand that you can't be happy all of the time. But in those moments of sadness, know that happiness will come again. That you will smile widely and laugh heartily and dance in the kitchen once more.