Two pre-requisites to being happy
1. You have to allocate the time to *look forward* to things.
When was the last time you really planned a trip, rather than simply attended? Too many people don’t feel they have the time.
It is very important to plan in advance for things, not just so that you can be prepared for the responsibilities, but also so you can be emotionally prepared to enjoy it.
This means (a) taking the time off work to plan your wedding, (b) planning trips far enough in advance to not be immersed in the details while traveling.
2. Give back to your community, and not just to the less fortunate.
There is a responsibility to be a vital part of the lives around you.
The responsibility stems from the expectation that those around you will help you, and that is important because interdependence is necessary to succeed in anything.
Let me be very clear - I don’t mean be charitable, although, I think that’s an important part. You want to live such that everyone you interact with, you touch in a positive way. So, if there are people around you that need help, you should help them.
Relationships have a balance, just like a bank account. Sometimes, you feel like you owe someone something. Other times, they owe you. You have to be in balance.