Be Happy
7 rules for lasting happiness (no medication required)
Dear Friends,
Health is the cornerstone of a fulfilling life. It's not just about avoiding illness - it's about cultivating a state of physical, mental, and emotional well-being that allows you to truly thrive.
Why is health so crucial? Because without it, hardly anything else matters. A simple toothache can ruin an entire day. Chronic back pain can derail weeks, months, or even years of your life. And let's not forget about mental health - depression and anxiety can make life utterly miserable.
So, how much time are you really willing to dedicate to improving your physical and mental health?
It's a question worth pondering because good health is worth fighting for. Listeners to my program know I always end the broadcast noting that it is essential for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Over my 85 years, I've developed a set of practical tools that have not only helped countless patients but have also kept me vibrant and active well into my golden years. Today, I want to share some of these life-changing strategies with you.
You Are the Boss of Your Mind - Your mind is a powerful tool, but it shouldn't be the boss. You are. With practice, you can learn to control your thoughts, choose your moods, and direct your mental energy where you want it to go. It's a skill like any other, and it's essential for graceful living.
The Past is a Trap - Looking back at the past often brings us down. While we can learn from it, dwelling on it can be an optimism ruiner. Instead, focus on the now. Engage fully with the present moment and the people around you.
Practice Positive Self-Talk - Your self-esteem is like a bank account. Positive input increases its value, while negative input depletes it. Make a habit of saying nice things to yourself in the mirror several times a day. It might feel awkward at first, but stick with it - the payoff is immense.
Move with Purpose - Regular movement is crucial for health, but moving with intention takes it to another level. Pay attention to how your body feels as you move. Incorporate simple exercises into your daily routine - what I call "dog yoga." Remember, persistence over time is key.
Cultivate Gratitude - Gratitude is like a powerful prescription for mental health. Express gratitude to yourself and others daily. Take time to appreciate nature. This simple practice can dramatically shift your perspective and boost your overall wellbeing.
Eat Fresh and Simple - After decades of experimenting with various diets, I've concluded that common sense and label reading are imperative when it comes to nutrition. Opt for fresh, unprocessed foods whenever possible. If a food item has a long list of unpronounceable ingredients, it's probably best to avoid it.
Connect with Others - We humans are tribal animals. We thrive on connection. Make an effort to genuinely connect with others, even in brief interactions. Say hello to strangers, engage in small talk, share meals with friends and family. These connections nourish our souls in ways we often underestimate.
These seven rules have been the foundation of my approach to health and happiness for decades. They've helped me overcome significant challenges - like ditching my cane at 85 - and continue to live a vibrant, fulfilling life.
If you're intrigued by these ideas and want to dive deeper, I've compiled a comprehensive guide called "The Pre-85 Happiness Playbook: 7 Rules for a Fulfilling Life."
I’m offering this for free to all of my Instagram followers who leave this comment on any of my videos: BE HAPPY (or Happiness).
This playbook expands on each of these rules, providing practical exercises and in-depth explanations to help you implement these strategies in your own life.
Remember, it's never too late to prioritize your health and happiness. Whether you're 25 or 85, these tools can help you live your best life.
So why wait?
Golden light,
Dr. Richard Louis Miller
P.S. Not on Instagram? Download the guide here (you won’t be double-subscribed).
A simple piece of advice to people working on their health.
My Books:
Freeing Sexuality: Psychologists, Consent Teachers, Polyamory Experts, and Sex Workers Speak Out
Psychedelic Wisdom: The Astonishing Rewards of Mind-Altering Substances
Psychedelic Medicine: The Healing Powers of LSD, MDMA, Psilocybin, and Ayahuasca
Integral Psychedelic Therapy (co-edited with Jason A. Butler & Genesee Herzberg)