How to be happy more consistently: a fable to inspire kids and adults

Life can be a struggle. Happiness is a choice we have to make – and re-make – regularly. If you want to learn how to be happy more consistently, here’s an inspiring fable – for both kids and adults alike!

Once upon a time there was a happy little doggie who loved to wag his tail and be playful and adoring with others!

This happy little doggie heard about a wonderful house with lots of other happy doggies. He decided to visit.

The happy doggie found The House up on a nearby hillside. He bounced happily up the stairs to the doorway.

When he peeked inside, he saw about 1,000 other happy doggies.

The happy doggie’s ears instantly lifted high. His tail began to wag as fast as it could.

Sure enough, the happy doggie found himself staring at 1,000 other happy little doggies, each with their tails wagging just as fast as his.

He smiled a great big smile.

He was answered with 1,000 great big smiles – each just as warm and friendly as his.

As he left The House, the happy doggie thought: Wow! That was fun! What a wonderful place. I must come back and visit often!

Meanwhile, in this same village, there lived another little doggie, who was not quite as happy as the first one.

In fact, this doggie was often seen trudging around mournfully, hanging his tail low, growling at passerbys.

This mournful doggie also decided to visit The House on the hillside.

He slowly climbed the stairs. As he peered into the doorway, he hung his head low and protectively growled.

Inside he saw 1,000 unfriendly dogs, each staring back at him.

He growled at them. He was horrified to see 1,000 little dogs growling back at him.

As he left, he thought: Wow! That is a horrible place. I will never go back there again!

Why did each doggie see a different kind of house of doggies?

• Because this was a house of mirrors!

A Philosophy To Help You Be Happy More Consistently

You must recognize wherever you go there you are.

Your mood and attitude are reflected in all you see around you.

The world is a world of mirrors.

The reflections you see in the faces of the people you meet are often a reflection of your mood and lens on the world.

Tools to Be Happy More Consistently

• Whenever you feel the urge to growl at someone, think about that little growling doggie and what he received back.
• Instead of growling, ask yourself: What would kindness do in this moment?
• If your child has been bullied (or is a bully) share this tale of wagging tails with them. Discuss with your child why the bullying might be happening. Basically, this fable offer a powerful anti-bullying lesson!

How consistent happiness helps you in life

Albert Einstein said: We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.

I say: Many of the problems in your life were created by not being in a place of positive energy – and instead being in a place of anger, hate, resentment, fear, bitterness, worry, lack of self-love.

If you want to solve your problems, you must change your energy to a loving, happy, positive energy – directed to others. And self loving energy directed at yourself!

How to be consistently happy even in grumpy times

• If you’re feeling cranky, ask yourself: What would kindness do in this moment?
• And…if you consistently see growling angry mirrors around you, think about this tale of those wagging tails. Consider if you’re putting out positive energy – or negative energy.
• Force yourself to wag a bit more merrily at others – by thinking about one thing you like about someone who is a challenging person. (If the person is truly annoying, check out my tools to Manage and Avoid Drama Llamas!)
• Build up those tail wagging muscles by regularly doing random acts of kindness. Identity is destiny. The more you view yourself as a kind, loving person – the more easy it will be to do kind, loving actions – even when you’re grumpy.

Share below! What’s something which comes to your mind and heart when you read this essay on how to be happy. Share your personal story or a personal “how to be happy” tool!  

Get more tools to be happier more consistently

Check out my bestselling book, Think Happy!

Whether you’re feeling stressed, need motivation, dealing with haters, or struggling  with a challenge or crisis, Think Happy will help you to move forward with optimism and resilience.

It’s the perfect gift for someone you want to cheer on or cheer up – including yourself!