The 10 Steps to Happiness!

Is it really this easy? Yes! It possibly is! Why not give it a go?

1. Plant something and nurture it
2. Count your blessings - at least five - at the end of each day
3. Take time to talk - have an hour-long conversation with a loved one each week
4. Phone a friend whom you have not spoken to for a while and arrange to meet up
5. Give yourself a treat every day and take the time to really enjoy it
6. Have a good laugh at least once a day
7. Get physical - exercise for half an hour three times a week
8. Smile at and/or say hello to a stranger at least once each day
9. Cut your TV viewing by half
10. Spread some kindness - do a good turn for someone every day

And it's not just randomly made up by me- it was discovered through research before a TV programme called Making Slough Happy.

Grumpiness

It would appear that Feeling Grumpy Is Good For You.
According to the research, miserable people are better at decision making, it can help you think more clearly and you're less likely to be gullible.
It does casually mention that cheerfulness fosters creativity...Yes! That's what I'm talking about!

Invitation to get involved

Here's an open invitation to get involved and show your support!
We all love this city (and county) so let's come forward with ideas and share them here. You can either join in through the comments facility or if you want to be a co-contributor on the blog then email me at norculcalohap@gmail.com why you believe you have the qualities needed to be on the team.
Get involved!

Hello!

Hello seekers of happiness and followers of positivity!
You may be aware that Norwich is seeking to be the first UK City of Culture 2013. I wholeheartedly support this bid and believe that as part of this, we should have a Manifesto for Happiness.
Culture is not just about the 'high arts' such as theatre, opera or fine visual art. It's about dialects, buildings, blogs and street dance. A good way for many people to get involved with a festival of culture is to have dialogue about happiness. It's something we all have an opinion, possibly something we all want. Maybe Norwich will be the source of a cultural revolution away from binge drinking and pessimism. Whether or not we're successful in our bid, I can guarantee that we'll be the only city to study and advance thinking in happiness.
By 2013, Norwich may be able to advertise itself as being a haven, a place to live with the tools to cope with everyday stresses, a place that celebrates laughter and joy. It's a big dream but I guarantee that by not trying, we won't be that place. Even if we try and fail, we'll have come further than we could ever imagine. Please join me on this journey and let's make Norwich the Cultural Capital of Happiness.