More than 100 years ago, author Robert Louis Stevenson offered the following tips for maintaining a positive attitude. They still apply today.
* Make up your mind to be happy. Learn to find pleasure in simple things.
* Make the best of your circumstances. Everyone has problems. The trick is to make laughter outweigh the tears.
* Don't take yourself too seriously. Don't think that somehow you should be protected from misfortunes that befall others.
* You can't please everybody. Don't let criticism worry you.
* Don't let your neighbor set your standards. Be yourself.
* Do the things you enjoy doing, but stay out of debt.
* Don't borrow trouble. Imaginary burdens are harder to bear than the actual ones.
* Hate poisons the soul, so don't carry grudges. Avoid people who make you unhappy.
* Have many interests. If you can't travel, read about new places.
* Don't hold post-mortems. Don't spend your life brooding over sorrows and mistakes.
* Do what you can for those less fortunate than yourself.
* Keep busy at something. A busy person never has time to be unhappy.
