INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Sometimes the more you want something, the more difficult it is to get. The more you obsess over wanting to be happy, the more likely you are to focus on how unhappy you are. By placing pressure on yourself to be happy, you're more likely to achieve the opposite. Instead of pressuring yourself to be happy, acknowledge that it's your goal, and then do the things that will help you achieve it for example, being mindful, being kind to yourself, and exercising regularly. It may help you to make an action plan of how you want to be happier in life. Once you've written down your plan, it may be easier to focus on the steps you need to take to be happy, rather than on achieving the abstract feeling of happiness itself. Instead of complaining about something, consider what you can do to fix the situation. You are the only person who can make yourself happy. Even if someone has done something hurtful to you, it does not benefit you to dwell on the pain. You can't control their actions, and you can't force them to make things better for you; you can only control your own actions and emotions. This may sound harsh, but it's actually very positive. It means that you are in control of your own happiness. Don't let someone else think they're in control. Don't give them that power! Don't dwell on the bad things in your life. Try to see the good in everything even things you dislike. For example, you have to go to a class that you hate, but at least you'll see your best friend there. Part of being positive is believing in yourself. Combat negative self-talk with positive affirmations. Example: instead of saying, "I am so stupid for failing that test", say "I'll need to study harder next time" or "I am disappointed that I didn't pass that test; what can I do to ensure that I pass next time?" If you can't find the good in something, avoid dwelling on the negativity. You'll also benefit from avoiding spending time with people who feed your negativity. Part of being positive is treating yourself as though you were your own best friend. Sometimes it's easy to talk down to ourselves, calling ourselves stupid or ugly, for instance. Chances are, you wouldn't talk to your best friend like that. Give yourself the same respect and kindness you deserve it. Studies have shown that having gratitude -- even for the small things in life positively affects your well being. It may help to keep a journal and list 3 good things that have happened each day, no matter how small they are. Example: "It started raining while I was running, and the cool rain on my hot skin felt so nice." Instead of dwelling on what you can't do, make a list of things you can do: Can you walk? Talk? Breathe on your own? Can you see? Did you eat today and did you have access to clean water? Do you have a place to live? Can you read a good book? Can you appreciate a beautiful blue sky? This is also referred to as "being mindful" or cultivating "mindfulness". Countless studies and spiritual gurus claim that the better we are at living in the moment, the happier we are. To live in the moment, the first step is to develop a nonjudgmental awareness of yourself and the world around you: try observing your thoughts without judgment. Do not dwell on those thoughts or rush to push them away; simply let them be. When you walk to the store to get groceries, don't focus on what you need to buy once you get there. Focus on how the ground feels beneath your feet; how the air feels against your skin; how it feels to breathe and walk; focus on the moment that you occupy right now. To have compassion is to show concern for others; to have empathy is to put yourself in someone else's shoes. Research has linked depression and anxiety to a preoccupation with the self; being compassionate and empathetic broadens your perspective and helps you feel more connected to others. One way in which you can build compassion toward others is through a "loving-kindness meditation": Sit comfortably, breathe in and out from your heart center (your chest area), and think or say these phrases several times: "May I be free from inner and outer harm and danger. May I be safe and protected"; "May I be free of mental suffering or distress"; "May I be happy"; "May I be free of physical pain and suffering"; "May I be healthy and strong"; "May I be able to live in this world happily, peacefully, joyfully, with ease." Next, still sitting comfortably and breathing from your chest, move your thoughts to someone you love unconditionally, and send them the same good thoughts. After that, move on to a more neutral person, again reciting the words of loving-kindess, replacing the word "I" with their name. Finally, move on to someone you have difficulty with, or dislike, and again repeat the words of loving-kindess. If you have difficulty doing this, start each phrase with "To the best of my ability I wish that you be" Being curious means keeping an open mind and having a willingness to explore new thoughts and ideas, among other things. Make curiosity a part of who you are, and you'll discover that life has a lot to offer. Ways to foster curiosity: Explore your own thoughts and emotions. When you have a thought, don't just accept it as truth; be curious and ask yourself why you had that thought. You can do the same with others when they express ideas that are new to you or that you may not agree with. When you hear about something you don't know, look it up online, or ask someone to explain it to you. Instead of always eating the same food at your favourite restaurant, try something new better yet, try a new restaurant! You might even consider finding out how your favourite dishes are made, and then trying to make them for yourself at home. Many people claim that spirituality helps them enjoy life. You don't have to subscribe to a religion to be spiritual; being spiritual can also be achieved through mindfulness and meditation techniques, or practising yoga, for example.

SUMMARY: Give up on happiness. Take responsibility for yourself. Be positive. Be your own best friend. Be grateful. Live in the moment. Be compassionate and empathetic toward others. Stay curious. Consider spirituality.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Seek out products that do not test on animals and do not contain chemicals that require big CAUTION or WARNING notices on the label. There are increasing numbers of products called "natural" or "organic" available, but it never hurts to look at the labels. Choose products without excess packaging. It was annoying enough when you had to wait for your Dad to dig out your new action figure from that plastic blister packaging; think about the excessive waste such over-packaging creates. Buy local products when available. Maybe your area has a little candle-making factory or engraver where you can pick up a nice Mother's Day gift. Not only will you be helping your local economy, you will be saving the energy usage and pollution required to ship goods long distances. They don't take up much space but can prevent a lot of waste. Ever notice how plastic bags seem to always end up stuck in trees or on grassy hillsides, or seen news reports about the giant swirls of plastic junk floating in the middle of the oceans? Every plastic bottle not made and plastic bag not used helps a little bit. Just because you don't want them anymore doesn't mean someone else wouldn't be happy to have them. People always seem to assume that all teens need to have the newest everything and discard perfectly good things that are no longer "cool" enough. Prove them wrong. Buy used and vintage items as well. Freak out your parents by buying a shirt from their high school days and declaring it "so retro." Can you use some parts from your broken-down old bike for your science fair project? Or use your (or, okay, maybe your parents') old CDs to make a collage or mobile for art class? From clothes to paper and plastic, recycle everything you can. If your municipality has a recycling program, make sure your family uses it. Does your school make recycling convenient? If not, isn't that something that student councils are for? Help turn recycling into a habit for everyone.

SUMMARY:
Buy eco-friendly products. Carry a tote bag and reusable water bottle. Donate old clothes, toys, electronics, etc. Get creative before throwing things out. Recycle everything you can.