How to be HAPPY again

I think a lot of people have been going through what I've been going through. What I'm talking about  has nothing to do with whether you're a writer or not, this is a syndrome that has infected many, the symptoms manifesting as exhaustion, depression, hopelessness and anger. Here are my tips on how to be happy again, even though I haven't yet achieved that goal.

1. Turn off the news! whatever you do, don't watch it right before bed or first thing in the morning--it wreaks havoc on your mood.
2. Try yoga, Tai Chi--meditation--something that is calming and centering.
3. Focus on the little things that make you smile--the sound of birdsong, clouds, playing with or walking your dog.
4. Every time your mind strays to things you know you can't change, say an inner no and let the thought drift away.
5. Realize that this too shall pass.
6. Life is short--enjoy what you've got!
7. If you aren't a writer already, try writing--it helps to get emotions off your chest.
8. Identify those thoughts that make you happy and unhappy--give up the unhappy ones.
9. Cook good food, drink wine, look at the clouds passing by.
10. Give thanks for all you have.
11. Stand on your head.
12. If you are a writer, write! I've recently begun a book that takes place in a future time where the government has turned authoritarian. Instead of being considered the opiate of the masses, religion is mandatory, and people have to attend church or be jailed. Take your frustrations out in your writing--I guarantee it helps!
13. Take herbal remedies to help mood and sleep--Ashwaganda, gotu kola, rhodiola, siberian ginseng--look them up.
14. Don't deprive yourself!
15. Take a day long vacation, or a longer one if you can.

Life in the desert

This morning I saw three gorgeous coyotes in the scrub-filled field below my house. My dog saw them too and alerted me to their presence. I love having them here. This is what they look like: healthy with thick fur and bushy tails--like German shepherds.

What does this have to do with writing, you ask? Everything. Every single experience we have on this earth adds to our repertoire of inspiration. We write who we are and what we care about--unless, of course, we are writers who write to market. (Oh no, not that again!) I won't belabor the point since I don't begrudge anyone their need to make money in this saturated market. I thought I might be able to join this club, but sadly I am unable to do so. My main focus has always been, and will probably always be, exploring what I am passionate about. If this makes me money I am thrilled--if it doesn't, then so be it--fortunately I am not trying to make a living with my writing.

The books I've loved don't quite fit into any normal genres. "The Night Circus" for instance. Have you read it? It is one of my all time favorite books--ethereal and strange and full of magic. And in another category altogether: Shirley Hazard's "The Great Fire", another unusual telling of a war story that is both romantic and mystical. I wish I could write like either one of these authors. But reading them and enjoying their books will have to suffice. What books do you like? What books inspire you? Reading is the best way to become a better writer.

So watch the little things that happen during the day that inspire you. Write down the feelings that are produced by each experience. All of it is fodder--the anger, the laughter, the sadness--the frustration. And the beauty of being alive on this planet. If you want to impact your reader you have to delve deep.

Thanks for reading! And keep on writing!!!