Years ago, when I was a newbie in the 12-Step Program, I discovered the National Religious Press’s 12 Rules For Happiness, which helped validate the 12 Steps for me. Over the years, I’ve found many restatements of Jesus’ The Sermon on the Mount, which, if my information is correct, is the actual basis for the 12 steps. Wherever the steps came from, whatever inspiration lies at their foundation, the 12 steps have become a powerful tool for transforming the lives of many the world over.
The 12 rules for happiness are similar to the 12 steps, yet they bring a refreshing twist to the more familiar 12 steps. They certainly don’t replace the 12 steps, but they speak to what follows after we’ve done the hard work of dealing with our powerlessness, our lack of faith, our brokenness, our character defects, etc. If we are moving into a recession or a time of scarcity due to the tariffs, these rules can help us live dynamically and joyfully during such trying times. The 12 Rules for Happiness are as follows.
- Live a simple life. Be temperate in your habits. Avoid self-seeking and selfishness. Make simplicity the keynote of your daily plans.
- Spend less than you earn. This may be difficult, but it pays big dividends. Cultivate frugality, prudence, and self-denial. Avoid extravagance.
- Think constructively. Train yourself to think clearly and accurately. Store your mind with useful thoughts.
- Cultivate a yielding disposition. Resist the common tendency to want things your own way. Try to see the other person’s point of view. Don’t take things personally. Detach.
- Be grateful. Begin the day with gratitude for your opportunities and blessings. Be glad for the privilege of life and work. End each day with gratitude
- Rule your moods. Cultivate a mental attitude of peace and goodwill.
- Give generously. There is no greater joy in life than to render happiness to others by means of intelligent giving.
- Work with the right motives. The highest purpose of your life should be to grow in spiritual grace and power.
- Be interested in others. Direct your mind from self-centeredness. In the degree to which you give, serve, and help, you will experience the by-product of happiness.
- Live in a daylight compartment. This means living one day at a time. Concentrate on your immediate task. Make the most of today, for it is all you have.
- Have a hobby. Nature study, walking, gardening, music, reading, painting, travel, sports, etc. Cultivate an avocation to which you can turn for diversion and relaxation.
- Keep close to God. True and enduring happiness depends on a close alliance with Him. It is your privilege to share His thoughts for your spiritual nourishment and to have a constant assurance of Divine protection and guidance.