Studies have shown that 85 percent of the time, the object of our worries and anxiety never materializes—85 percent! That is a huge amount of wasted energy! Remember, nothing is ever as bad as it feels.

Physiological Barriers— Threats Trump Happiness

Psychological Obstacles (Misery Loves Company)

Feeling the good around you will permeate the emotional area in your brain where words cannot reach. You can’t talk your way into a good mood; you must feel your way.

Fifty percent of all dopamine and 5 percent of serotonin are made in your brain. Your gut produces the other 50 percent of the dopamine and 95 percent of your serotonin! That is why following your gut feeling can really pay off. Many scientists refer to it as “the other brain.”

Thus far, your brain is programmed to overlook most good things except those that relate to preserving your life, so that is the first thing we are going to change. This may seem trite or silly. Most people think they are aware of all the good around them. We count our blessings, as they say. However, acknowledging that something is good is very

The only way to overcome thoughts is with feelings. Thoughts are no match for feelings! You can’t even calm yourself down; at times it can feel as though you are possessed. Right? Feelings are to thoughts what water is to a flame. We can’t talk our way out of emotional pain; we have to feel our way out. You can’t be happy. Happy is not something

One hundred percent of all your misery or lack of joy and happiness is due to your brain’s five basic fears. These control 90 percent of your brain’s thoughts; loss of love, money, status, health, and security.

Happiness evades you because your brain does not care about being happy. It is not wired to seek happiness and does not even place it on your priority list. Of course, you may be thinking, “Wait a minute—I absolutely care about being happy; it’s why I bought this damn book.” But that is your mind talking, not your brain, and your mind and brain are