An invaluable list of principles to live by daily for a happy life and soul.

1. Choose happiness. Radiate it.

Happiness is a choice and an energy you can cultivate on a daily basis. Do your best to live in high vibration energy like love, peace, fun and joy — for your own wellbeing and fulfillment, and for the positive ripple effect it has on those around you and the entire world.

Bring a sense of play, delight, awe and enthusiasm to your daily life and tasks. Decide that no matter what happens, you will keep your heart open.

2. Enjoy the pleasures of life.

You are the Universe experiencing itself through you. Show it a good time. Give it to yourself to enjoy earthly pleasures. Get up early and watch a sunrise, swim in the ocean, devour fresh salads and juices, put on your favorite tunes, throw a dinner party, try a new recipe, relax in the park with a great book, have a second coffee, and do the things that make you feel fully alive.

Eckhart Tolle once pointed out something quite profound — that we are not just humans; we are human beings.

But most of us forget this. We focus solely on our human side — on being a human doing.

We’re taught that we must study, get a stable job, work hard, have a family, buy a house, travel twice a year, and tick off a suitable number of acceptable human accomplishments before we can conclude we are enough and our life is worthwhile.

When we run into old friends or family members and they ask how we’re doing, by default we talk about what’s going on in our external world — our travel plans, work projects or renovations. We may even feel awkward or a little embarrassed if we’ve not been ‘doing’ enough to keep busy and have no new concrete ‘activity’ to report.

Happiness is an art that can be learned. Instead of sitting around waiting for joy to descend upon you or searching for fulfillment in all the wrong places, consider how you can incorporate these keys to true sustainable happiness into your life.

1. Authenticity.

You are a once-in-humankind event. Your soul is a unique blend of passions, gifts and quirks. If you’re not showing up to the world as your true self or living in a way that feels right to you, you feel out of alignment and your happiness levels will suffer.

2. Giving.

When you give from a place of love without expecting anything in return, you are nourished and fulfilled as much as the receiver of your gift. Giving doesn’t have to be grandiose — you can give a silent blessing in your heart, a kind word of support, or a helping hand whenever you spot an opportunity.

You are so much more than you know. Here are 12 truths you may not remember about who you really are:

1. You are ever-expanding.

The Universe is always expanding and as a piece of the Universe, you are also ever-expanding, giving birth to new ideas, desires and dreams.

The problem is you are taught from a young age to squash your desires and conform to the status quo and the expectations of others.

The gap between what your soul really wants and the conformist way you are living your life creates huge internal unrest and unhappiness.

2. Your purpose is to be you.

You are not here simply to buy a large house, get in shape, get to the top of a career ladder and pull together a wedding. While accomplishing your goals and dreams can be a rewarding and beautiful part of your life, it is just the icing on the cake.

Your true purpose is to be you – your own unique blend of passions, interests, ideas, quirks and gifts. Your mission is to discover more about who you are, to love yourself and others at the deepest level, to experience joy and happiness, and to learn and grow into the highest embodiment of you. Mission accepted?

1. Spend time with your soul.

There is a difference between your ego and your soul. Get in touch with your true divine self through meditation, yoga, spending time in nature, soul journaling, and getting lost in the things that you love – like cooking, creating, writing or dancing.

2. Forgive.

The Buddha once said, “Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned”. Holding a grudge keeps you trapped. Forgive other people and set yourself free.

3. Shift your energy.

Sometimes you wake up and you’re just not feeling it – and no amount of positive affirmations will help. That’s when you need to shift your energy through physical activity – throw on an upbeat tune and dance around your lounge room, get outside and feel the sun on your skin, or go for a long run.

4. Remember every day is a new beginning...