This article is an extract of chapter #3 in Karl Moore’s best-selling book, ‘The 18 Rules of Happiness.’

“I will say yes to every favor, request, suggestion and invitation. I will swear to say yes where once I would say no.” – Danny Wallace

“No!” is a wonderful word.

It’s powerful, it’s universally understood, and it stops everything in its tracks. By saying no, you’re instantly slamming the door and holding it shut, ensuring nothing else gets through.

But how many of us say “No!” way too often?

You see, “No” really holds us back in life. It closes us off to many of life’s wonderful experiences, and causes us to resist what happens around us.

This article is an extract of chapter #2 in Karl Moore’s best-selling book, ‘The 18 Rules of Happiness.’

“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” – Meister Eckhardt

We live in a fast-paced, microwave, drive-thru, Buy-It-Now society.

It’s a society that has forgotten to be truly grateful for the things around it. We only tend to be grateful for things when we no longer have them.

Think of the sense of relief you gain when you just get over an illness, and are so thankful that your turbulent tummy has now settled. Consider how appreciative you are when those tests come back clear. Or when the speeding camera doesn’t flash. Or when you finally find your lost child in the supermarket.

One of my favorite past times, as I traveled the world, was participating as a member of the Hash House Harriers Running Club. The premise often involved hundreds of runners (pack or hounds) looking for clues along the road to indicate the correct path, better known as  “True Trail” in order to get to the finish line.  The clues are left on sidewalks by designated runners, called “Rabbits”. As one might expect the lead rabbit would leave clues for the correct path, while two or three other rabbits would leave  misleading signs or “False Trails” enticing anyone willing to follow to a dead end. It was designed to keep the pack together.

Everything we do in life is an entrainment. Either we’re acting upon something or it is acting upon us. To clear your mind so you can discover which thoughts and ideas are yours, and which belong to someone else, try this Empty Mind exercise:

Sitting in a quiet place with your eyes closed, take a slow, deep breath as you say to yourself: “I don‚t know”. This is a statement of surrender to the unknown. I don’t know what will happen next. Then release your breath.

Now on another inhale, say to yourself: “I am open and curious.” This leaves you open to change. Then release your breath. Now say to yourself on an in-breath: “I am OK with whatever happens.” This opens you to acceptance.