The Dalai Lama has the answers to happiness and if you are looking for enlightenment, then please read on!

Everybody talks about self-care these days as being the most important thing. You have to love yourself before others can love you. But there is one more important thing that is sometimes overlooked and it isn’t about self-care at all. It’s about loving others, about giving of yourself, giving generously and being kind.

This does not mean that self-care is not important. Sure, you must have those bubble baths and give yourself a timeout. But, according to The Dalai Lama, if you are self-centered you do not have the ability to ‘look out.’ He thinks that as soon as you start thinking about others, you immediately attain a personal happiness.

What does this mean? It means giving generously of yourself, but not in a financial way. It means listening to your friends, really listening, without interruption. It means being there and presents for other people, whether they are family, friends or strangers. It means being kind and compassionate and always saying good words. It means warmth, kindness, and compassion. And according to the Dalai Lama, if these things do not come naturally to you, then practice them. See how good you feel!

While you should focus on yourself - eat well, exercise well, work well - spend more focus on others. Take the initiative to help other people. Practice kindness. And while you do that, practice mindfulness. Be aware of the good things in life and really be in the moment. The Dalai Lama might call this meditation. We call it being aware and self-aware. Do the right thing. Think of others. Have goals that don't only include yourself. And be selfless but not selfish.

Happiness is right here, right at your fingertips. Appreciate and enjoy it. Work hard to reach it, in a way that is not material. Be real.