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Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, Pope Francis has lived a colorful life and is a popular religious leader known for his humility and commitment to dialogue. Taking a simpler and less formal approach to the papacy, people around the world are able to relate to The Pontiff and his positive outlook.
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In an interview with the Argentine publication Viva, The Pope issued a list of 10 tips to be a happier person, based on his own life experiences.
1. "LIVE AND LET LIVE"
Believing that everyone should be guided by this principle, The Pope refers to not judging others and letting them continue with their lives in a way that best suits them.
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2. "GIVE YOURSELF TO OTHERS"
"If you withdraw into yourself, you run the risk of becoming egocentric. And stagnant water becomes putrid,” The Pope elaborates, highlighting the importance of devoting time to those in need.
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3. "PROCEED CALMLY IN LIFE"
Pope Francis refers to a quote from the novel Don Segundo Sombra by an early 20th-century Argentine writer, Ricardo Guiraldes, in which the title character looks back on how he lived his life. The novelist writes that in one's youth, a person is "a rocky stream that runs over everything," but as one gets older, one becomes "a running river, quietly peaceful."
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4. "WORK FOR PEACE"
“We are living in a time of many wars,” he says, and “the call for peace must be shouted. Peace sometimes gives the impression of being quiet, but it is never quiet, peace is always proactive and dynamic."
5. "ENJOY LEISURE"
Highlighting that “consumerism has brought us anxiety”, he advises parents to set aside time to play with their children and make the most of their time together without distractions such as television.
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6. "FIND INNOVATIVE WAYS TO CREATE DIGNIFIED JOBS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE"
Speaking on the vulnerability of young people, Pope Francis recommends being creative with them and providing ample opportunities to ensure they stay on the right path.
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7. "RESPECT AND TAKE CARE OF NATURE"
The Pope admits that environmental degradation “is one of the biggest challenges we have,” and encourages humanity to treat nature with the respect it deserves.
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8. "LETTING GO OF NEGATIVE THINGS QUICKLY IS HEALTHY"
Pope Francis focuses on the need to stay positive when talking about other people.
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9. "DON’T PROSELYTIZE; RESPECT OTHERS’ BELIEFS"
Using our beliefs to inspire others and help them grow is something that The Pope strongly encourages in order to live and a happier and healthier life.
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10. "SUNDAYS SHOULD BE HOLIDAYS"
The Pope stresses the importance of rest as a tool for reinvigoration and spending quality time with the family.
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