Happiness from the Inside Out

I've always been a people watcher.  As a young girl, I openly looked at everyone I came in contact with, wondering, "who is really happy?"  I often found that many people carry a great deal of stress.  Some people have a great time with life, even through its most difficult challenges.  I noticed that those who are happiest overall aren't richer, more beautiful, or better off.  They accept things as they are, have a sense of humor, and roll with changes.  And they don’t let the hard times keep them down.  Feeling truly happy is not achieved by accomplishing something.  It is a part of your character. 

Characteristics of those who are most consistently happy:

·        Recharge Regularly.  Prioritize whatever 'fills your cup' and fuels your soul in your daily life.  If you have haven't found your passion, notice what feels replenishing and fulfilling for you.  Find out what gives you a deep sense of purpose and drive.  When you know this and carve out time for it, you genuinely vibrate at a higher level and have extra energy to share/invest.  So if this isn't your case, enjoy the journey of uncovering it.  Just keep following your curiosity and allow your heart to guide you.  

"Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be"

·        Have a Positive Outlook.  You have been able to get through every challenge you've faced up to this point.  Everything you need is within reach. Try your best and be kind to yourself when you could have been better.   If you "fail," learn and grow.  Small steps forward can help resolve root issues to create a great impact to many.  So get up and dance with life.  Let go of fear.  Get out there and help create the pathway.  

"Each problem has in it an opportunity so powerful

that it literally dwarfs the problem." ~J. Sugarman

·        Be Thankful.   Receive everything with gratitude - even challenges.  Start each day with giving thanks and your entire experience will significantly shift for the better.  It's not only scientifically proven, but supported by many of the most successful people in the world in every sort of realm.  Feel GREAT by being grateful.

"The single greatest thing you can do to change your life today

is to start being grateful for what you have right now." ~Oprah Winfrey

·        Have Preferences Instead of Needs.  Ask for what you want, but don't be unhappy if you don't get it.  Go with the flow and make the best with what you have.

"Do not spoil that which you have by desiring what you have not;

but remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for." ~Epicurus

·        Enjoy the Journey.  Keep going for what you want, but don't require a certain outcome to be attained before you allow yourself to feel happy.  Enjoy the whole time through.  Continuously strive for goals and growth - and treasure each step as part of a beautiful experience.  When you enjoy each step, you are excited to move forward and thus grow exponentially faster than the average.

"Success is not the key to happiness.  Happiness is the key to success. 

If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." ~A. Schweitzer

·        Select Your Focus.  You experience whatever it is you focus your attention on and invest your energy into.  Focus on CREATING that what you prefer rather than REACTING to that which you are not interested in or refuse.  By noticing things that irritate or attract you, you can make adjustments in your attitude and behaviors that help you grow. 

"There are as many nights as days, and the one is just as long as the other in the year's course. 

Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness,

the world 'happy' would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness." ~C. Jung

·        Have Compassion.  Be compassionate to everyone, including yourself.  Choose to rise above the critical inner voice; change it to be supportive and kind.  Make a commitment today to love yourself and be your best friend.  Your entire life will change significantly and it will be much more enjoyable.   

"Every object, every being, is a jar full of delight." ~Rumi

·        Honor Feelings.  When things feel bad, be openly honest about what's going on.  Stop and tend to your feelings as soon as you can.  Tune in and see what needs adjusting.  Give yourself the conditions to compassionately deal with them.

"All seasons are beautiful for the person who carries happiness within." ~H. Friess

·        Speak Truth.  Be who you are; totally you.  You are completely unique and magnificently beautiful as you are.  Share your authentic being with the world and your loved ones.  When faced with challenges, stand up as who you are and share your feelings and perspective with others.  Live your truth.  We are all different pieces of the puzzle - each one essential and equally a part. 

"What we call the secret of happiness is no more a secret than our willingness to choose life."~Leo Buscaglia

·        Have Fun.  We all have our own funny characteristics and likes.  Enjoy your life.  Spend time with those who make you laugh.  Sing out loud, even if you sound terrible.  Watch your favorite comedian.   Live your life as art and share it with others.  Squeeze smiles, laughs, and fun into every moment you can.  Lighten up and don't take yourself too seriously.

"Happiness is not in the mere possession of money;

it lies in the joy of achievement, in the thrill of creative effort."~ Franklin Roosevelt

·        Be in Service.   Give back and make life a little better for someone else each day.  Dedicate your time and efforts to those you can help.  Leave a wake of goodwill.

"Happiness cannot come from without.  It must come from within.

It is not what we see and touch or that which others do for us which makes us happy;

it is that which we think and feel and do, first for the other fellow and then for ourselves."

~Helen Keller

When challenges arise, as they always do, take them as opportunities to build your character and grow.