“Getting this promotion will make me the happiest person ever”
“I just need to seal this contract and all my dreams would have come true”
“Obtaining a PhD degree will give me satisfaction beyond measure”
“I love him so much, I can’t be happy without him”
These statements whether as internal dialogue (conversations we have with ourselves) or while interacting with others, reveal what gives rise to happiness in our lives . It is common place to attach happiness, fulfillment and satisfaction to achievements, material possessions or significant others. Some people tie their happiness to the approval they get from friends and colleagues while others derive their worth and sense of self from the acceptance they receive from society. These statements become beliefs which are often held on to so rigidly such that falling short of them could lead to emotional problems. It is opined that when there is a large inconsistency between who we are (real) and who we would like to be (ideal), anxiety may result. When we make our happiness solely dependent on others, then our fate and destiny may as well be in their hands. In a sense, we have no control over what we feel and we allow other factors other than ourselves determine our happiness.
Should this be the case? What then happens when the storms of life throw you off balance? Is happiness a function of your environment or YOU?
While it is very important to have goals, strive for achievements and accomplish great things in life, they should not be held on to as sources of happiness and fulfillment. Life is, most times unpredictable and to leave our emotions in its hands would be unwise.
How then can you find the silver lining in the cloud? Very simple! Open your mind’s eye to the secrets below to experiencing moment by moment happiness:
1. Be thankful: Have a heart of gratitude! By being grateful for the little things in life, the air you breathe, the food you eat, the water you drink, and your health, you will find happiness. These seemingly little things make life count and remain the basis of other achievements,after all it would be impossible to be at work or function effectively to achieve any goal when ill. Don’t forget that a thankful heart is a happy heart.
2. Be Cheerful: Smile, Smile and Smile. Work out your happiness from inside out. Research shows that facial expressions can influence emotions felt. So even when you are not in a good mood, Smile! Even when your boss demands more than is required from you, Smile! When your account is red, Smile! When you can’t seem to figure life out, Smile. Just Smile!
3. Be Mindful: By accepting your present status without judgment and by paying attention to the NOW, you can find happiness. You can be mindful each day of the week, by identifying 3 things that brightened your day and listing them out in a journal. You can also boost your mood by practicing mindfulness meditation. It is a beautiful and well rewarding practice that can boost positive emotions by guiding you into a calm state. You can find out more by registering for a FREE training on www.mobilehealthconsult.org. Here you will learn about mindful sitting, walking, eating and incorporating mindfulness into your daily activities.
Remember happiness is a DECISION that YOU are responsible for.
It is by Choice and not by Chance.
Be! and Be Happy!
