Were you ever taught how to simply be Happy?
Did you once know how, but have forgotten somewhere along the way?
Are you afraid you will never be happy again?!
Don't worry, while you may be out of practice- the capacity to be truly happy is still there, right inside of you, just waiting to come out and play.
Being truly happy is an achievable state of mind. You only need to be guided and the rest is up to you to put into practice. Being truly happy does not only have positive effects on the body but it also effects the condition of the mind. You deserve to be Happy!
But what does "True Happiness" really mean?
The dictionary tells us- Happiness is:
The quality or state of being happy.
Good fortune; pleasure; contentment; joy.
Sounds simple right? So why do so many people have trouble being Happy? There are many ways to achieve happiness. Most people think happiness should, well, just happen, but the truth is happiness takes work. With practice and conscious effort it is possible to achieve true happiness. Here are some simple ways to make this possibility a reality.
You must Chose to be happy! It is a choice to be made daily.
25 Simple Steps to Happiness:
Stop worrying about the future – plan for it, yes, but don’t worry about it
Appreciate what you already have and plan for more abundance
Smile at least 25 times a day- it can help others too
Laugh daily- then Laugh some more
Put down the Cell-phone for at least one hour a day
Take a day off of from Social Media a week- or more!
Read a good book- anything you enjoy that will relax you and bring happiness
Daydream like you did when you were a kid- it’s a mental vacation
Meditate for at least 10 minutes a day
Pray- in whatever form feels right to you – don't ask to be given but to have opportunities
Give Thanks- not only to God but to those around you as well
Say I Love You- and mean it
Be Silly- it's okay, no one is watching- and even if they do, they will secretly wish to join in
Let go of the Past- you can't change it but you sure can change the present
Don't worry about making mistakes - as long as you are learning you are you are succeeding
Enjoy Nature- go out and just find a lovely peaceful happy spot and soak it in
Imagine, be creative, get a hobby- it is irrelevant if you are good at it, only that you enjoy it
Love Yourself- it is not possible to be truly happy until you love you
Do the things you love- even if you have to schedule it in
Eat healthy foods you enjoy- at least one good meal a day
Let go of guilt- it is only good if it motivates you to make positive changes
Listen to music you love- and sing along! Who cares if you can't carry a tune just enjoy it
Let go of caring how other people perceive you- don't blame yourself for their opinions
Be Kind- kindness will fill not only your heart but those whom you give it to
Spend time with animals- pets and other animals bring joy and teach unconditional love
Watch hilarious YouTube videos for fifteen minutes- it will lighten your heart
Speak up and learn to say No- it's ok, not to do what you do not wish to do- without guilt
Have an Adventure- write a bucket list then and check of one items every 6 months
Go for a drive, view a sunset, eat chocolate, dye your hair an outrageous color- whatever gives you joy- Do That!
The Starting Point- A deeper look at Happiness making steps:
Get to know other happy people. Being around other happy people helps you creating a happy and comfortable state of mind which in turn transcends into a happy reality. Think about it, who would you rather be around, a happy person with a positive attitude or a miserable person with a negative attitude? We have all known that Negative Nelly who makes everyone around her feel worse. Being happy is not only great for your own state of mind, but for everyone you come into contact with.
Care about other people's happiness. Being a caring person also creates a level of happiness in you. The knowledge and satisfaction gained from being able to extend yourself can be quite gratifying.
Volunteer- simply spending time with people in need of companionship can and usually does bring great emotional rewards.
Exercising regularly is also associated with a high degree of happiness. When the human body is running like a well tuned engine your demeanor and state of mind will significantly improve. Happy people are almost always healthy people; the state of the mind ensures this.
Having a Hobby or goal that is fulfilling is also another way to focus on achieving happiness. Doing something on a daily basis that is not only enjoyable but also fulfilling brings about the general feeling of happiness and joy.
Experience and Honor Your Feelings
Feelings are like your inner compass.
By understanding your feelings you will be better equipped to handle whatever comes into your life’s path. Most of us were never taught how to identify our feelings; even the most basic emotions are often misunderstood.
For example; we all think we know when we are angry, but this is usually the most mislabeled of emotions. While you may react with hostility and assume you are simply "pissed off" the true emotion below is usually more complex and associated with pain, hurt, frustration, impatience, even confusion. We tend to lash out in anger, because we have not been taught to recognize these underlying feelings.
By correctly understanding and acknowledging your real feelings, you will be able to explore these feeling, and then, let them go much more quickly- thus, allowing you to find happiness.
Some good books on understanding emotional awareness and learning how to accurately label and understand your feelings:
Emotional Awareness: Overcoming the Obstacles to Psychological Balance and Compassion
by Paul Ekman Ph.D. and Dalai Lama
The Language of Emotions by Karla McLaren
Recognize
Be aware of the follies of just following your feelings without the discerning intelligence of the mind. Sometimes following your feelings can lead to serious problems, thus in order to be happy, feelings should be checked before allowing them to be the dominant factor in taking action.
Acknowledging and dealing with your feelings can lead to very positive results.
Validation of your feelings is important. All too often we tend to disregard our feelings and the emotions that are linked to them, which lead to further negative feelings if left unacknowledged for too long.
Put Together a Daily Ritual
Planning the day helps to ensure a smooth flow of activities and is always better than running around aimlessly trying to get as many things done as possible. This is a good way to stay motivated as each thing scheduled for the day gets done quickly and effectively and is less likely to cause stress
Find Your Passions and Then Do That
Working at something that you are passionate about will give your mind and body that extra boost needed to get the task done with a feeling of complete satisfaction.
What Do You Love?
Try new things regularly to find the ones you are likely to be most passionate about.
Do Unto Others
A good motto in life is to "do unto others what you would have done unto you." This golden rule most of us grew up on is a true today as it was when we were kids. Doing "good" to others has far reaching results. Putting this motto into practice will make you more aware of your own actions and how they affect others- not to mention the great karma it will create.
Help
Remembering the old adage "no man is an island" is a good reminder that it is not "all about me." In order to have harmony with others, their feelings and thoughts must be considered, to foster more harmonious communications and a peaceful environment.
Ask for help when you need it. Don't let your pride, fears or insecurities turn you into an Island. It is okay to ask for help, you will be surprised how many will be willing to pitch in when you do ask.
Keep a positive attitude, it helps you feel better and it is a lot harder for others to be unpleasant to someone who is polite, gentle, and giving. Your positive attitude, if practiced often enough, will eventually reflect back causing other to do likewise.
Complement a stranger, use a salespersons name- its right there on the badge, smile, say thank you, and mean it! These courtesies will make you and those around you happy!
Connect With Nature
Being able to connect with nature benefits both your mental and physical health. Nature is one of God’s free gifts humanity. Taking the time to enjoy it daily will help you keep a balance and simply be Happy.
Communing with nature will allow a you to slow down and just enjoy what is there for free - stop and “soak” it all in. Spending more time outdoors is one way to connect with nature. Playing or just walking in the park is a healthy way to relax and enjoy each other’s company or to just be alone with the beauty offered by nature.
Connect With Your Spirituality
Setting aside time everyday to connect spiritually (whatever that means to you) will be time very well spent. Not only will it help you maintain a healthy happy mindset but will bring you closer to God. A daily prayer, mantra, meditation, or any type of spiritual ritual will renew your spirit and make your day much happier.
A spiritual connection to the divine allows you the luxury of facing the day with courage. Spirituality provides the necessary strength and wisdom to deal with all the challenges of daily life.
Have some Me Time
Spending some alone time every day, communing with your inner spirit is benefits you mentally and physically. Making a conscious effort to let go of all the troubles and cares and simply focus on the potential calmness and serenity within allows the mind to tackle problem with renewed strength and builds your confidence in you.
Do something fun, listen to fun uplifting music, binge watch your favorite show with a friend, read a good book, go out and have some fun! It is one of the best ways to let go of negative feelings and be Happy.
Forgive Yourself and Others
Forgiveness is probably one of the most important things you can do to achieve real happiness. Forgiveness allows you to work through the hurts and bitterness of past events, and to let go of any negative elements. In embracing the act of forgiveness and moving on the body and mind can then start to experience the peace, hope and joy that are the byproducts of forgiveness.
The physical implications are vast and serious when it comes to harboring non-forgiveness. There is scientific research showing the body’s chemical makeup is dramatically disturbed when there is resentment and non-forgiveness in an individual.
Through forgiveness a greater level of spiritual and physiological well being can be attained.
You will gain a sense of peace and joy that your anger or resentment prevented. By forgiving your stress levels will be lowered as can your blood pressures, not to mention symptoms of depression, anxiety, and chronic pains.
Though forgiveness is not easy, it is vital not only for your emotional state but also for your spiritual progress. The process of forgiveness starts one step at a time, no matter how long it takes; it will benefit you far more than your grudge ever will. Forgiveness is as much for you as the other party, don't allow your pride to prevent you from finding the peace and happiness forgiving brings.
Wrapping Up
Generally people like being around other happy people. Like energy, attracts like energy, thus when you are constantly sad or negative there is a very real possibility that the percentage of happy people willing to be around will be low, while unhappy, angry
or negative people will be drawn to you. There is already a lot of stress and unhappy people in the world; you need not be one of them. Let go of pain, sadness, and negative thinking so you can Be Happy!