Some people treat happiness as their main goal. When you ask them what they want in life they tell you ‘to be happy’. But happiness can be elusive. It surprises us when we least expect it, when we find ourselves smiling at a beautiful sunset, a table set for a family meal, overcoming a challenge, watching our friends laugh at a terrible joke.
Happiness is rarely about expensive gifts or acquisitions. So when planning for a positive and fulfilling life, it’s important to start by prioritizing your happiness. Let’s see what this implies.
– Practice daily gratitude. This doesn’t mean settling for second best or sitting on your laurels, it’s about being thankful for what you have and finding a balanced, down-to-earth approach to life. Appreciation of others, valuing the lessons learned from challenges and setbacks, the relationships in your life, food, air, a roof over your head, running water, all can be taken for granted, but they are things that many others have not. I would be happy to be in your shoes.
– Happiness comes from being inspired, so make sure you have things that motivate you to improve, to be better, to reach a higher level. This can be learning new skills, expanding your area of expertise, focusing in a new direction, something that elevates your vision, stretches you out, and gives you a sense of accomplishment.
– Get out of our familiar comfort zone it can be scary and exhilarating, but it often makes us feel happy and proud of ourselves afterward. Even trying new food, another route to work, trying something that worries us can bring about a positive shift in our thinking and a happy sense of self.
– be challenged it is important for happiness too. Being receptive to new ideas and initiatives, being ready to say ‘yes’ even when you are not sure of yourself. Why not say ‘yes’ first and find out how to do it later? Self-improvement and development bring their own happiness and fulfillment.
– Do the things you do well. Being challenged is often a good experience, but if life is already stressful, finding time to do something you know you’re good at can be an important reminder of how competent and capable you are. And we all need a small window of success in a stressful life. Enjoy it, even if it’s icing a cake, putting up bookshelves, or supporting an elderly neighbor.
– Rewards can bring happiness. Yes, we deserve to be financially rewarded for our efforts. We need to live and pay our bills. But also reward yourself by making sure you have a space, a place to go and feel safe, able to relax. It can be your bedroom, with beautiful prints, cushions, flowers and music. When you’re there, you close the door on the world, de-stress and relax.
– Be involved with others. it can bring happiness; teaching, tutoring, coaching, and volunteering are often rewarding experiences. And the people with whom we are involved can bring new ideas, inspiration, their own suggestions that add value to our lives.
– Don’t follow the crowd. Others have their own stories, motivations, and limitations. They may be envious of your energy and drive, preferring not to be reminded of your apparent lack of ambition, but we are all different and each of us has needs and desires that evolve over time. Reflect on those relationships and consider whether it is time to reduce their influence in your life.
– Mix with people you like, support and encourage you; they are its fans and ambassadors. People who like you treat you with respect, they may challenge you at times, but they are in your court and you are in theirs. Nurturing ‘your’ people allows you to be vulnerable, sometimes misguided, and able to discuss any problem area in an accepting, nonjudgmental arena.
– Delight your senses. Happiness comes from incorporating smell, taste, touch, as well as music and beautiful art and colors. Take time to enjoy nature, your pets. Visit the beach, the forest and stimulate your senses; feel the sand under your feet.
– Give yourself regular free time. Happiness is about ensuring there is balance in your life. Prioritizing time for fun, sports, exercise, reading is important. Sometimes work may require extra attention, but try to give yourself regular breaks, perhaps just to sit down for coffee at the mall.
– Insist on being treated with respect. by those with whom you come in contact. Good boundaries matter. Unhappiness can occur if we feel disrespected, treated with disdain, or taken for granted. Intercept bad treatment early on and be firm in good manners and consideration. But also remember to invest time and attention in your good relationships.
– Deal with your demons. Happiness consists of being at peace with ourselves, forgiving failures, past mistakes or errors in judgment. If you are having difficulties, therapy could be a good way to heal and recover from negative patterns and ways of thinking. Be kind to yourself and stop talking to yourself uselessly. It can make all the difference in your happiness levels.
Take care of yourself. Eat right, exercise, commit to getting regular sleep. Practice these tips, prioritize your health and happiness will follow.