Happiness is not a matter of doing but that of being. It is an attitude that comes from within you. Being happy is choosing to be mentally fit. It is not to be confused with pleasure. Pleasure is sensual, time-limited, and physical; whereas happiness is spiritual, infinite, and psychological. Focus your mind on permanent, internal happiness. Realize that you cannot see your way to that happiness; you have to feel it. I suggest you turn off your TV, unplug the ear buds, silence your cell phone and listen, just listen to what matters the most to you and then live it.
That’s easier said than done while living in a world bombarding us with messages of unhappiness or perhaps having to live in pain or sorrow. We all have everyday struggles. Unhappiness, pain, and the like seem unavoidable in today’s world. TV shows, radio broadcasts, newspaper articles, magazine stories, and internet sites headline society’s ills. “Wounds” have become a way for individuals to connect with each other. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing provided you don’t dwell on the misery and proliferate it.
How do we release the grip of unhappiness, paralyzing us from living a happy life? Make a choice. It’s all in how we choose to recover from everyday challenges. Choosing joy might not change unfortunate circumstances, but it will change your view of the “here and now”. It is important to remember that we were all born happy. Happiness is innate. It is a natural part of every being. We have the intrinsic ability to be happy. We just need to be reminded of the “tools/instincts” to be joy-filled.
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Listed below are eight suggestions for achieving happiness adapted from the book, “It’s All in Your Head”, by Stephen M. Pollan and Mark Levine.
- Release all self-judgment in comparing yourself to others. Such comparisons result in “never measuring up”.
- Realize every day is an opportunity for your life to improve. See through ordinary day-to-day living and open your mind to the good in this world.
- Be your own cheerleader. Instead of talking down about yourself, talk up about yourself. You will gain the respect of others when you start respecting yourself.
- We are social beings for a reason so ask for help when needed. There is no need to be a solitary warrior trying to conquer life all on your own.
- Take action so opportunities do not pass by you. Realize that procrastination increases stress and anxiety.
- Be flexible in your pursuit of being the best. It is most important to do your best. Release frustrations when encountering “roadblocks” and accept them as learning experiences.
- Accept your past. It has made you who you are today. Going forward as you are is your only option.
- Focus on living now, in the present. Believe in your happy future while appreciating the day-to-day experiences on your path to get there.
Additional blog posts by Maggie O'Malley can be found at www.FocusPointHypnosis.com.
