One of the fundamental commonalities that bind us all together is the desire to be happy. Now, we may each have different definitions of happiness and we may each have different ways of achieving it, but even the most curmudgeonly amongst us strive for happiness.
Happiness can be described as a state of mind or a feeling of contentment. For some it may come from inner peace, while others find it in feelings of joy or excitement. I find all of the above is applicable.
Nobody is happy all the time, but there are definite benefits to bringing more happiness in to your life. And while I’m not going to go all science-nerdy on such a sweet topic, know that you can improve your physical and mental health just by being happier.
I had the pleasure of being in the company of my six-year-old twin grandkids this weekend, and just being around them brings me happiness. We can learn a lot from observing their ebb and flow of happiness. They are silly, fun, happy children, until they’re not, and before you know it, they’re happy again. With them, it’s about all the feels – happiness, anger, sadness, frustration, etc. – without spending a lot of time on any of it. For kids, it’s right on to the next thing. Talk about present moment awareness!
If you’re looking for ways to bring more happiness into your life, there are common sense ways you can do that. You know what they are, but I’m here to remind you:
Hang around a couple six-year-olds
Just being around happy people can increase your happiness. Focus on your relationships and surround yourself with positive people who make you feel good about yourself.
Do things you enjoy
Pursue your passions. This week is very full for me with forest bathing groups and mindfulness workshops. Sometimes it’s hard to believe my good fortune in being able to share my passion with others.
Have gratitude
One of the most important things you can do is learn to grow your gratitude. It’s one of them most potent drivers of happiness. One of my workshops this week is a gratitude walk for families.
Know what brings you happiness and invite in more of that
Sounds like a no-brainer, but again, awareness. Focus on those happiness elixirs, even for just a few minutes every day. Read, spend time in nature, be creative, play, or do whatever works for you.
Practice mindfulness regularly
Focusing on the present moment helps you appreciate the life you have.
Keep it balanced
Know that you won’t be happy all the time, and don’t beat yourself up when you get down in the dumps. That’s the quickest way to get stuck there.
The key to greater happiness is to be aware of what brings that happiness and expand that into more areas of your life. Happiness is your right and it’s also your responsibility. You are in control – how great is that?
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