The word happiness gets a bad rap. It has a reputation for being fluffy, sappy, or an easy way out. But I want to paint a different message. What if being happy was your ultimate goal because it meant all aspects of your life were as you desire?
Think about the last time you were truly happy. Wasn’t your mind telling you that all was well? Let’s do more to create that feeling every day.
1. Stop feeling sorry for yourself!
You are in control of your life. If you do not like where you are at today, go in a different direction. Keep looking for and finding things that bring you happiness.
2. Be grateful
Stop and smell the roses. Take a look at everything you have and everything you have experienced. It is easy to overlook your abundance when you focus on specific things you want in your life. Let go of the specifics and be grateful for all that you already have.
3. Live in the present
Stop worrying about the past; it is over and whatever happened was meant to happen. Let it go. Stop worrying about the future. It is what you do in this moment that creates the future, so be happy now. The present is all you have and all you can control.
4. Learn to let go
Let go of all the things that block you from living your best life. Pay attention to your guilt, limiting beliefs, comparisons, fear, and attachments, and change those thoughts to something more positive and meaningful to your life.
5. Do random acts of kindness
It doesn’t take much to be kind to someone else. Just a smile can change someone’s whole day. And smiling causes the brain to release dopamine, which makes us happier.
6. Exercise and eat well
Even a tiny amount of movement or an extra handful of vegetables in your day can improve your mood. When you know you are doing something good for your body, it makes you feel better about yourself, which leads to more happiness.
It’s when you know you aren’t taking care of your body that you start to beat yourself up. Start small and add more exercise and healthy eating options as you can.
7. Be more social
In a meditation series I listened to with Deepak Chopra, he said, “Through isolation, we wither, but in community, we experience a deep sense of belonging, purpose, and joy.” We are social beings. Reach out and connect to friends and family and be open to serendipity and random connections.
8. Write in a journal
Writing in a journal can help you gain clarity around what makes you truly happy. Use it to write down what you are grateful for or write out what a dream day looks like for you. Create a bucket list or steps you can take to start achieving how to be happy in life.
9. Recognize when you are not happy
Sometimes when you are on the path to happiness, you might run into a few obstacles or challenges. It’s important to feel those feelings and let yourself experience them. Then when you are ready, look back and see if there is anything to learn. What new direction can you take now?
10. Stop comparing yourself to others
Comparison is a trap. It takes you away from the beauty of your own life and tells you it needs to look like someone else’s.
Instead of comparing in a way that makes you feel bad about yourself, you should look at the things you see and do what you can to incorporate them into your own life. When you are happy in your own life, it leaves little room for comparison.
11. Do the things that bring you joy
The best way to honor your unique skills and abilities and be happy is to find what comes easy to you. When you get lost in joy, what are you doing? Maybe it’s writing, drawing, knitting, walking, speaking, organizing, leading, dealing with details, caring for others, cooking, teaching, etc., etc., etc.
Kind of a no-brainer. If you are doing the things you love, you will be happy.
12. Say yes more
Open yourself up to what the Universe can bring you. To do that, you will need to leave your house and get in front of new people. Try new things, take risks, and see what beautiful possibilities are out there for a happy life.
13. Go out in nature
Everything in nature does what it is created to do. No exception. Whenever you can, go out and be a part of the earth. Feel the energy that keeps everything alive. There is no judgment in nature. Feel that and enjoy as much of that peace and connection as you can.
