Life is supposed to be good and we are meant to be happy, but if that is true why are so many people still settling for a life that is less than they desire. My opinion? We are looking for happiness in all the wrong places. At least that’s what I was doing.
Over the past 10 years, I’ve had my fair share of struggles, and in that time I often found myself trying to transform my life from the outside in. I changed jobs, tried different diets, followed the guidance of well-meaning friends and teachers, only to find that I was more disconnected and confused than ever before. It took awhile for me to finally realize that living my best life and truly being happy wasn’t going to come in some pre-mixed formula I could follow every day.
If I was going to be truly happy, I had to find my own way. And what I found is that the old saying is true: “Happiness is an inside job.” After years of trial and error, I found 11 key ingredients that when combined, helped me live my best life from the inside out.
1. Do what you want.
We live in a world where virtually anything is possible, yet there are still far too many people settling for far less than they desire. When you get to the core of your being, what is it that you crave? More creativity, freedom, or connection? More adventure, love, and compassion? Don’t sit around waiting for it. Go create it! Write your book, start your business, or travel the world. It’s time to stop making excuses about why you can’t and start giving yourself permission to want what you want.
2. Stay in your own lane.
Social media makes it easy to get distracted by what other people are doing, and it can often lead to feeling like you’re not good enough. Your dreams and desires are yours and yours alone. Stay in your own lane and don’t get caught up in the comparison game. Remember, your happiness is your responsibility and what that looks like for you is different from the next person. As they say, “different strokes for different folks,” and isn’t that what makes this amazing world we live in so interesting?
3. Always assume things are working out.
This one is a game-changer and it’s all about your mindset. No matter what your external “reality” shows you, always assume things are working out for you… because they are. The Universe has all kinds of amazing things lined up for you behind the scenes that you can’t see right now. Trust that. Believe it to your core, no matter what’s going on in your life, and you will soon see how all the pieces are coming together perfectly.
4. Speak your truth.
Being true to yourself is one of the most liberating, and at times difficult, things to be… but your happiness depends on it. There is nothing worse than feeling the resentment that comes from saying “yes” to things you really want to say “no” to. Honor your truth and be the best version of yourself you can be.
5. Practice sacred self-love.
Self-love is likely one of the most difficult things to practice, but it is a vital part of living a happy life. Practicing self-love means honoring your truth, listening to your heart, trusting yourself, practicing sacred self-care, setting boundaries as needed, and accepting yourself for who you are, as you are. It may sound like a lot, but a little bit of intention and practice go a long way. Make a conscious effort to fill your self-love cup and watch how radically your life changes for the better.
6. Appreciate in advance.
We all know the benefits that come from being grateful for what we have, but what if you started being grateful for the things that are on their way to you? When you appreciate in advance, you set the expectation that the good things you desire are already on their way to you. It not only puts you in a high-vibe state to receive it, but also allows you to enjoy the journey along the way.
7. Do less. Be more.
Life is so much more than the things we “do.” Sure, it’s nice to check things off your to-do list and receive accolades for a job well done, but what about all the magical moments of life we are missing by constantly being in motion? BE-ing is about disconnecting every once in a while and fully absorbing the moment for all that it is. Step out from behind the screen and breathe the fresh air, watch the sunset, and enjoy time with the people you love. In the end, those are the moments that make life worth living.
8. Let it go.
One of the things that keeps us stuck and unhappy, more than anything else, is hanging onto things that aren’t serving us. Do yourself a favor and forgive yourself (and others), release your limiting beliefs, and let go of anything that isn’t welcome in your future. In fact, you might find it necessary to do an all around de-clutter for your mind, body, soul, and physical space. When you allow yourself to release what is no longer serving you, you create space for all that you desire to come flooding into your life.
9. Make time for nothing.
When was the last time you had unscheduled time on your hands where you intentionally did nothing? There is a reason meditation is such an incredible practice and it’s because it is during those moments of solitude and space that some of our most powerful insights come through. It’s also the time when our inner voice has a chance to speak to us without the excess noise of the world. Get intentional with your time, and schedule a couple of hours this week to do nothing… and see what unfolds for you.
10. Learn to forgive.
For many people, this is one of the most difficult things to do, but it’s another non-negotiable when it comes to living your best life. It’s almost impossible to live a life of joy, abundance, love, and grace when you have guilt and shame lingering under the surface. When you practice the art of forgiveness for yourself and others, you step into a place of acceptance and you open your heart to receive the good things life has to offer.
11. Do the inner work, no matter how hard it may be.
I won’t tell you that the journey to living your best life is always going to be easy or that there won’t be challenges along the way. What I can promise you is that if you are committed to yourself and the changes you want to make, the transformation will be absolutely worth it. Your inner world creates your outer world, so doing the inner work is the only way to create and live your best life. Whether you choose to walk this path alone or reach out for support, commit to doing the inner work, and your outer reality will transform in beautiful ways.
