Three Easy Steps to Finding Happiness

Happiness

Happiness is something we all want. Yet, I think it’s easy to forget that happiness is something we already have. It can’t be bought, although some try, it can’t be achieved at a later date, although some believe it can, and it isn’t something someone else is carrying and if we catch them suddenly it will be ours too.

Happiness is inside all of us. We can choose to access it at any time or we can choose to keep it hidden. Basically, we can get caught up in the drama of life or watch from the sidelines and find peace within ourselves. Some days are easier than others. For me, when life gets arduous and my mind wants to cling to thoughts of inadequacy, fear of the future, and fear of hurting others, I try to remember these things in order to restore the peace and happiness that I know is inside me.

1. Feeling complete: I remind myself that I am enough. I focus inward and retreat to a place that is separate from my thoughts.

2. Being Grateful: I make a list of many things I’m grateful for or I simply repeat two words in my mind, thank you.

3.  Live my Purpose: Doing the dishes, mopping floors, folding laundry, are all things I have to do and my attitude can make them enjoyable or detestable, but they’re not my purpose. They’re just something I have to do. My purpose is writing, teaching, parenting, trying to make a difference while I’m here, finding those I connect with and forming lasting friendships, learning, and exercising. All of those things bring me fulfillment. They add to my sense of completeness. Whenever life gets too overwhelming it’s usually because I’m not living my purpose.

Having purpose in life doesn’t mean we have to have some colossal goal. It means that we are finding and doing the thing that makes us feel joy. That purpose is our gift to share with others.

Whenever I drive to my friend’s house I pass an elderly man who sits on his electric scooter at the end of his driveway. He smiles and waves to all the cars passing by. Every time I wave to him I feel joy. Something so simple yet he reaches many through living his daily purpose.

“It was only a sunny smile, and little it cost in the giving, but like morning light it scattered the night and made the day worth living.” F. Scott Fitzgerald

Announcing the March 2nd, 2015 Book Launch of ELLE & BUDDY! Everyone is welcome. We’d love to hear from you. Click here.