Wellness Wednesday

Happy Wednesday!!

Did you know your happiness is entirely dependent on you? Not what your circumstances are or what you have or your relationship status or any other circumstance which can change.


There was a study a few years ago suggesting 9 simple things we can do to improve our own happiness.

Simply Try.

A little effort goes a long way. Surround yourself with things that make you happy whether it is music you can sing to, feel good-sappy movies, books that warm your heart or a hobby that brings peace to your soul. I found when I crank my radio ridiculously loud and dance around in my kitchen like a fool, my burden is lifted. What is it for you?

Make happiness your number-one goal.

Tom G. Stevens, Ph.D., author of You Can Choose to Be Happy says, "People who are happy choose to make happiness among their top goals in life."

So, decide today- I am going to be happy, no matter what and then make it happen. I know this is easier said than done. Happiness is an ongoing process. When you are having a bad moment, look back at number one. When happiness seems out of reach, DO something that makes you happy.

Linger on those little, positive moments.

Our brain holds onto negative experiences easier and longer than positive experiences. When something is thrown your way, try changing your thought process. Instead of dwelling on everything that has gone wrong in your day, think on one thing that went right. It could be something as simple as getting to work early or a sense of accomplishment. Maybe you finished the laundry or your kids didn’t throw a fit at dinner. I take that as a win. So should you. It’s the little things added together to create a life full of happiness.

Choose mindfulness.

The secret to happiness could be as simple (and difficult) as becoming more mindful. Have you ever tried thinking on happiness and being mindful of the current moment? When you start being “in” the moment and looking for happiness, you will start to become more aware of the things that bring you happiness.

Smile your way to happiness.

This one really doesn’t need an explanation, does it?

Practice gratitude.

Gratitude can start as a small practice. When you go to bed tonight, tell your partner what you were most grateful for today. If you don’t have a partner to tell, write it down, call a friend or tell your pet. 

Putting gratitude into words makes it seem more real. When you start to see the obvious happiness in everyday life, you will also start to see the little things. Before long, you will start to be grateful in the moment instead of just when you are going to bed. This will help with lingering on the little moments and becoming mindful. You will also naturally start to smile more.

Pursue happiness, find happiness -- and success.

What makes you happy? Seriously- what makes your soul sing?

Is it service? Is it travel? Is it your kids/spouse?

What?

Now that you know- pursue your passion! If you don't know, find out. Try new hobbies. Read new books. Pursue new relationships. Do something outside of your comfort zone. Spend time thinking on when you are most happy.

That moment is probably a pretty good indication of what makes you most happy.

Do you want to know why I travel? Traveling brings peace and calmness to my soul. It reminds me why I work hard and keeps my first-world problems in perspective. It teaches me to see beauty in all things. In general, IT MAKES ME HAPPY.

Memories created while pursuing passion can easily be recalled in a moment of sadness. Pictures are about my favorite thing because they transport me to a different moment. They make me smile which in turn makes me happy.

Let yourself be happy.

It is easy to fall into the trap of, “I shouldn’t be happy because of (fill in the blank).” Maybe it isn’t as intentional as that thought instead it is focusing on something we don’t have/know. 

I realized something in my pursuit of wholeness.

My happiness is dependent upon me. Not on my circumstance, my job, my house, my hobbies, my family-nothing. It comes from within.

The same is true for you. It is ok to be happy even if bad things are happening. Allow yourself to be overwhelmed with happiness even in the face of hard things.

Bronnie Ware, the author of The Top Five Regrets Of The Dying, wrote in a Huffington Post blog:

Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called 'comfort' of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again ... Life is a choice. It is YOUR life. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.

Practice compassion.

Compassion is as simple as opening the door for a stranger or taking a grocery cart back for someone. Others will appreciate your service, which will make you smile. Refer back to number 5. :)


I really like this list. I practice all these things and can tell you, they will make a difference. Are you a little overwhelmed by this list? Start with something simple like smiling or telling yourself it is ok to be happy.


We all have to start somewhere. Start today. Choose happiness. Choose wholeness.


Much love to you all-
Stef

Thought for the week:






(I don’t claim to be an expert, just a lover of new and useful information. I hope you enjoy new and useful information too! If you have a question, comment, suggestion or would like to be added to the weekly email, please contact me at stef.wellness.coach@gmail.com.)