Every day we are sent a million messages via ads, tv, magazines and social media about what we need to have, do or be to finally achieve happiness in our lives but it can be much simpler than that. You don’t have to wait until a certain time or achievement to be happy. You can be happy with your self and your life now:) It’s not going to be easy at first! But it’s worth the effort. Here are six easy steps to happiness:
1. Immediately replace all negative thoughts about yourself with a positive one
Thinking negative things about yourself if a habit that needs to stop asap! You need to be your biggest fan.. at all times! So here’s the goal: Pick one thing you love about yourself every morning. It could be anything at all, your hair, eyes, a part of your personality. Any time you start to have a negative thought about yourself immediately replace it with your chosen thing your love about yourself. This will be hard at first but stick with it and you’ll find yourself thinking less and less negative thoughts about yourself and having more confidence!
2. List 3 things you are grateful for every morning
Focusing on the things you have and the things your appreciate in life will leave you open to realizing even more things you are grateful for in life and more positivity to come to you. Positive thoughts breed positive actions which breed positive changes in your life! This is an easy way to start having an attitude of gratitude and brining more positivity to yourself.
3. List 3 great/fun/awesome things that happened during your day each night
Every day we have a choice. We can focus on the good things we experience or we can emphasize the negatives. Choose the positive! Every night before going to sleep, list(physically or mentally) 3 things that were especially great that day. These can by anything big or small that made you smile. Maybe someone complimented you, you achieved a small goal or you got to spend time with a friend and laugh together. It can literally be anything that made you happy. This helps you to go to sleep on a positive note and creates positivity in your life that will help you to focus on the good things.
4. Quit replaying negative events in your mind
I know, bad things happen. And it’s tough to get over them or let them go but if there isn’t anything you can do to fix the problem/change the situation then you have to let it go and move on so that you can be happy. Dwelling on something we said or a mistake we made after we’ve done all we can to fix it, will never bring any good. Once it’s over, it’s over so there should be no playback in your mind! Instead try swapping these thoughts out for a similar situation where you did well or had a positive experience and know that one bad experience doesn’t mean it will happen again!
5. Live in the present
Here is a toughie. With a quote too:)
If you’re depressed, you’re living in the past. If you’re anxious, you’re living in the future. If you’re at peace, you’re living in the present. -Lao Tzu(we think)
We can’t go back to the past and we can’t control our future from way over here in the present. If you worry too much about what will happen it will take the joy out of your current day brining only anxiety! You also can’t go back to ‘how things used to be’ whether they seem better or not. But! We are in control of our present. If we are so involved in doing the best we can in everything we are currently doing we will be worrying less about what has been and what will be! It’s all about creating a positive attitude and mindset. You can create happiness anywhere you are.
6. Do something good for yourself every day
Here’s one that is under estimated. Doing something good for yourself daily whether it be going for a walk, getting in a workout, taking time to meditate/unwind, drinking enough water or making a healthy meal choice will boost your happiness and confidence. Making positive choices for ourselves makes us feel good. Feeling like we are taking care of and improving ourselves makes us happy whether we know it or not at first. The more you do this, the more you will find joy in it.
You read the steps to happiness.. what next?
I am by no means an expert on happiness! But using these things can make a great difference for you just like they have for me. Don’t be overwhelmed and feel like you need them all right now! And fast! Starting with focusing on one or 2 and gradually going from there is a great start. You’re awesome and you deserve to feel awesome:)
