Are You on the Path to Happiness?
The constitution gives us the right to the pursuit of happiness. And that is a great idea because no one wants to live their life in misery. But how do you pursue happiness? What path can you take to get there?
Maybe pursuing happiness is as easy as taking a walk by the beach on a warm July morning, finding a groovy new tune to add to your playlist, or balancing your checkbook. There are as many different sources of happiness as people on this planet. What makes you happy could be the opposite of what makes your sister happy, but neither of you is wrong.
There is one thing that all these sources have in common. They all start with the decision to take action. None of these scenarios are possible for an inactive person. So one path to feeling happy is making the choice to do something.
What actions to take
Happiness is a feeling and, like most feelings, is affected by your environment and not just your genetic make-up. It is a mindset that combines emotions and experiences. One study into the secret of happiness found that people whose emotions made them feel right over feeling good felt a higher degree of happiness.(1)
So what does that mean? It means that when you trust your feelings and follow what feels right to you, you have a greater sense of satisfaction and happiness. If you choose a path of actions that align with your values, you experience greater happiness.
Some actions you can take to on this path include:
Reach out to others. A Havard study shows that relationships help us lead happier lives.(2) Having good relationships requires connection, and connection requires effort. You can send a text to a friend, make a phone call, or schedule a lunch date. People need each other. And that is okay to admit! Good relationships are not one way - you can’t wait for someone to reach out to you - you need to do your part! The energy expended is worth the happiness gained, for sure.
Invest in yourself. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to live a healthy lifestyle, but you do need to invest time for exercise and make good choices about nutrition. One study showed that biological and health factors play an “undeniable” role in happiness.(3) So, prioritize taking care of yourself and invest time, energy, and maybe just a little money into getting healthy. A healthy you leads to a happy you!
Use your talents. You are an incredible, resourceful, and talented human being. There is no one on this planet who can do the things you do and the world needs you! Look around your community and find one way you can give back. It doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive. Maybe you can help at a foodbank, give a free music lesson, or donate a piece of artwork to charity. When you give to your community, your sense of doing something right is heightened and your connection with friends and neighbors grows stronger.
The best time to take action
Happiness doesn’t have to be something you pursue after you get your degree, find a new job, or make more money. It can happen RIGHT NOW! The best time to start on the path to your happiness is today.
Today you can choose to do something that feels right to you. You can choose an activity that strengthens a relationship, or builds a healthier lifestyle. You can look around you today and identify where you can make a difference. Please, don’t wait. Don’t put off being happy until tomorrow, because you, and the people around you who benefit from your positivity, deserve to be happy now!
Do you know when the worst time to take action is? That is right- “as soon as”. As soon as you have enough money, time, or energy, is what most people say, but that time doesn’t happen. You have to make the choice to step on the path to happiness TODAY!
How to Overcome barriers to happiness (and defeat the ugly, self-defeating “I Can’t” Monster)
It is something we all face at some point. The I Can’t Monster may look like the right explanation for why you haven’t achieved your goals or found happiness today, but it is just trying to trip you up. Don’t be scared of it! It is only as powerful as you let it be.
Self-defeatism is just one barrier. Fear of failure, lack of self-esteem, and lack of resources are also stumbling blocks. These are all very human and very real. Everyone is going to face at least one of these in life. And that is okay - it is getting through these that makes you stronger.
How can you get through these barriers? What can help put you on the path to happiness?
Life coaching. When you work with a life coach, you examine all of your sources of happiness and identify the barriers in your way. We design and implement a plan for your path, and walk it together!
Day by day, you reach your goals and build a more fulfilling future. The problems that have plagued you for years shrink. You become a better version of yourself through your commitment of choosing the right actions for happiness in your life.
If you’re ready to begin this amazing transformation and become a more happy, healthy, and confident YOU, please contact me at www.stephaniemariescoaching.com today!!
References
1.https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/xge-xge0000303.pdf