Happiness starts with you
Did you know that?
MAY has been my month to focus on happiness and what I’ve reminded myself is that Happiness cannot come from material things, or from other people.
It is up to ME because long term happiness comes from within and the choices we make. Widipedia defines Happiness as:
Happiness is a mental or emotional state of well-being which can be defined by, among others, positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
Yes, I know that we can find joy from family, friends, travel and even money brings a comfortable lifestyle. But these are only short term fixes unless we can find contentment within ourselves.
Being happy is a state of mind and as I said it is our choice. We can keep searching for the elusive happiness but really learning to appreciate and focusing on the good things in our life, gives us a sense of contentment and well being which is what happiness really is.
You can’t be happy all of the time – we are only human after all.
Sometimes life throws curve balls and IT IS DIFFICULT to keep positive, upbeat and feel gratitude. THAT IS FINE we can all have our down days and maybe enjoy an occasional ‘pity party’. But don’t party on too long!
Here are 5 suggestions to finding happiness from within
1. Taking time out to really have time alone and reflect on happiness is important.
If happiness comes from within then we should try to take some time out alone. Become friends with yourself and appreciate the time you spend reflecting on the things that make you feel contented. You might like to read: Why we need to be selfish – Sometimes
2. Letting Go of regrets or anger
You rob yourself of happiness if you are still clinging to the past or holding onto old hurts and injustices. When you finally let go, a burden is lifted and you actually breathe a sigh of relief. You might like to read ‘L’ is for Letting Go – Why you need to let go & accept before you can move forward
3. Realising that you can be in control of your life but accepting that there some things you just can’t control
Life can be a roller coaster. Sometimes we think we have all our ‘ducks in a row’ only to find that something happens to upset our momentum. Life is full of ebbs and flows and how you deal with that affects how happy and contented you feel. Sure take control of your life but also learn to accept that there will be times that life throws a curve ball and you won’t be able to change it. You might like to read: Fit & Fabulous: 4 Ways to Get Back On Track When Life Gets In the Way
4. Make time to nurture your body and mind
Treating your body and mind with respect is vital. Nurturing your body and mind by exercising regularly, eating a well balanced and nutritious diet PLUS making sure you are looking after your mental health are all keys to finding happiness from within. You might like to read: Midlife Mental Health – Nourish Your Mind & Body
5. Practice just being in the moment
Sometimes we forget to just stop and enjoy the moment. Mindfulness has been a buzz word lately but it is so important. Focusing on the moment and truly enjoying the experience all adds to the joy and happiness in your life. You might like to read: Midlife Mental Health -The Benefits of Mindfulness
What will you do today to find happiness from within? Remember
Let’s Keep Sizzling!
42 Comments
I like these tips a lot. Thank you. I think I needed to read this. I’ve been struggling with some stuff and lingering too long in my ‘pity party’. Time to do something different.
I always feel so good when someone gets inspiration or value from my writing. Thank you Ness for your lovely comments and have a beautiful day.
These are great tips, Sue. I saw a movie recently (no idea what it was called, or the main actors’ names) that spoke well to your theme. The movie’s message was, “you only need to forgive once. But anger and resentment gnaw at you forever.”
I am greatly enjoying your ‘Month of Happiness”.
Oh I love that Donna thank you for sharing with me. I’m so pleased you are enjoying my happiness theme this month.
Thank you for such helpful and inspiration quotes and ideas. I am doing my best to remain ‘mindful’ now. I am facing a serious health challenge and this will be an interesting journey for sure. Thank you for linking up for #lifethisweek 21/52 and next week’s prompt is Hobbies.
I do hope they hep Denise especially during this difficult time for you. Sending you love and hugs x
You can’t control what happens to you but you can control how you respond. Great tips in your post Sue 🙂
Exactly Jan. Thanks for stopping by to comment and have a beautiful day xx
Being in the moment is so important. I am one of those people who (thanks to my anxiety), am always plotting my next move, and therefore I often forget to just enjoy what is going on around me in that moment. It is something I am trying to work on more.
Good for you Michelle. Being in the moment really does take practice but we just keep trying don’t we?
Oh, Sue. I struggle with being in the moment. My mind is always racing with thoughts of what I need to do next. Looking at the clock, asking how can it already be 10:00 (just did that)? I need to get busy! Having Lucia, my year-old granddaughter in bed with me on mornings over the weekend was heavenly. Seemed like time stopped. And that was just fine.
I’m the same Leslie but like you, my grandson Ethan certainly helps me enjoy the moment.
Great tips Sue! ‘me time’ is very important to me (taking some time to be by myself, love it). Also the times I feel sorry for myself, I wallow in it for a while and then bring myself out of this by reminding myself of all the little things I am grateful for.
Thanks Valerie. We all get down and feel sorry for ourselves but it is surprising when we focus on being grateful our mood lifts.
our posts this week hold such similar thinking. I agree we need to know it is not selfish to need some time for us, we matter. Take care lovely, and thank you so much for sharing this on #mg too, it means so much xx
Thanks for the opportunity to link up Mackenzie. Have a fabulous week. Xx
It’s so true that we can’t be happy all the time. You are right that happiness lies within and these are great tips for getting us to reconnect with ourselves. #mg
Hi Helena! Thanks for stopping by and so pleased you enjoyed the post. All we can do is try but when we focus on the good in our lives we can’t help but feel better. Have a fabulous week!
You’re so right about our happiness being up to us Sue – for so long I based my happiness on how others interacted with me – I wanted everyone to be happy so I could be, and when they weren’t then I wasn’t either. That is a horrible way to live and I’m freeing myself from it gradually and learning to trust myself for my own happiness.
It isn’t necessarily in our nature is it Leanne. We need everyone to be happy and most of the time at our own expense. I think you get to the point where you say enough is enough I need to be happy. Have a great week.
I could not agree with you more. Sometimes you may encounter very unhappy people which may show in their actions to other. That inner peace is so important to our minds, soul, and body. Kudos to you. This was a good writing.
Hi Betty! Thanks for stopping by to leave a comment and so pleased you enjoyed the post. Have a wonderful day filled with happiness and hope you visit again.
Another very motivating post! Thanks for sharing this at: #blogginggrandmotherslinkparty …and thank you for co-hosting!
Oh thanks Donna I’m glad you found the post motivating. Have a wonderful week and it is great co-hosting with you at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty there are some good posts this week!
Thank you, Sue, for the important reminder that we must take care of ourselves in order to experience happiness. I have a few happiness rituals. I meditate every morning and finish it off with a gratitude prayer. Throughout the day, every time I get in my car I list three good things that have happened during the day. At night, I record three good things in a gratitude journal. I also make a conscious effort to eat healthy most of the time, exercise, spend time outdoors, and get enough sleep. It seems to be working. 🙂
Thanks for cohosting #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty!
~Christie
Hi Christie! I think rituals are important and I love your one when you get in the car to list three good things that happened during the day. Sounds like you have a wonderful base for health and happiness. Have a great week and thanks for stopping by xx
This is so, so true! http://lovemybighappyfamily.com/summer-fun-roundup/
Thanks for stopping by Lori I’ll check out your link.
Sorry pasted link in the last comment on accident. Thank you for sharing at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty.
Love this article. It is all so true….It is not always easy but it is not what happens to us but rather how we react. We must do our best to be as happy as we can every single day.
Hi Donna! Thanks for stopping by to comment and yes our reaction to things that happen to us is so important for our happiness and health. It isn’t easy always to be happy but we have to try don’t we? Have a great week!
Inner-peace and self-love are so very important. For years I put on a happy face while feeling a sense inadequacy. Yes, of course, I knew it stemmed from my childhood. Yes, I understood intellectually that the people who planted that seed many years ago were wrong. But unless you face your fears instead of trying to bury them, you will never be free of them. I had to learn to be happy with self. I had to teach myself to accept my shortcoming and to embrace my gifts and talents.Once I let go of the hurts from my past, my life took on a whole new tone. I am happy with my life and although it is learned, the happiness is real. Thanks for sharing with #blogginggrandmotherslinkparty . I have shared it on social media.
It isn’t easy to let go Clearissa, I know I’ve tried several times but each time I feel better. Once you do let go a weight feels lifted and you do feel inner-peace. I’m glad you have found yours. Thanks for co-hosting #BloggingGrandmothersLinkparty and thanks for stopping by. Have a beautiful day. xx
An inspiring and motivating post! Thanks Sue for linking up and co-hosting at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I shared this post.
So glad you found the post motivating and inspiring Dee, that was my intention. Have a wonderful weekend and thanks for sharing my post. x
What an interesting post!! Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom! Thanks also for stopping by!
Hugs,
Debbie
Glad you enjoyed the post Debbie and have a beautiful weekend x
My Mom used to say “it’s okay if you get on your pity pot as long as you get back off”. I’ve always been a firm believer that happiness comes from within. No one else can be responsible for your happiness and until you know that and realize it comes from within, you won’t ever be truly happy. Just fleeting moments here and there. Thanks again Sue for sharing your words of wisdom with us. #BloggingGranmothersLinkParty. Shared on social media!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving your comments Teresa. I’m so pleased you enjoyed the post. Have a beautiful day and hope you visit again. x
Yes, I agree – it has to be from you. You can’t rely on others for real happiness.
No it certainly is up to us! Have a great weekend!
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