“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” — Epictetus
What does happiness mean to you?
Living a life that is free from stress & negativity? Being financially secure? Or having a loving family to come home to each evening?
You see, only 1 in 3 people living in the United States are happy. Despite having the technology to connect with friends & family immediately, many people feel isolated or depressed for a variety of reasons.
Today, I want to talk about what it means to live a happy life.
I want to discuss some practical tips that you can implement right now to feel more fulfilled, satisfied, and stress-free.
“There is only one way to happiness, and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond your power.” — Epictetus
You clicked on this story for a reason. Maybe you’re looking to increase the quality of your relationships or live each day with more gratitude. Whatever the case, keep reading.
This article is for you.
Hang Out With Happy People.
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” — Jim Rohn
How would you describe your friends?
Friendly? Pessimistic? Extroverted?
I’m genuinely curious.
Each day, making an effort to interact with positive people is a great way to gain continual progress in your pursuit of happiness.
The following quote from Joyce Meyer perfectly exemplifies this point:
“You cannot have a positive life and a negative mind.”
Optimism gives you perspective.
It allows you to see an opportunity in every challenge.
Where most people give up, you persevere because you have confidence that a better outcome is on the horizon.
What do you want to happen?
Are you putting in the work to make that ambition a reality?
Are you surrounding yourself with people that already have the mindset of somebody who could achieve that dream?
If not, then you are ultimately sabotaging your future happiness. By doing so, you are not allowing yourself to create the actions necessary to live a happy life.
Happiness is a choice.
However, you need to take the first step and realize that to choose it, you should let go of the self-limiting thoughts that are purposefully preventing you from living your best life.
You are enough, you are capable, and you can also be happy. But it starts with you.
Accept Your Insecurities.
“To be beautiful means to be yourself. You do not need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.” — Nhat Hanh
The first step to accepting yourself is to take ownership of the flaws and imperfections which make us human.
Nobody is perfect.
We all have things we wish we could change, improve, or hide from the world. But in the words of Jackson Kiddard:
“Anything you can’t control in life is teaching you to let go.”
It’s rare to feel perfect. No matter what stage of life you are in, there are always going to be challenges & adversity which you will need to overcome to advance your level of emotional intelligence.
However, instead of focusing on what you can’t control, concentrate on what you can.
Realize that you have the power to fundamentally change your life by identifying aspects which can be controlled, and deploying the necessary actions required to improve your happiness.
“Respond, don’t react. Listen, don’t talk. Think, don’t assume.” — Raji Lukkoor
This is a powerful way to think.
What can you do to start letting go of your insecurities?
How can you make perpetual progress that allows you to accept your flaws?
Are you ready to make the biggest mindset shift in your life?
It starts now.
You are a human being with incredible potential. Once you make the conscious decision to accept yourself, the world will accept you.
Conclusion.
“Stop letting people who do so little for you control so much of your mind, feelings, and emotions.” — Will Smith
What are you grateful for?
How can you improve your relationships?
What permission do you need to move forward?
Ask yourself those questions, and you’ll start living a happier life, one step at a time.