Despite what the fairy tales depict, happiness doesn’t appear by magic. It’s not even something that happens to you. It’s something you create and cultivate.
Although you may have thought, as many people do, that happiness comes from being born rich or beautiful or living a stress-free life, the reality is that people who have wealth, beauty or less stress are not happier on average than those of who don’t enjoy those blessings. Science has actually proven that only 10% of the variation in people’s reports of happiness can be explained by differences in their circumstances. People who are happy, seem to intuitively know that their happiness is the sum of their life choices and their lives are built on their thoughts, attitudes, actions and behaviours.
So, yes. You can learn how to be happy — or at least happier. Let’s start right no and take Key Steps to…
Follow the ‘EASIER’ Way to Happiness – Part 1: Engage and Enjoy
1. Engage and enjoy the present moment. This habit takes practise. If you always look to tomorrow for happiness, chances are you will do the same when you attain what you’ve been dreaming of. As strange it sounds, the ability to appreciate what’s in front of you has nothing to do with what you actually have. It’s more about how you measure the good things in your life at any given time. Practise wanting what you have and it will feel even sweeter when you eventually have what you want. Look around and ask…
2. What’s in front of you that can enjoy right now? Consistent, long-term happiness depends on your ability to notice and appreciate the details; you can hone that skill right now. Once you get everything you want, you will still be subject to life’s highs and lows. If you haven’t learned to enjoy the little things, your well-being will parallel your life’s circumstances. Every time something goes wrong, you’ll feel deeply unhappy (as opposed to disappointed but determined to make the best of things).
Think about the things that fill you with the most joy—spending time with your pets, listening to the rain, and running on the beach, for example. Focus on those things right now, and let them brighten your day. That way, no matter what changes, you’ll have a variety of simple pleasures to help you through and…
