We live in a world full of diversity. Everyone is unique in some way or the other. There are young people, old people, the rich, the poor, entrepreneurs, students, employees, the married, the singles, and everyone in between. We have more than 7 billion people on the planet, and every single human being is different in their own way. Yet, there is one common thread: we all crave happiness. Every action we take can be linked to a desire to feel good. Ironically, although everyone wants happiness, it is still one of the most elusive concepts.
What Happiness is Not
Some common goals that people link with happiness are having more money, social status, or popularity. But if we look closely at some celebrities, we can see that all of those things don’t really create happiness.
So, if those things don’t lead to happiness, then how do we find it?
Enjoy the Moment
One of the most important aspects of happiness is being present in the moment. The truth is, all we really have is now. Let go of the past, whether it’s something you regret or a nostalgic moment that you can’t move on from. Stop planning and overthinking about the future. Come back to the here, the now. Where are you right now? What’s around you? Notice the beauty in the moment.
Reframe Negative Thoughts
We have thousands of thoughts running through our mind every day. And not every thought will be positive. However, we can try to reframe our negative thoughts. For example, if you text a friend and she doesn’t respond immediately, rather than indulging in the negative thought that she is avoiding you, try to rewrite the thought into something more positive. Consider the other possibilities that might be true. For example, is it possible that she is busy? Is it possible that she is going to call you rather than text you?
Gratitude
Numerous studies have shown that people who have a consistent gratitude practice tend to have more positive emotions, increased subjective happiness, and improved life satisfaction. Writing down a few things you are grateful for is a quick and easy way to boost your mood and be a happier person.
Listen to Your Body
Taking care of and listening to your body is key to being happy. Exercise often. Pamper your body. Eat nourishing foods. When your body is tired, listen to it and rest. When it is hungry, feed it.
Love Freely
Love is one of those other fuzzy, vague words like happiness that people struggle to describe, but is undeniably one of the building blocks of humanity. Love is key to happiness. Love freely. Love openly. Don’t judge or discriminate. The more you love, the happier you will be. Expect nothing and appreciate everything.
Find a Purpose
Research has found that people who feel like they have a purpose feel more fulfilled and feel happier overall. Creating goals for yourself gives you meaning and direction. It helps you have a reason to wake up in the morning. If you aren’t sure what your purpose is, don’t be harsh on yourself. Your ‘purpose’ can change. For right now, brainstorm a few things you’d like to experience in your life or achieve. Think about what you are good at or the people you want to help. Set a goal and start working towards it, and if you find that you are not aligned with it anymore, feel free to adjust and pivot.
While happiness is an elusive term, it can be more attainable than you think. With daily habits to take care of your body and mind, and the intention to see the world in a more positive way, you can cultivate a sense of happiness with grace, gratitude, and love.
