Five Thoughts on Being Happy

                                                                                         

Happiness can sometimes seem rather elusive. So here are some thoughts, based on borrowed wisdom, on how to feel happy – and how to realise you can actually be happy right now.

“In our minds, we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but rather gratefulness that makes us happy.” ~ Albert Clark
Every day write down, or say out loud, ten things for which you are grateful. What we focus on expands, so focus on the good things. Acknowledge and be grateful for a whole range of things – your eyesight, health, friends and family, the sunshine, the clothes on your back, ability to drive. Life is good!

"Remember happiness doesn't depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely on what you think." ~ Dale Carnegie
Monitor your thoughts for a few days. What self chatter is going on? Do those thoughts serve you, make you feel good? No? Then begin to say positive supportive things to yourself, and choose to stop paying attention to the negative thoughts that cross your mind. You wouldn’t say negative things to your best friend – treat yourself the same way.

"If you want to be happy, set a goal that commands your thoughts, liberates your energy, and inspires your hopes." ~ Andrew Carnegie
Have something specific to work towards – some purpose in life that really fires you up. Achieving it will feel fantastic and fulfilling – and working towards it will also feel great. Have some focus, some meaning in your life.

“Every day, the happy person does at least one difficult thing.” ~ Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Try something new, something that stretches and challenges you. Join an evening class, jog an extra mile, write to a long lost friend, achieve something different – surprise yourself!

"You wander from room to room hunting for the diamond necklace that is already around your neck!" ~ Jalal-Uddin Rumi
Instead of thinking you will be happy when you change jobs, move house, meet that new partner, realise that you can choose to accept and experience happiness now – it is not conditional on the external factors you are seeking, but is already inside you.

About the author:
Jackie Fletcher is a life satisfaction and mentor coach, working with busy professionals, small business owners and new coaches, helping them create and live the life they really want – balanced, successful and happy. For more information visit http://www.transitionslifecoaching.co.uk

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