When Happiness Becomes a Burden...
The pursuit of happiness can lead us in all different directions. For many of us it is like finding the end of the rainbow. It seems so clear as we look from afar, but just as we get to the end the target moves to a new location. So, we are happy for a moment and then the pursuit continues. This constant pursuit can become a burden. We follow our culture’s cues and expert marketing to all the many ways we can find quick fixes for happiness. Buying new things, embarking on new adventures, keeping a busy schedule of social events, and building a successful career. Each one of these brings a spark of happiness that quickly fades and leaves us looking and asking: • Why am I not happy? • What will make me happy? • Am I supposed to be happy? • What am I doing wrong? These questions and thoughts can lead to more unhappiness, and frustration, so the cycle continues. Where do we go from here?
3 steps to finding unburdened happiness:
1.Pursue Growth- Life has many twists and turns. Some bring happiness and some do not. If you have the intention of growth then you will look for the opportunities to learn and grow in every situation. With that growth comes confidence. Confidence changes how you see the world and then happiness has a way of finding you!
2.Enjoy the little things- celebrate all the little things! In searching for the big Happy payoff, we forget to look at all the little things that bring us joy. Focus on the little wonderful things that happen each day and before you know it there will be a lot more in your life that brings you happiness. o A sunny day o The laugh of your child o A smile from a stranger o The smell of baking o A walk outside o A chat with a friend o A quiet moment to read
3.Allow your feelings- Happiness is a feeling, a great feeling, but we have many feelings and they all bring value to our lives. When we experience other feelings including the ones that are harder to process, (sadness, grief, anger, frustration) let go of judgment of yourself and your feelings. The feelings will move through you and in the process you will gain experience and strength. Happiness will be even sweeter!
Enjoy your journey. There will be ups and there will be downs. There will be sadness and there will be happiness. Fill your life with growth, experience, wisdom, and love. Create your One Amazing Life, one moment at a time!
-Cheers to the One Amazing You
P.S. One very interesting study done on happiness from Harvard University found that one of the main ingredients to Happiness is Love. All we need is Love! http://aplus.com/a/75-year-harvard-grant-study-happiness