What makes you happy?

Are you very happy, only 28% of people say they are.

Just curious what makes you happy?

Abraham Lincoln wisely said, “Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Although the capacity to ‘be happy’ is to an extent a function of your disposition, how is it that some people bounce back from adversity so much more quickly than others and just be happier? It is something we can begin to gain control of? I think so as its all how you story things. That means the interpretation you give something and how you that affects you. In short, happiness is an inside job. With that being said…

 

What do people say makes them happy? For the most part it seems that it is well spent leisure time with people we care about. But taking a moment to reflect and ask yourself what make “jump for joy” is a good exercise and then figuring out how you can bring some of that into your life. In fact, when you look at the statistics on why people are feel so stressed, it is pretty gloomy. 70% of people do not like their jobs  and 50% of people are in relationships that no longer make their heart’s sing.

 

This does not even include the financial pressure that we have today in terms of how expensive everything is. Nevertheless, the question that needs to be asked is if you no longer feel a sense of connection to two of the most important aspects to living a fulfilling life, (work and love) perhaps it is time to do something about it. Set meaningful goals and carry through on them.

 

The real key to happiness is I believe living your life with a sense of purpose. That means having the sense of feeling connected to what you are doing and who are doing it with.

 

I have found that journaling or expressive writing can be a great way to gain clarity and blow off steam. It also feeds into our need to be more creative. Why not start reading more fiction, research shows that can be very healing and make us happier. If you do not like something in your life, in what way can you change it, or accept it? What I find and research show taking some time in the meditative space  can be very helpful. I find asking for clarity, asking our higher self for help and you dreams for guidance also really helps.

 

If all else fails there is always pet therapy. Yes research shows it works.