Unlocking the Secrets to Lasting Happiness: A Practical Guide
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Chapter 1: The Pursuit of Happiness
Isn't it interesting that our primary aspiration in life is to achieve happiness? We chase after possessions like houses, cars, and relationships, believing these will bring us joy. However, it’s not the material items we truly desire; it’s the feelings they evoke within us.
Imagine if you could tap into that joyful feeling anytime you wanted—suddenly, all those external possessions would seem unnecessary. But let’s focus on how you can easily access your inner happiness and stay there for longer periods.
It's essential to recognize that happiness isn't a constant state. Some individuals naturally exude cheerfulness, while others may lean toward negativity, with many of us falling somewhere in between. It appears that we all have a predetermined level of happiness that we typically revert to.
If you find yourself struggling with happiness, here's the solution:
Practice.
Yes, you heard that right.
Practice makes perfect, even when it comes to happiness.
Photo by Michel Catalisano on Unsplash
Just as we dedicate time to improve our athletic skills, musical abilities, or even cooking techniques, we often overlook the importance of practicing happiness. It's the most important skill we should all aspire to master.
So, why aren’t we actively working on our happiness?
If we wouldn’t expect to master our golf swing without practice, why do we assume we can naturally attain joy without putting in the effort?
But how does one go about this? Should you walk around grinning and high-fiving strangers on the street?
Finding Your Happy Place
To practice happiness, you need to approach it like any other skill—through regular commitment and a solid plan. Start by identifying what genuinely brings you joy. Create a list and keep it visible. It can be simple pleasures—like listening to your favorite 80s pop song. For me, a good Bananarama track can instantly boost my mood.
So, when I notice my thoughts wandering into negativity, I redirect my mind by playing that upbeat song. Alternatively, I might write in my gratitude journal or indulge in a calming adult coloring book (think rainbows and flowers, not anything risqué).
This is all about retraining your mind to combat negativity.
I'm not suggesting you eliminate all negative thoughts. Let’s be real; that’s unrealistic.
The goal is to recognize when you begin to dwell in a negative mindset and then employ one of your happiness strategies to lift yourself out of it.
Experiment and Find What Works
Explore different methods to discover what resonates with you, and make it a regular practice.
One of the most enlightening realizations on the path to happiness is that what we perceive as sources of unhappiness often serve as valuable teachers. By shifting your perspective on external events, you can guide your mind away from darkness.
We can easily become trapped in cycles of negative thinking that may last for hours or even days. Without intention and practice, this pattern continues. However, with consistent effort, you can reduce those periods of rumination to mere minutes, or even seconds.
Is it easy? Not at all. Just as training for a marathon or rehearsing for a presentation requires effort, so does cultivating happiness.
The Takeaway
Happy Holidays to you!
Curious about spiritual journeys? Explore my book, Mystic Journal, which shares personal stories alongside journaling prompts.
Watch Robert Waldinger’s TED talk on what truly contributes to a fulfilling life based on decades of research.
Discover the secrets to happiness drawn from eight decades of insightful research in another enlightening talk by Robert Waldinger.