I’m sure you have heard this phrase many times. Although it sounds completely legitimate, it seems unachievable, at least to you. Most of us are like this. We take pride in making philosophical and deeply inspired conversations about happiness and things in life that truly matter, yet when it comes to our own lives, we can hardly reach this state of mind without that job promotion, new love interest or a dream vacation. However, if we take a more systematic approach towards happiness and consider it as an everyday process that includes certain actions, in time we would be able to reach happier and more positive state of mind faster and without external factors.
There is no guide, no rules, no manual that will teach you how to live a “happy” life. There is advice, however, that can teach you how to approach certain situations to gain the best result.
Happiness is not determined by what’s happening around you, but rather what’s happening inside you. Most people depend on others to gain happiness, but the truth is, it always comes from within.
Anonymous
True happiness comes from surrounding yourself with people whom you love and love you in return. If the people you surround yourself with are bringing you down, then it’s time to trim the fat. I guarantee once you eliminate the negative people in your life, you will be that much happier. Why would you choose to spend time with people that are holding you back when you can surround yourself with people that can elevate you?
One of the biggest challenges in life is learning to accept people for who they truly are. Once you realize that your expectations cannot change people, the better off you will be. The problem will arise when the expectations do not materialize. If you find that you are going out of your way much more than the people you surround yourself with, it may be time to make some adjustments.
I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.
Martha Washington
It is so hard to make real progress in your life when you are stumbling over old roadblocks. Look around at your immediate surroundings. If there is something that is not bringing value and meaning to your life, then get rid of it. Do not feel obligated to hold on to something that is only making you miserable. You owe it to yourself to lead the best possible life you can.
You, and only you, are in control of your happiness and when you choose to expand your mind and to focus on the good, you will be happier. It is different for everyone, but once you stop looking for excuses as to why you cannot be happy, you will find so many reasons as to why you can. People make these justifications to prevent themselves from achieving greatness. This is a horrible mistake to make in life because all you are doing is sabotaging yourself.
I do not fix problems. I fix my thinking. Then problems fix themselves.
Louise Hay
Learn to depend on yourself rather than others to bring you fulfillment. Only once you are happy on your own, can you hope to share your happiness with others. If you don’t, your unhappiness will resurface and manifest itself in destructive ways. You cannot hope to have any sort of successful relationship, whether it’s in the platonic sense, romantic sense or business sense. If you aren’t comfortable with yourself, how do you ever expect any relationship to flourish?
Kenrick Vaz 