Happiness – a simple word that we often give complicated meanings. It’s one of our most sought-after goals but for many of us, it still remains elusive. We often think that happiness means hard work, achieving all our goals or even getting the things that we desire. It’s so easy to trick ourselves into thinking, “If I can only get that promotion, then I can be happy” or “If I can only buy my dream car, then for sure I will be happy” – That’s where we’re wrong. In reality, happiness is available to us right now.
That promotion, the big house, that fancy car – those will only bring you temporary happiness but in the end it’s still those little joys in life that you experience in simple things that’ll bring us true happiness.
I ‘am no different, I’ am guilty of those things. I used to let myself into thinking, “If I can only earn more then I’ll be worry free and I’ll be happy”. But experiencing what I considered to be the lowest point of my life shifted that thinking. It opened my eyes and made me see that even in the most difficult and painful situations, I can still choose to be happy and you can too!
That’s why today, I have decided to share with you 5 simple ways that has helped me live a happier life. Check them out!
Do something that you love
Doing something that you love can bring you so much joy and contentment. Sadly, not all of us are given the chance to do something that we love and still earn enough to support ourselves and our families. But I’ve realized that even though we need to make sacrifices, happiness should not be one of them. So, I’ve decided to do what it takes to really find the time to pursue my passion. I may not be able to just easily give up my job and pursue it, but doing it on my spare time gives me a sense of meaning and purpose.
So, whether you love to write, play sports or teach, find time to really do it. You’ll be surprised how much lighter and happier you’ll feel after doing it.
Practice the art of Gratitude
Oftentimes, we easily take the little things for granted. Like the roof over our heads and having enough food to eat. We forget how blessed we already are. We often look at the negative things or the things that we don’t have instead of being thankful for the things that we already have.
By learning to appreciate every little thing we’ll feel more satisfied, contented – happier.
Just remember, that there is someone out there who is praying for the exact things that you already have.
Stop the need of pleasing others
When was the last time you said yes to something that you really didn’t want to do? Most of the time, we end up committing to something that we don’t even like just so we can please others. There’s nothing wrong with that but if you let it get out of control, then it becomes a problem.
I’ve had this problem, I felt the need to constantly put other people’s needs first until such time that I had nothing left for myself – it drained me. Emotionally, mentally and physically. So, for once start saying no to others and don’t be afraid to start saying yes to yourself.
Learn to Forgive
Sometimes, we forget that forgiveness is not only something that we do for other people, forgiveness also means forgiving ourselves. I’ve struggled with this for a long time. I carried this heavy weight on my shoulder for years. My anger was eating me alive. The moment that I learned to start forgiving them, I also started to forgive myself. It felt good, refreshing – everything felt lighter.
I understand that forgiveness is not something that we can easily do overnight, but we don’t have to do it all at once. We can do it a hundred times if we have to. We can even do it a thousand times more until it gets easier. What matters is, we do it.
Live authentically
Stop creating a life for other people – a life that is in line with the status quo. Don’t pressure yourself to do the things that you don’t want just because the society tells you to. Laugh, love, live and create a life that you want. A life that feels right for you.
Remember, “Happiness is not by chance, but by choice.”
[click_to_tweet tweet=”“Happiness is not by chance, but by choice.'” quote=”“Happiness is not by chance, but by choice'”]
Regardless what the situation is, there will always be a silver lining – we can always choose happiness.
Do you have a list of your own? Let me know in the comment section below or send me an email, I would love to hear from you!
3 thoughts on “5 simple tips to live a happier life”