External factors have very little to do with true happiness -contrary to popular belief.
Some things only bring us temporary happiness:
things like bonuses, gifts, surprises, vacations, new relationships, etc… But you quickly learn that they do not sustain happiness. Happiness is not something you buy, somewhere you go, it’s not even some one…it’s a learned state of mind. You can choose to be happy anywhere and at anytime! You can build a life that centers around being happy and grateful -because they really do go hand in hand.
A grateful heart is a happy heart! Even if things aren’t going well, you can be grateful for things that are!
Start by listing 3 things you are grateful for every single day. Buy yourself a cute little notebook (its so worth it!) and by the end of the year you will have named over 1000 things you are thankful for! Next year all you have to do is read it once a day as a reminder!
Next, do a random act of kindness. Something you were not asked to do and for no other reason than just kindness. Doing for others always gives us a sense of fulfillment which brings satisfaction which brings true joy (happiness). Not only do you lift someone else up, it boomerangs and lifts your spirits as well!
And lastly…get up and move! Exercise has been carefully studied over the years and has been proven to be the safest, surest, and fastest mood changer! Not to mention it’s FREE! A simple little 30 minute walk outside and down the sidewalk will do more than some 60 minute therapy sessions! Go alone or find someone you can have a good laugh with…either way you will benefit, guaranteed!
Oh, just one more tip! (sorry!) Don’t overthink! Thoughts become feelings and feelings become actions, and actions become behaviors we don’t like. Overthinking creates problems that weren’t even there. Keep your thoughts controlled. Don’t allow yourself to dwell on the “What if’s”
Don’t put this off till tomorrow -you know you’ll talk yourself out of it! Go for a walk. Go buy that cute little notebook. While you’re there, think of an act of kindness you can do on the way home! (Maybe buy an extra notebook and print this list off for someone else that could use a little lift to their day!