We often view happiness as a destination – a state of mind to chase and aspire to. We're taught by society to think that happiness will come when we reach that goal weight, or pay off that credit card debt, or land that promotion. When we view happiness as an elusive goal, however, we lose out on the experience of the present!
Learn to look within, and you'll find beauty and contentment in everyday things! Learn to confront the core of yourself with honesty, and in return, you'll receive freedom from external influences!
Here are 3 ways to find happiness within yourself…
1. Stop Chasing it!
If you focus on an external goal, you'll always be on the lookout for the next solution to fill the gap in your life. We want to get somewhere, and we expect to be happy for the rest of our lives when we do. Then we're let down when that happiness doesn't last. Striving for it outside of ourselves is a surefire way to ensure that it will elude us! What if we stopped chasing happiness and learned to…
2. Be Present
When was the last time you were present with yourself and your emotions? By practicing mindfulness and focussing on what you're feeling in the moment, you'll find that peace of mind lives in the present. Think of something that you like about yourself or something that brings you fulfillment, and sit with that for a moment.
3. Practice Gratitude
When we remind ourselves of all the good in our lives, our stress and discontent are forced to take the back seat. Energy flows where focus goes, so take a moment to focus on what you're thankful for!
In the words of the Dalai Lama, "let us reflect on what is truly of value in life, what gives meaning to our lives, and set our priorities on the basis of that." When we tie our happiness to achievements or material things, we're robbing ourselves of the everyday light in our lives.
Happiness is a conscious choice, and only with a shift in mindset can we indeed find happiness within ourselves every day!