By Rhonda M. Farrah, MA, DRWA

Everyone is looking for happiness.

Aristotle said: "Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence."

But, truthfully, how happy are YOU?

Do you still feel as though you're SEEKING something else? As though you aren't QUITE in the right place?

The potential for true happiness and freedom exists within you *right now.*

But most people don't see it. Instead, they focus on the problematic grey clouds. They never realize the beautiful blue sky that always exists just behind them.

Let go of fears. Enjoy higher self-esteem. Embrace fantastic relationships. Uncover the real you. And much, much more - all when you ask yourself this simple question.

Yes…Ask Yourself…

What am I really looking for in life?

Once you look deeper, beyond your desire for a bigger house or a fancier car, you will most likely discover that what you’re truly searching for is not more “stuff,” but more Happiness… more Joy.

It may seem some people are born with enjoyment for life programmed into their hardwiring, whereas for others finding Happiness seems an elusive goal. But, like any programming, yours can be changed.

Here are just a few of my Simple Secrets that can help you rewrite your life program into one that is filled with Joy.

Experiment To Find Out What Makes You Happy

If you haven’t taken the time to explore what brings joy to your Life on a regular basis, you may realize you don’t even know what brings you happiness anymore. If that’s the case, try out different things, including some you’ve never done before. The answers just might surprise you.

Focus On Gratitude

Incorporate a daily gratitude session where you identify something you are grateful for. You can express your gratitude in any number of ways: silently say “Thank you,” call or email the person you want to thank, or devise your own gratitude ritual .  And…don’t forget to thank yourself…yes, YOU…for yet another day with YOU!

Take Time To Savor Life

Resolve to cut down on rushing from one thing to the next – delegate or say, “no” – to reduce your number of appointments and daily tasks.

Stop Watching And Reading Depressing News

In the beginning you may worry that you’ll miss something, but think about it – when was the last time you truly needed to know the things covered in the daily news. Being selective about the information you expose yourself to can have an incredible impact on your level of personal happiness.

Laugh now!

When you’re in the middle of a mess, look around you and realize the absurdity of the moment. Remind yourself that a year from now, no one will care, and you’ll probably be laughing about it anyway, so why wait? Laugh about it now!

Happiness is important for so many reasons, beyond the obvious fact that most people would prefer to be Happy rather than not. There is little doubt about the powerful effects positive emotions can have on your physical health and well-being. At the same time, there is equally little doubt about the effects that negative emotions can have on you. Why not choose positivity?

Happiness will not only protect your body from stressors that can lead to  dis-ease, but it can even boost your immune system's ability to fight off the common cold.

But, I’ve realized that for many, “Happiness” is far too nebulous a term. Do you struggle to define an activity that truly makes you Happy? If so, I want to share with you a new definition that nearly everyone can easily grasp and apply:

“Happiness” is whatever gets you Excited.

It is what makes you jump out of bed in the morning with eager anticipation to start your day. Once you identify that activity, whatever it is, you can start to focus on it, and structure your life to do more of that.

If you can become happier - and you can if you choose to -  you will build and live a better Life, not to mention you will help build a better world. If you can improve your ability to address stresses and negative emotions, you're more likely to be able to do the things that no one would claim are trivial. For me, this is clear, and most of the time, easy. My mission is to assist others in developing strategies to help them help themselves to live an empowered and joy-filled life.  I truly love what I do, and that is why "working" long hours every week continues to be a source of happiness in my life.

And, speaking of work, and hence money, especially, in what we perceive as somewhat unsettling economic times, it true that money can’t bring you Happiness?

I believe that to say that wealth can NEVER bring you Happiness is much too simple a statement because there are a number of factors involved. Financial wealth, when achieved through providing appropriate value to those who surround you - to your culture, to the planet - can provide enormous joy and satisfaction.

But, essentially, it’s not the money in and of itself that brings either happiness or unhappiness, but rather it’s HOW your wealth is obtained that is the crux of the equation. 

I believe that financial wealth is a side effect of the journey to pursue happiness. It is the process  itself that provides the joy and happiness. So, if you “cheat”, or take a shortcut, you will probably not achieve the happiness you seek.

Building positive emotions through humor is one of the most natural things you can do to bring joy to your work, and broaden your view of this wonderful world in which we live. So, when things go wrong, why not indulge in the instant gratification of laughing now, rather than later?
In my opinion, happiness isn't so much something you strive for, but rather a spontaneous natural result of pursuing your mission, purpose and passion in life. I invite you to travel the journey you have so graciously been placed on!

And remember… "There is a mighty Power within you. There is that Spirit of Life, Light, and Love. The more you feast on these ideas and fast from old corrosive ones, the closer you experience the Life you desire." -Frank Richelieu, The Art of Being Yourself

To Your Happiness!

Blessings!                                                                                                                                                                                                            Rhonda  

"There is a mighty Power within you. There is that Spirit of Life, Light, and Love. The more you feast on these ideas and fast from old corrosive ones, the closer you experience the Life you desire."  -Frank Richelieu, The Art of Being Yourself

Rhonda M. Farrah, MA, DRWA
The Wellness Institute International

Call toll free 888.770.7370

This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.HelpMeRhondaNow.com www.TheWellnessInstitute.tv

www.BlogTalkRadio.com/Wun-Luv-Radio
Speak Up, The World Is llistening!