Happiness is a choice, not a result. Nothing will make you happy. No person will make you happy unless you decide to be happy. Your happiness will not come to you. It can only come from you.
-Ralph Marston
In search for happiness, many people look for it in other people and not within themselves.
Many people feel that things like money, a better job, better relationships, etc. will make them happy. In reality, to find true contentment you must look inside yourself and learn to be your own best friend.
That means you have to trust, love, and care for yourself just as you do the people you consider to be close to you.
Here are some steps that you can incorporate into your life that will help you to feel more empowered and happy about yourself:
Start lifting yourself up, not put yourself down.
If you don’t like something about yourself, work to change it. If you can’t change it, simply accept it. Don’t beat yourself up with negative self-talk.
You’re not likely to change for the better when you fill yourself up with negative thoughts.
Give yourself positive rewards
When you do something that you are proud of give yourself a small reward. Try not to wait for others to praise you because you may grow resentful if the praise doesn’t come.
Pat your own back, it is a great feeling that can stay with you for a long time.
Forgive yourself
I doubt that you would keep scolding a child over and over for making a mistake so why do that to yourself? Give yourself the gift of forgiveness when you make a mistake.
After that, work to figure out what lesson you can learn, and use it to make better choices the next time around.
Enjoy your successes
Most people can remember all of the details of depressing, painful, or even embarrassing events that happened many years ago. What if you did the same thing with all of your wins?
Try to remember all of the triumphs and accomplishments that you’ve made and keep that memory with you and think about it at least once a week. Be proud of yourself and how far you have come. Celebrate your successes
Listen to music that makes you happy
Listening to music you love can have a stress-relieving effects, especially with music you associate with positive memory might put a beautiful smile on your face.
Whether you are angry or frustrated, happy or cheerful, sad or anxious, when you listen to music, it can transport you to your happy place. People who begin their days with songs are more cheerful and spend the rest of the day with renewed energy.
Do some exercise
Even moderate exercise releases chemicals in your brain that lift your mood. Doing regular exercise and time to yourself will create positive changes in your life.
It can also help you sleep better, have more energy and keep your heart healthy.
Choose an exercise that you enjoy. If it helps, do it with a friend or listen to upbeat music.
More ways to raise your happiness level
Use these little “pick me up” happy quotes to brighten your life daily:
Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.
Dale Carnegie
Happiness is like a butterfly which, when pursued, is always beyond our grasp, but, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.
Nathaniel Hawthorne
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion
Dalai lama
Happiness is the best makeup.
Drew Barrymore
The only thing that will make you happy is being happy with who you are
Goldie Hawn
We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.
Frederick Keonig
Doing what you like is freedom. Liking what you do is happiness.
Frank Tyger
Happiness radiates like the fragrance from a flower and draws all good things towards you.
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy.
Unknown
Optimism is a happiness magnet. If you stay positive, good things and good people will be drawn to you.
Mary Lou Retton
Being happy doesn’t mean everything is perfect. It means you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections.
Unknown
Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.
Thich Nhat Hanh
The key to being happy is knowing you have the power to choose what to accept and what to let go.
Dodinsky
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.
Herman Cain
Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.
Jim Rohn
Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe.
Oprah Winfrey
Lastly
Make a commitment to yourself to try at least 3 of these steps above.
What are your thoughts of this list of ideas on how to raise your happiness?
Which one of the steps are you willing to try right now? Tell me in the comments below.
Always remember to celebrate your wonderful qualities and whatever you decide to do, make sure it makes you happy.
Love and Light x