Happiness, effort, and who’s in charge anyways?

AHA'S AND ACTION:

Here are 2 thoughts, 2 inspirations, and 1 question for you to reflect on this week…

2 THOUGHTS FROM ME

Do you notice how often happiness turns into a project? We tell ourselves we’ll be happier once we fix our relationship, lose twenty pounds, get a promotion, buy the thing, or finally feel confident. And where does this get us really? 

I lived like this for many years. Thinking I will be happy when ” ____” ….and without realizing it I was never really just happy with what is, right now, in this moment, sitting with this person, being with myself, enjoying being alive, working on one thing, cooking for my family or shovelling the snow. It is just such a beautiful thing to see that happiness is who I am right now. For me living in the present moment is where I want to  be. Right here, right now, writing this newsletter for you. Content with what is, grateful for what is and satisfied with what is and at the same time working towards my goals, putting effort and work in to who and what matters to me. I think being satisfied and grateful for what is, while at the same time working towards something meaningful has helped me to feel happier in my life for sure. When I notice I am handing over my happiness to conditions outside of me I can turn it around and come home.

What’s been useful for me is noticing who’s running the show in the moment. When I’m caught in my head, life feels heavy and complicated and out of my control. When I come back to my understanding—even briefly—I remember I get to choose how I relate to what’s happening. That choice doesn’t make life perfect, but it does help me to know that I can create whatever I want to. For me right now I am really beginning to trust the process. I am very small, really a speck in the Universe, and if I am connected to the intelligence of mind (and I have seen that I am) then maybe it’s OK to hand it over and see what comes up….it’s a fun adventure that’s for sure. To know that I am the creator of my life.

2 INSPIRATIONS FROM OTHER PEOPLE

“You don’t need to improve yourself. You need to stop betraying yourself.” by Steve Chandler.

“Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions.” by Dalai Lama.

1 QUESTION FOR YOU

Where might you be waiting for something outside of you to change before allowing yourself to feel okay—and given the circumstances in your life right now what do you want to create?

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