5 ways to find happiness when the world around you is falling apart
The human experience is not supposed to be happy. We are meant to have positive and negative feelings with equal frequency. In fact, our negative experiences serve as a reference point with which we can appreciate the good moments. Keeping this in mind, perhaps we can learn to attach less value to the happy times-the first step in attainment of a fulfilled life.
That being said, the good news is that you are in complete control of your own happiness. You have power over your thoughts which ultimately lead to your feelings. Now, you could technically structure all of your thoughts to be positive. However, I hope you don’t. I hope you choose to live deliberately.
I will outline a happiness guide below, if that is your desire.
Happiness factors:
Kindness towards others
Perspective shift on a difficult situation:
How is this the perfect situation?
What am I learning from this about myself?
Connection with loved ones
Exercise
Identifications of values and adhering to them
To make those enjoyable moments more attainable for you, I have compiled the following tips.
1. Look for 90% happiness within yourself
Keep in mind that external circumstances have the power that you give them in your life.
Do not try to change other people.
If you take control of your thoughts/feelings, you reclaim your power over your own experience.
You control 100% of your journey.
2. Remind yourself to be in the present moment
The mind’s natural tendency is to go to the default mode network.
That mean it wanders constantly.
Ruminating over the past and future.
Missing out on the now.
By acknowledging the body and focusing on your breath, your mind body connection helps tether you to the now.
To not allow moments to pass you by and be here and now.
3. Say goodbye to perfectionism
Human beings are inherently imperfect.
If you strive to be perfect, you will be fundamentally dissatisfied
Instead, try to forgive yourself for your imperfections and perceived mistakes.
Go one step further and embrace your flaws.
4. Gratitude practice
Every morning brainstorm 5 things you’re grateful for and why.
If you like to journal, you can write them down.
I just think about them every morning to take the pressure off writing.
5. This too shall pass
Realize that all feelings, thoughts, circumstances are transient.
Try not to get too attached either way.
Enjoy the happiness.
But life is half good and half bad.
Our negative feelings give us a reference frame for what is good.
Remember, challenge yourself to not necessarily be happy, but to be fulfilled. Living a deliberate life, open to a full spectrum of experiences, will ultimately lead you to contentment.