In one way or another, we are all on a quest for happiness. We want – and deserve – a deep sense of well-being. The problem begins when we look toward external solutions to achieve happiness – landing our dream job, getting that big promotion, buying a new car, etc. While there’s nothing inherently negative about these milestones and they can elicit an emotional high, these are temporary moments of happiness. As soon as the novelty wears off, we’re back to feeling empty and chasing the next big thing.
Developing lasting peace and happiness is truly an “inside job.” It requires taking a hard and honest look at what really gives you meaning (instead of the things the outside world tells you you should want) and shifting your thoughts and habits to achieving that personal satisfaction. Because how you feel is a choice – your choice.
Here are four of our favorite keys to gain greater peace and happiness.
Breathe
Meditation is an excellent tool for calming and centering yourself. Taking long, deep breaths is great for reducing stress. If you’re worried about the past or what might happen in the future, breathing techniques will pull you into the present to focus on the now.
Raise Your Vibration
Listen to upbeat music. Enjoy nature. Go for a walk outside. Pause to hear birds tweet or the stream rush over the rocks. Dance! Listen to a podcast on a topic you’re passionate about. These activities can pull you out of your head and into your body. Your vibration (the pattern of your thoughts, attitude and actions) is what creates your reality. Change them and you change your current perception.
Celebrate Your People
By complimenting others, calling out strengths and commending accomplishments, you establish connections and lasting relationships. When you elevate other people, you increase your own happiness.
Create Your Reality
Have you ever heard of the Law of Attraction? It’s the idea that what you believe and what you tell yourself can actually manifest within your life. Want to be happy, successful or more at peace? Visualize and focus on what those goals look like and mean to you. Feel the change you want to make. One of my favorite ways to incorporate visualization into my life is through daily affirmations. Saying or writing down statements like, “I am talented and I will utilize those talents today,” “I possess the qualities needed to be extremely successful” or “I acknowledge my own self-worth; my confidence grows daily” can help your brain make connections between what you desire and what’s available throughout your life that you may not be aware of.
Use these techniques to connect to the happiness within you and experience a more fulfilling sense of contentment that doesn’t fade over time. You are in charge of how you feel – so choose happiness on a daily and moment-by-moment basis.