What is happiness?
According to Webster’s dictionary, the meaning of happiness is a state of well-being and contentment. To me, happiness doesn’t mean laughing and having fun all the time, although laughter can certainly elevate your state of happiness and is highly recommended. Happiness is being OK with what is, accepting, being in peace.
According to Shawn Achor, author of The Happiness Advantage, our brains function better when we are in a positive state versus being negative, neutral, or stressed. Being positive turns on all the learning centers of the brain. Doctors are 19% better at diagnosing, sales are 37% higher, our immune system is stronger when we’re in a positive state. Isn’t it worth putting work into becoming happier?
Science has proven that we are all born with different levels of happiness, but we can control our level up or down the scale, by our thoughts and actions. Smiling, for instance, creates a chemical reaction in the brain that enhances our sense of happiness.
Our thoughts are the seeds of energy that create our world. The thoughts we think emerge in our feelings, and our feelings are the language between ourselves and the energy around us. Our feelings are magnets. We can intentionally generate any feeling or emotion at will. It only makes sense to fill up on positive emotions such as love, gratitude, and appreciation.
As Norman Vincent Peale said, “Change your thoughts and you change your world.” So why are so many people scattered, unhappy, depressed, and searching for something in order to be happy?
Happiness is right there when you generate it.
Focus is key. Look for and talk about all that you love in life. Even during these trying times of pandemic, there is still so much to love in this world.
Having worked diligently to change my thoughts over the years, I know that the first step was to become aware of what I was thinking, and then to decide what my new thoughts should be. Becoming aware of my thoughts made all the difference and is how I learned to think happy and be happy. Every thought is a seed. Think responsibly.
To think happy is not an easy task when our brain is programmed in a negative world, but the good news is that we can change. Once aware of what we are thinking we can change our thoughts to support the life we desire. This takes work and commitment, but it can be done. Believe me, the benefits are endless. You will reap the reward.
There is so much negativity in the world, and the best defense against the negativity is to fill up with positive thoughts and feelings. The positive energy is stronger than the negative energy so if you put enough positives in, you become shielded against the negativity around you.
It’s easy to go down the spiral of negative thoughts when unaware. Being aware of my thoughts has given me the power to control how I feel. Our feelings are the magnets and attract what comes next so my advice is to feel as good as you possibly can in every minute.
Feeling good feels better to me than feeling bad, so I choose happy thoughts. Some days are easier than others, of course, but if you make being positive a habit it helps when those dark times come.
We are all facing hard times right now, and for much happiness seems to be impossible. With the death of loved ones, loss of freedom, loss of jobs, illness and the list goes on, I understand, but I also understand the power of changing focus and being grateful for what we have.
If happiness is absolutely impossible for you right now, and for many, it just may be, get to a place of acceptance as soon as you can and find something to be grateful for. Gratitude and appreciation will benefit you in the short and long term.
May you discover all the benefits that being happy can give, you are a magnificent being and the world needs your light.
Your happiness will help the whole world heal. Love yourself. Make the decision to be happy, no matter what.
All happiness to you!
– Terri
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Terri Lynn is an International Best-Selling Author, Speaker, and Happiness Coach. She also works as a Corporate Trainer for a large automotive group. Her passion is to make people aware of the importance of putting happiness first.
