CULTIVATING HAPPINESS

What did you do yesterday that made you really happy?

Take a minute. What did you come up with?

What would life be like if you did more of what you love and loved more of what you do?

It’s so easy to go through life not doing the things that really make us happy. Sometimes we don’t even realize it. With busy schedules, work, and running errands dominating our lives, our happiness often gets lost in the shuffle. Life on Autopilot. Going through the motions. Versus intentionally doing the things that we love. Living our lives to the fullest.

Try these three simple steps to seize the day and craft the happiness that you want:

1. CREATE AWARENESS

2. EVALUATE YOUR LIFESTYLE

3. PLAN AND LIVE

Awareness... is always the first step in any type of change. To help you get back in touch with the things that you love, think of the moments in your life that gave you the greatest joy and fulfillment.

What make you truly happy?
When were some of the best moments in your life?
What were you doing?
Who are the people you love to be around?

Take some time and write 20, 40, or even 100 moments, activities and people that make you feel alive and enriched.

Ideas:

Sports: volleyball, tennis, kayaking, golf, skiing, swimming, running, sword fighting, snorkeling, bike riding with a group, horseback riding,
The Arts / Creative: art galleries, ballroom dancing, cooking a new dish, hosting dinner parties, painting, going to concerts, writing, making a film, creating photobooks, home renovations, karaoke night, playing guitar
Travel / Scenery: hiking in the mountains, sitting by the ocean, going a safari, exploring castles in Europe, international travel, time at the beach, watching the sun set into the ocean
Relaxing – good book, massage, spa day
People: being with specific friends or family members; groups of friends; teams or events

Evaluate Your Lifestyle...

Are you actually doing these things in life and being with the people that give you the greatest happiness and fulfillment? If you are, great! Keep it up! Maybe you’ve discovered even more ideas through this brainstorming process that you want to purposefully include in your life.
How long has it been since you’ve done the things that you love? It may be eye-opening to discover that it’s been months or years since you’ve done what you love the most.
How often are your happiness moments? Figure out how frequently you do these activities and spend time with your favourite people.

Plan and Live... you are the only person who is responsible for your happiness. It is up to you to do the things you love and to get what you want out of life. Make a plan and do more of what you love: