Happiness is a strange notion sometimes, isn´t it ? Are you feeling happy right now? Sometimes we don´t, sometimes we do, but that’s not a given. We think of happiness as something fleeting and often we look for it in outer appearances or we expect other people to make us happy. This can put a heavy burden on a partnership.
It is above all in our own hands how happy we feel. Three inner attitudes and behaviors do provide us with a great sense of influence: self-care, gratitude and forgiveness.
It all starts with happiness, love, healthy taking and giving: self-care. How well do you take care of yourself? Do you know your needs and do you satisfy them regularly?
The need for rest, the need for togetherness, respect and appreciation, the need for a good conversation, the need for exercise or comfortable lounging, the need to be heard and seen, the need for a warm cup of tea. Ask yourself what you need. And fulfill it. This is not selfishness, but well-understood self-care.
The second important attitude: gratitude. What are you grateful for? It’s best to write down only three things every day that you’re grateful for: maybe it´s the smell of coffee in the morning. Or a child´s laugh or a hug. Be grateful for the lunch break or feeling the wind in your hair. Be grateful for appreciative human encounters of the day. There are endless opportunities to be grateful for the many little things that we often no longer perceive in our focused everyday lives. Consciously realign your perspective !
People who are grateful cannot be angry. People who are grateful cannot be sad. People who are grateful take huge steps towards happiness.
And finally: forgive. Forgive, whoever, why, whatever it is that bothers you. Forgiveness opens and expands the heart.
But forgive only if you can. Sometimes forgiveness is not possible, that’s what you decide for yourself. There is the little sister of forgiveness: letting go. Take a step back and let go who or what oppresses you. Maybe even an appreciative release is possible. It will do you good.
Do not wait any longer. Decide to be happy. Right now.
Picture credits: Pixabay / HansLinde
