Ups and Downs!

Hey friends,

I know I seem like a really happy person all the time but I need to tell you that’s not my natural state of being. It takes work. Like every single day work.

Life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes we experience setbacks, disappointments, and difficult emotions that can make it challenging to maintain a positive outlook. Plus societal pressure to always be happy can create unrealistic expectations and make us feel like we’re failing when we’re not happy all the time.

So here’s my truth… I have bad days too. Like really, really bad days.

I think it’s important to remember that experiencing a range of emotions is normal and natural. It’s okay not to be okay. In fact, experiencing difficult emotions can be an opportunity for growth and learning. By accepting and embracing all the bits – even the bad ones – we can cultivate a more authentic and fulfilling life.

But that doesn’t mean we need to stay in a state of unhappiness for too long. So here are 6 simple yet profound ways that we can focus our efforts on being happier:

1. Practice gratitude: One of the most effective ways to increase our happiness is to cultivate a sense of gratitude. By focusing on what we have, rather than what we lack, we can shift our mindset to a more positive one. One way to practice gratitude is to write down 3 things we’re grateful for every day.
2. Be more mindful: Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and observing our thoughts and feelings without judgment. It can help us reduce stress, increase our sense of well-being, and improve our overall happiness. Try to set aside a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness, whether it’s through meditation or simply taking a few deep breaths.
3. Take care of our physical health: Our physical health is closely linked to our mental health, so it’s important to take care of our bodies. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. When we feel good physically, we’re more likely to feel good mentally.
4. Focus on the positive: It’s easy to get bogged down by negative thoughts and emotions, but focusing on the positive can help us feel happier. Try to identify at least one positive thing in every situation, no matter how small. This can help shift our mindset to a more positive one.
5. Cultivate meaningful relationships: Our relationships with others are a key component of our happiness. Focus on cultivating relationships that are meaningful and fulfilling, whether it’s with family members, friends, or romantic partners.
6. Kindness!!! Being kind improves our own self-esteem and sense of well-being. When we act in ways that are kind and compassionate, we feel good about ourselves and our actions. Being kind is a powerful way to increase our own happiness, as well as the happiness of those around us. By cultivating kindness in our daily lives, we can create a more positive and fulfilling life for ourselves and others.

Oh and maybe a 7th point is to give certain people the boot. Put toxic in the trash. I keep saying this but some people (and things) are absolutely destructive, harmful and poisonous, and if you give them your energy, then their toxicity will begin to seep into you. You will become as toxic as they are. And that will not add to your happiness. Learn to see this. And then put it (and them) in the trash.

That’s it. I wish you all the happiness in the world.