Don’t worry, be happy. Unless, of course, you’re not sure what happiness means to you.
Even then, who can tell us how and where to find it and to make it endure?
What is Happiness?
For some, happiness is a feeling. For others, it’s a doing or a having or an accomplishing. It should be obvious that there are billions of ways to answer this question! However, there are some clear ways to never answer this question. Happiness should not consist of hurting or exploiting others, of course.
That said, there’s another crucial component of anyone’s definition of happiness… if they want that definition to feel realistic and sustainable, that is. Almost everyone will agree that being happy involves the presence of positives emotions, thoughts, and experiences. We must also agree that happiness is not about seeking an absence of negativity. For two important reasons:
- There is no such thing as “an absence of negativity.”
- Without negativity, we cannot appreciate or perhaps even recognize happiness.
How Do We Get Happy and Make it Last?
1. Gratitude
We may be happy and not even take time to enjoy it. It’s very common to take daily events for granted. But if we get mindful (see #2), we learn to appreciate the joy in each moment.
2. Mindfulness
The past and the future have a knack for cramping our happiness style. In the present, we can see and feel more clearly. Practice mindfulness and watch the happiness quotient rise.
3. Community
Happy people form happy-making situations. Surround yourself with those who make you smile often. Be there for each other in times of sorrow but make joy your bond.
4. Altruism
There may no stronger form of joy than helping others. Happiness is fleeting when it doesn’t involve giving back.
5. Purpose
Waking each day with a sense of mission is a recipe for sustained happiness. Going through the motions is a joy-killer. Find a purpose and enjoy the ride.
6. Open-Mindedness
It can be daunting to engage in introspection but being open to change is a path towards joy. Such open-mindedness is also a chance to flex your imagination muscles. Set happy goals and get your mission started.
7. Laughter
A foundation. Even in the saddest times, there can be moments of laughter. The mere act of laughing is a source of happiness. Laughing at yourself keeps this in a happy perspective.
8. Non-Competitiveness
Stop comparing yourself and your situation to others. If social media makes this a tempting option, take a long tech break. Happiness lies beyond online likes and shares.
9. Acceptance
Not everything is in our control and will turn out to our wishes. As mentioned up top, negativity is inevitable and often motivating. Accept the ups and downs of life and you’ll find yourself far happier during those special moments.
10. Self-Care
Another foundation. Your mind and body reach a happy place more easily when things are finely tuned. Every single day, we must focus on the basics like sleep patterns, eating habits, activity levels, and stress management.
Is There Such a Thing as a “Happiness Coach?”
Short answer: yes! Of course, depending on one’s needs, they may feel guided toward happiness by a member of the clergy, a personal trainer, a dietician, or anyone who can provide a specific expertise. In a much larger and long-term sense, therapists and counselors are the most qualified and successful happiness coaches.
For starters, having time blocked out each week to talk about yourself and work on your self-improvement is a form of happiness in and of itself! Everything else is open for discussion and explored in a safe, honest, evolving, and ongoing conversation.
Take the Next Step…
Want to learn more about facilitating your own health and happiness? For further information, please take a look at my Individual Counseling specialty page. If you’d like help sooner rather than later, please feel free to contact me by phone or email to discuss how we can reach your goals as quickly and effectively as possible.
I look forward to the possibility of working with you as your journey continues.
Phil LeBlanc
