Manifest Your Happiness
It’s been about half a year since I’ve become an entrepreneur (yes, I've decided to full on embrace this title) and I thought back over all I’ve achieved and said to myself, hell yes. Why? Because I’m doing it. I’ve worked with over 10 clients in my industry of choice, officially reached an income reflective of the work I’m doing, and have been given more esteemed roles and titles. I had this total Will Smith at the end of Pursuit of Happiness moment and felt complete bliss.
I started thinking: why I can’t I feel this kind of joy more often than I do? Why don’t I constantly seek out this euphoria? Why don’t I celebrate my wins more than I do?
Life is defined by balance. I’ve always believed in the notion that the reason for sadness is because it helps us recognize true happiness and vice versa. It’s about balance. What kind of world would it be if nothing remotely negative ever happened? If happiness was the new normal? I think it would get boring, overrated.
After facing such hardships as getting let go from a job, going through an awful break-up, experiencing rough family trauma, and confronting more self-hate and shame that I’ve ever faced, the happiness I experienced when celebrating all I done was a true breath of air. A deep, full life-giving breath. Almost immediately I recognized that it was because I allowed myself to go there.
I allowed myself to feel complete pride in what I accomplished. I allowed myself to feel confident and full of love - love for the work I was doing, love for the relationships I cultivated, and love for myself, my entire self.
Why is it so hard to encounter this space on a daily basis?
So I’m starting to explore the concept of manifesting your happiness. Even if it’s not every day. Even if it’s over nothing special and something quite ordinary like making a meal you had wanted to try for weeks or finally calling a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while. Wouldn’t it be absolutely wonderful to be able to go to a place of comfort and contentment? Yes. A million times, yes.
How do you do it?
First, practice present thinking and mindfulness. There’s a reason following your intuition and practicing mindful thinking are such major buzzwords lately. It’s because they work. If you allow yourself to relish in what’s going on in your life at any given moment then it doesn’t seem as scary or troubling. Calm begins to surround you and you find peace in whatever you’re doing no matter how big or small it may be.
Breathe in fresh air and walk under more trees. Lately, I’ve been getting up an hour earlier than I need to so I can go on a walk around my neighborhood. It has changed my day completely. I also like to go on a walk during my “lunch break”. Starting my day outside and breaking up my day by being outside fills me with immediate energy and allows me to break away from my thoughts. I begin to take an inward meditation. I’ve never been good at sitting with my thoughts and feelings (I’m working on it), but walking and moving my feet while I breathe in the outside air around me, mellows me out and I come back from it in a much more positive mood.
Learn how to slow down. It’s so easy to get caught up in a schedule and move from meeting to errand to activity to meeting again. It’s exhausting. Time gets away from us and we feel like we have to conquer 20-some items a day. Not only is it impossible, but the stress and the rush are just not worth it. I’ve learned to slow down. I’ve learned to savor every activity I’m doing. You’ll begin to appreciate so many of life’s little beauties.
Practice gratitude. I hate comparing myself to everyone around me but it’s so easy to do. I’ll even find myself subconsciously comparing my life to others on my social feeds, thinking they all have it so much better. We’re flooded with what we can’t have, wish we had, and should have; it makes us bitter. Jealousy is an evil witch that can destroy you if you let it. Find a moment to express gratitude toward the items in your world. Did you buy a cup of coffee this morning? Awesome! Be grateful you have the money and opportunity to treat yourself. I like to write a gratitude list before I go to bed on nights I’m feeling really down. And, mute buttons can be your best friend!
Nourish your body and soul. I’ve never really noticed how much the state of our body and spirit can take a toll on your mental and emotional wellbeing. Providing your body with yummy foods and mood-boosting drinks is an instant happiness potion. Taking some time for self-care on a daily basis can really release some positive energy. I love using aromatherapy and enjoying a warm cup of coffee in the morning. It’s a beautiful practice I learned from some of my favorite wellness experts. Treating your body well also means moving your body no matter what it is; you’ll feel delish and revitalized.
Love, effortlessly and often. Learn how to love. Learn how to love everything around you and every being in your life. I struggle with this every day, but if I try to do everything from a place of affection and admiration then it all seems a little brighter. A positive side effect is that you’ll want to cut the things that no longer bring you joy. Things and people that no longer generate a positive wellbeing. Above all, learn to love yourself. If you give love and fill your body with all the self-worth, pride and confidence it deserves then the world will give it right back to you.
What are your favorite ways to bring in more happiness to your life? I'd love to know in the comments below or connect with me on Instagram!