Today much talk exists on the secret to happiness. Many, many self help books and DVDs are marketed to get us happy. A relatively new branch of psychology head up by Martin Seligman of University of Pennsylvania spearheaded the psychology of happiness research movement. I follow along and have written on happiness research and the importance of a positive attitude.
But happiness isn’t a the end of a romantic comedy in real life. Happiness may be as simple as contentment in the present moment. That’s right, just deciding that things are okay they way they are. I know the Hollywood version is more exciting, but the older I get the more I believe this. But how to you get to that happy contentment space? Here are a few ideas:
Learn to Let Go:Make peace with the past, let it go, and recognize your mistakes: I follow Deepak Chopra on twitter and the posts are daily reminders of these principles and so many more. The other day, his tweets were: ”I release the past to open myself to the future. When I let go of the known (the past), I accelerate the process of evolution.” and also “I learn from my mistakes. When I honor and accept my mistakes, I can release them and move on.”
Give Yourself Time: Letting go is a process that sometimes moves at a slow pace. So does acceptance and forgiveness. Keep trying.
Enjoy each thing:As Warren Zevon said while he was dealing with terminal cancer: Enjoy every sandwich. Or every cup of coffee. Enjoy the sight of a bird in a tree as take a walk, your kid’s giggles. When we are stressed and disconnected we fail to notice so much. Re-training yourself to see the little things, help bring contentment into focus.
Listen to Good Mood Music: Everyone has their favorites. I have been listening to a song by Joshua Radin called: No Envy, No Fear. Envy. Fear–two of the biggest limitations we put on ourselves, also two big roadblocks to contentment.
Create Peace in your home, in your life: Recently when I was away on a business trip I realized that while it was fun to be traveling to Boston, a city I truly love, I wanted to be home with my kids in the place that brings me comfort and peace.
Sheryl Crow reminds us in her song, Soak up the Sun that: ”It’s not having what you want
It’s wanting what you’ve got.”
I have to add that song to my ipod so I can play it when I need reminding.
Excellent suggestions Lisa. Thank you