There is a quote that says: “Happiness is letting go of what it isn’t and accepting it as it is.” Whatever is drawing us away from peace of mind, the things out here perhaps in the news, the weather, a loved one or friend out-of-sorts, or less money at this time than we would want. In anything causing distress–the cause has moved us into stress and out goes our happiness and sense of well being. 

Coming into an awareness of the warmth of our bodies, that our heart is pumping regularly, and we have clean water to drink readily available. Giving thanks for what we do have, lifts our mood away from the concern with things beyond our control and off of what we do not have. 

We have a great deal of capacity to change our mental and emotional state within our own power and without eating or taking anything outside of ourselves to change our attitude. Lifting ‘us’ up is an inside job. Besides it makes us realize we have power and choice over our feelings and state of happiness or unhappiness.

Yet, we know it is OK to feel feelings other than happiness. When we allow ourselves to feel sadness if something is sad; to feel disappointment if we feel a sense of loss or lack of control. It is in letting ourselves acknowledge our state of being at the moment and be alive to what is going on inside oneself. It is healthy minded and emotionally beneficial to do so.

Think for a moment of how many people smiled at you today. How people have been helpful to you, have served you today on their own volition. Being grateful for the many things working in our lives lifts our spirit and brings awareness to what is happy in our life daily.  

“Anger, jealousy, and other stresses are at their root: fear. Fear of change, fear of not having, fear of not receiving. Send fear away, with gratitude, inspiration and laughter.” In addition, we have the power of self talk within. When we initiate talking with ourselves it is amazing what we can talk ourselves into or out of with the goal of bettering our inner state — which we know improves our outlook. For instance, we can talk ourselves into feeling better or provide incentive and encouragement to exercise and do a thing we have been procrastinating over. We can talk ourselves up and recall our gifts, attributes and skills. 

Another quality we each possess individually is the art of pampering ourselves: watch a movie of your choice; make yourself a fulfilling supper; and read from one of your favorite authors–a few starters to return happiness to our lives. Once we begin thinking of things joyful to do, the list grows. There is a reservoir of happiness and joy-filled ideas inside ready to tap into as we connect with the exuberance innate and available.