In a search for happiness, many people look for it in other people and not within themselves. They feel that things like money, better relationships, a better job ... etc, will make them happy. The reality is that to find true contentment, you must look inside yourself and learn to be your best friend. That means that you have to love, trust and care for yourself just like you would the people you consider to be close to you.
Here are 6 steps that you can incorporate into your life. These steps will help you feel more empowered and happy about yourself.
- Forgive yourself: You wouldn't keep scolding a child over and over again for making a mistake, son don't do that to yourself. Give yourself the gift of forgiveness when you make a mistake. Try to figure out what lesson you can learn, and use it to make better choices. Forgiveness cleanses the spirit and will let you get on with enjoying your life. Forgiveness also opens the door to happiness.
- Begin to lift yourself up: If you don't like something about yourself, work to change it. If you can't change it, simply accept it. Don't beat yourself up with negative self-talk. You're not likely to change for the better when you fill yourself with negative thoughts.
- Enjoy your successes: Most people can remember all the details of painful, depressing or even embarrassing events that happened in the past. What if you did the same thing with all of your wins? Try to remember all of the accomplishments that you've made and keep that memory with you and think about it at least once a week.
- Give yourself positive rewards: When you do something that you are proud of, give yourself a small reward. Try not to wait for others to praise you because you may grow resentful if the praise doesn't come. Pat your own back, it's a great feeling that can stay with you for a long time.
- Always remember to celebrate your wonderful qualities: You will soon discover that the more you love yourself, the more you will be able to give love to others, and the more others will be able to love you.
- Accept happiness: There is no such thing as happiness if you are not at peace with yourself. Too many people just don't know how to make peace with themselves. Peace begins with acceptance. It's important to accept what you do. Do you always make the best choices or treat people with the most respect? Probably not. Can you improve? Yes, and you should. But first you must accept who you are now rather than criticizing yourself. You can then move to improve the person you will be tomorrow. Both acceptance and improvements will increase your happiness.
Until next time,
xxx
