Happiness
Photography by Danielle Ann Rose @bydanielleannrose
I regularly listen to Rob Dial's podcast The Mindset Mentor and the other day, he said something in his episode "The Psychology Of Happiness" that really stood out to me. Happiness is a subjective state of mind. You can feel joy, satisfaction, contentment, and gratitude, but it's all subjective. Meaning, you can make yourself happy at any moment
Rob also mentioned some research showing how a happy mood can improve our ability to make decisions, be resilient, and process our emotions, which makes complete sense
Here's the thing, happiness doesn't come from external circumstances. It actually stems from our internal state, our mindset, and the choices we make. When we say things like "I'll be happy when..." we are simply lying to ourselves because when we hit that milestone, we’ll just immediately set our sights on the next goal to "make us happy." Does this sound familiar?
Happiness is something we get to work on. It's not like you achieve it once and never lose it. It's a mindset and a choice, not in a fake, "pretend to be happy" way, but by actively looking for the good in life and finding reasons to be happy. Life will always be challenging, but it's crucial not to let those challenges convince us we have a bad life
We often think of happiness as a fleeting emotion, something that comes from favourable circumstances or as a reward for our achievements. But what if happiness isn't something you find outside yourself? What if it's a choice you make every day? Embracing the idea that happiness is a choice can change your life because it allows you to cultivate a mindset that fosters joy, contentment, and resilience, no matter what's happening around you
Many people chase happiness through external means like wealth, success, relationships, or possessions. While these can bring moments of joy, they're not sustainable sources of true happiness. The excitement of buying new things, the pride of a promotion, or the affection of a partner can be fleeting if your happiness depends solely on them
True happiness comes from within. It comes from choosing to see the good in every situation, finding gratitude in the small things, and maintaining a positive outlook even when times are tough. When you understand that happiness is a state of mind, you realise you have the power to control your own emotional well-being
Your mindset shapes your reality. A positive mindset can turn ordinary experiences into extraordinary moments and a negative mindset can cast a shadow over even the happiest of days
Here are a few ways to cultivate a mindset that fosters happiness:
Gratitude. Practising gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to what you have. I recommend starting a gratitude journal and writing down three things you're thankful for each day. This simple habit doesn’t take up much time in the day but has the ability to really boost your overall happiness. I personally have been doing daily stories on instagram sharing my 3 gratitudes because it keeps me accountable and reminds other people to do theirs as well
Mindfulness. Being present in the moment lets you fully experience life. Mindfulness practices, like meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help you stay grounded and appreciate the here and now. I find these practises really allow me to come back to myself when I am feeling stressed or anxious, typically for no reason at all, other than a busy mind
Positive self-talk. The way you talk to yourself matters. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Encourage and uplift yourself as you would a friend. The more your subconscious mind hears you speaking highly of yourself the more likely it is to believe it, which allows you to truly feel it
Resilience. Life is full of ups and downs, but a resilient mindset helps you navigate challenges without losing your sense of happiness. Embrace failures as learning opportunities and keep hope for the future. You are not your failures or the things that happen to you, you are more than that
Choosing happiness is an ongoing process. It takes conscious effort and practice. Here are some daily habits that can help you choose happiness consistently:
Set intentions. Start your day with a positive intention. Decide to focus on the good, handle stress gracefully, and spread kindness
Nurture relationships. Surround yourself with positive influences. Foster connections that uplift and inspire you. Engage in meaningful conversations and spend time with loved ones
Doing things you love. Make time for hobbies and activities that bring you joy. Whether it's reading, running, painting, or dancing, doing what you love nurtures your soul
Practice self-care. Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. Exercise regularly, eat nutritious foods, get enough sleep, and make time for relaxation
Remember, happiness is not a destination you arrive at once you achieve your goals, it’s a mindset you get to hold while in pursuit of yours goals. I dare say you are far more likely to achieve what you set out to do, be and create with that mentality, than if you believe you will only feel happiness on the other side of it
By believing that happiness is a choice, you empower yourself to create a fulfilling and joyful life. External circumstances may change, but your inner sense of happiness stays strong when nurtured from within
