We all know people that appear very comfortable within their own skin, with a sense of strengths and positive energy around them. Their unseen aura of balance and peacefulness is very appealing and it feels good to be near to them. Most likely these charismatic people have one thing in common, they somehow made a decision to take control of their life, by creating their own happiness, instead of expecting it from something or someone outside of themselves. By following their instinct and keep a focus on the positive in life, they see opportunities where others might see obstacles.

FOCUS AND ROUTINE

A positive attitude results in a sharper focus and more discipline, enabling anyone to be successful in the pursuit of their goals. A quality that generates clarity and confidence, helping us to not get sidetracked in our endeavours. Also, integrating routine in our life supports us to stay focused and grounded. Either small or large rituals can become part of our lifestyle, allowing us to get the best out of ourselves. After all, we are what we do, every day again.

“A trained mind brings health and happiness.”
~ Dhammapada

PRACTICAL WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR JOY IN LIFE:

• Start and end your day with giving thanks for all that you have in your life; like a roof over your head, health, someone to love or someone who loves you.
• Practice meditation or yoga regularly. Starting your day with it empowers you for the rest of your day.
• Consciously breathing exercise, several times during the day; just a few minutes is sufficient.
• Move, stretch, walk, bike or take the stairs when possible.
• Drink lots of fresh filtered water.
• Eat well and limit or stop the consumption of sugar, caffeine, alcohol and tobacco.
• Read, learn and educate yourself. Ordinary people seek entertainment; extraordinary people find inspiration.
• Schedule time to be off-line; an entire day once a week will most benefit you. Soon, you will look forward to this moment!
• Don’t look on your smartphone or computer before meditation, stretching, breakfast or taking a shower.
• Stop consuming the news, of all media.
• Challenge yourself, beyond the comfort of the life you live.

TAKING BACK CONTROL

Rather than being reactive to what’s going on around you, take back the control of your life and your emotions. Emotions have a tendency to mislead us and let fear take over. Taking control doesn’t mean that everything is perfect, but deciding to look beyond the imperfections of life. Starting by accepting ourselves for who we are, by taking responsibility for the unfolding of our lives, in a way that differs from what we have in mind. Taking control means to surrender to life as it happens and experience the fullness of each given moment.

Chronic unhappiness could be a sign that you need to take back control by starting to make decisions that improve the joy in your life. Sometimes, we might feel entitled to blame someone or something outside of ourselves, but that will not change anything. Life is not about what is happening to us, but rather, how we respond to it. Forgiving is a very powerful way to take back control and free ourselves from any burden that is holding us back to live life to its fullest.

“Happiness is not the absence of problems, it is the ability to deal with them.” ~ Steve Maraboli

LIFE PURPOSE

Feeling happy and fulfilled does not mean to always get what we want, but loving what we do in life. By fulfilling our life purpose, we bring out the best in ourselves and feel happy from the inside out. A level of satisfaction that brings meaning to our lives, which is key to feeling good about who you are. By sharing and giving our love and creativity, we generate joy and satisfaction that exceeds by far the delights coming from sources outside of ourselves.

After all, our main goal is to experience the fullness of our life. Discovering opportunities and finding out what motivates us, uplift us and make us jump out of bed in the morning. It is our destiny to find meaning, through inspiration and curiosity. Our individual differences are what makes us unique. Always look for inspiration; listen to it, believe in it, act on it and become the master for the unfolding of your own life.

ACCEPTANCE

Being satisfied with the unfolding of your life is not something you can enforce and is neither something you can feel at all times. Life can surprise us with uncertainty and sudden circumstances that knock us off our feet. The best we can do is to accept the situation for what it is and become more peaceful in the way we deal with it and trust that we are capable in finding our way through.

Feeling unhappy does not necessary mean that something is wrong with us or that we need to see a therapist. Feelings of unhappiness are part of life and a way to learn more about our deepest feelings and emotions. If we are able and willing to look differently at our problems, unhappiness can serve us a meaningful purpose, by relativizing and accepting what is, instead of what we think it should be.

“Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it.” ~ Eckhart Tolle

COMPASSION

If we think too much of ourselves, our minds become narrow. Within this small area, every tiny problem appears to be big. The moment we develop a sense of compassion for our fellow human beings, we understand that we are more connected to each other than we might realise. In the end, we all want happiness and satisfaction in our lives.

When we have this notion of concern, our mind automatically widens to a broader life perspective. At this point, our problems will not seem as significant anymore. This awareness increases our sense of inner peace and happiness. In other words, if we only think of ourselves and our personal happiness, it will results in less happiness and increased anxiety.

“By sharing joy and happiness, you give two of the most powerful healing medicines.” ~ Unknown Author

GRATITUDE

Expressing our gratefulness for what we have generates abundance and optimism. It is the law of the universe that we attract in accordance to the energy we emit. Psychological research has shown that people who consistently practice gratitude, experience increasing benefits on a physical, mental and social level.

Despite the awareness of these benefits, we still may focus on what we yet want to complete in our lives. In a constant pursuit of having more and better, the grass may seem greener on the other side of the fence. Although, real satisfaction is found in the appreciation for what we have in the present moment. Therefore, it is necessary to learn how to be grateful, because our happiness depends on it. Dr. Emmons, one of the world’s leading experts on gratitude recommends 10 ways to become more grateful.

In short, you can improve your joy in life by owning your true value and by being aware what really matters to you. Stay focused on the important and essential parts of your life and be sincerely grateful for all that you have.