“When you are content to be simply yourself and don’t compare or compete, everybody will respect you.” -Lao Tzu quotes
Do you find yourself to be unhappy? Are you always wishing for more? Are you waiting to start living your life to the fullest? Many people think and wish that “if only I had so-and-so, then I would be happy, I can start enjoying my life”. Once they achieve that goal, the next desire manifests. There is no end to human desires. A desire is like a bottomless pit which never can be filled, resulting in our unhappiness, jealousy and maybe even some sleepless nights. So what is the solution for being happy right now?
Being content with what you have is one of the best way to achieve happiness in our lives. There are various ways to be content .
Now, this does not mean, not having goals or not wanting to do our best, as this is more about being content with what you already have. This is the way I see it, goals are for improving ourselves, our life, desires are mostly about wanting more stuff. Leo Babauta said very well about this subject in his post Incredible power of Contentment .
For some people, the grass is always greener on the other side, this type of mentality will keep them from truly enjoying their grass and life, both. I know, I have been there before. Here are a few lessons that I have learned along the way to find joy in my life again, which I want to share with all of you.
1. Choose to be happy
Some of you may wonder at this statement, and Yes you have a choice be happy or sad. It is totally up to us. While it is easier said than done, it is possible. Sometimes when I have to do something I am not fond of and I cannot seem to get out of, I tell myself I am going to have fun no matter what happens. And it happens, I end up having a great time, despite the adverse task. Try it once, you might be pleasantly surprised at the results.
2. Volunteer and Help Others
In my early days of volunteering, I got to meet many wonderful people and kids from all walks of life. Many of whom were more happier than I was, despite not having enough to eat for the whole day. As I became aware of the zest for life in these people, I realized that it was not I who helped them, rather they helped me find my own self!, my lost happiness.
Whenever I travel to India, I see happiness on faces even in harsh life. I see dreams and hopes, most of all, I see them smiling while working in extreme conditions. Seeing their smiling face, my complains for silly things vanish and inspiration and a new energy emerges.
3. Feel Gratitude
No matter how bad our condition might be, there are still many things going great for us. Counting our blessings and feeling gratitude from the sheart can do wonder to our perspective! Why? Wait until the “Thanksgiving” holiday to be thankful, be thankful each and every day!
Right now, Zenguy is between projects, instead of being sad about it, I can count my blessings for having him more at home to spend time with me and the kids. I also feel thankful for having simplified our life, where we can survive with our little savings until another job prospect comes along. Ups and downs are part of life, it is our attitude towards it that makes the difference.
4. Up the positivity
Even when things are looking bad, I am sure there still are lots of positives in our lives. Look at what you already have; what is going great for you already. Many of us call to complain when product or services were not the best, but how many of us actually call for exceptional services and great product? Sadly, not very often. Why? Because we tend to focus on the negative and we need to learn how to be more positive to live a happier life.
5. Do something you enjoy today
Even if we do not have job, business or blog going our way, we can still do something we can enjoy in smaller chunks. For example, when I am having a bad day, I read my favorite book yet again or cook something and that really cheers me up.
Sometimes, just taking a walk outside for 15 minutes will recharge you to tackle life’s issues. Sometimes, all one needs is a little nap or drinking a hot chai tea, like I do. There are many simple ways we can be happier in our daily life.
Have goals to improve yourself and your life not your material possessions. Be compassionate towards others, be thankful for what you have and enjoy your today. Do not wait for your life to start some day. You are happy today because you are free and alive today!
Now, let me ask you, what makes you happy?