6 THINGS THAT IMPACT YOUR HAPPINESS
▲ 1) Your Inner Narrative. Our wellbeing is influenced by our ability to form a favorable narrative of our life, says Meik Wiking, CEO of the Research Happiness Institute.
∆ If you have a habit of negative self-talk (E.g. I am stupid, I should have realized that, nobody cares) you will feel debilitated. If you have positive self-talk (E.g. I am trying my best, I know that for next time, I am loved) you will feel uplifted.
∆ Your thoughts have a lot of power, they dictate your reality and how you feel. To shift your inner narrative to a supportive tone, say things you would to a friend, and become your own friend.
∆ Exercise: When you notice negative thoughts, gently reframe them to something neutral, supportive or affirming. The Sanvello app can help you do this if you are having trouble. Or try these other techniques.
▲ 2) Feeling Supported. We’re social creatures, you need to feel a sense of community or you will feel isolated and lonely. This is a painful experience and causes a lot of agony. If you don’t have a group of friends or family that uplifts you, you need to find a new tribe. A group of narrow-minded people surrounding you will only show you affection conditionally. This is toxic and will wear down your confidence and self-worth.
▲ 3) Being Able to Forgive Yourself. Not being able to forgive yourself negatively effects your confidence and self-esteem by causing you to ruminate over past mistakes. This also creates a lack of trust within yourself because you fear when something bad will happen you lack your ability to maneuver the situation.
∆ Forgiveness of self allows you to take responsibility for your mistakes and not feel shameful for them, it releases negative emotion about embarrassing or unpleasant past deeds by acknowledging that mistakes are part of life and growth, and ultimately they are our greatest teachers.
▲ 4) Facing Your Fears. This is an intimidating one. But, it will make you feel stronger and have more confidence in yourself to overcome something that is holding you back. Overcoming fears makes you believe in yourself and realize you can handle more than you credited yourself for.
▲ 5) Living in the Moment. The power of now. Realizing that now is all there is. Everything else is memory or imagination. We can choose whatever we like when we cultivate the present moment. We remove ourselves from autopilot, worry, and anxiety. Being one with the moment allows you to create it. Being out of alignment with this moment allows others to create it.
∆ E.g: You’re ruminating about a negative comment online (you’re stuck in the past). You have agreed to let this thought occupy your mind, it is now your focus and where you are exchanging your energy. You are allowing others to influence your reality by focusing on their words.
∆ To take your power back, simply focus on something in your surroundings.
▲ 6) Having a Sense of Purpose. Everyone has a unique purpose. You’re propose becomes realized through self-discovery. It is a fusion of your passions, abilities and talents. Don’t focus on finding your purpose, it rarely pops out when you are searching for it. Focus on providing something valuable to others and it will become apparent.
∆ Feeling like you don’t have a sense of purpose has been linked to depression. There is a human need we all have to feel needed and valued.
∆ If you are struggling with your purpose, each day create joy for yourself and spread it, that is purpose enough.
