By Lisa Cypers Kamen.
We’re surrounded by tons of personality types every day, and each person’s company inspires a different emotion in us. One minute, we’re working at a desk next to a coworker whose worrying makes the whole office tense; hours later, we’re home with a family that lends security and joy. An erratic driver on our way to yoga class that same afternoon could make us forget all about the kindness of the friend we just grabbed lunch with.
Amid these ever-changing circumstances that we call life, we can’t run the risk of relying on others to deliver happiness for us. The key to creating enduring happiness falls squarely on our own shoulders. It’s not our coworkers’ job to make us feel happy at the office, or our spouse’s responsibility to shape a happy home. It all boils down to us— after all, we’re the only people who know what truly makes us happy, right? (If you’re not in touch with what makes you happy, start trying to discover the answer! It’s a fun journey.)
Leading a life where you view happiness as a birthright — not an entitlement bestowed by others —will help you control your own happiness and bounce back from the negativity of others. Take a minute each morning to ask yourself what decisions will make your day a happy one, and make those factors a priority. If exercising on your way home from work lifts your spirits, do it! If a hot bath would put a positive spin on your dreary Monday, make sure to indulge in one. The people closest to you will understand — and maybe even amp up their own efforts to live a happy life.
Happiness is an inside job.®
Happiness Strategy:
Make it a habit to start your morning by answering this simple question: What will I do today that will make me happy?
Once you answer that question, make your best effort to ensure you complete the acts of happiness you’ve listed. If you have to, pencil in an hour each day to focus solely on fitting in your happiness goals. Once you make a point of completing one or more acts of happiness each day, you will find it easier to maintain this healthy happiness cycle and, in turn, will find that you have something happy to look forward to every day.
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