Happiness. It's the one thing we all strive for, yet it can be so elusive. We chase after it, thinking that the next big achievement, the next purchase, or the next milestone will bring us the joy we're seeking. But often, we find ourselves feeling empty and unfulfilled, wondering why we're not as happy as we thought we'd be. The truth is, happiness is not something we can buy or achieve; it's a state of mind. It's a choice we make every day, a mindset we cultivate, and a practice we prioritize.
In this post, we'll explore the secrets to unlocking true happiness and living a joyful life.
Research has shown that happiness is not just a feeling, but a skill that can be developed. Studies have identified three key components of happiness:
1. Positive Emotions - Feeling good, joyful, and content
2. Engagement - Being fully present and engaged in activities we enjoy
3. Meaning - Having a sense of purpose and significance
Practical Tips for Happiness:
So, how can we cultivate happiness in our daily lives? Here are some practical tips to get you started:
1. Practice Gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on the things you're thankful for. Write them down in a gratitude journal or share them with a friend or family member.
2. Do What You Love: Make time for activities that bring you joy and make you feel alive. Whether it's painting, hiking, or cooking, prioritize activities that make you happy.
3.Connect with Others: Build strong relationships with loved ones and friends. Social connections are key to happiness and well-being.
4.Take Care of Yourself: Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet. Taking care of your physical health is essential for mental well-being.
5.Practice Mindfulness: Focus on the present moment and let go of worries about the past or future. Mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing can help calm your mind and increase happiness.
6. Reframe Negative Thoughts: Challenge negative self-talk and replace it with positive, empowering thoughts. Focus on the good in every situation and practice optimism.
7.Give Back: Engage in acts of kindness and volunteer your time to help others. Giving back to your community can increase feelings of happiness.
Remember, happiness is a choice. It's a choice to focus on the good, to practice gratitude, and to cultivate a positive mindset. By making happiness a priority, we can live a more joyful, fulfilling life.
Resentment sucks.
So yeah, resentment sucks. It’s probably one of the most baffling emotions of them all. Let me explain myself. What I mean by that is, this one feeling, will have you experiencing several others….at once. For me, if I’m creating a resentment towards you, and I don’t mean getting pissed off, I mean a true resentment, then I obviously cared about whatever the reason may be at one point. You see, get me angry, and I’ll get over it. Frustrated, I’ll get over it. I can get frustrated at another car in traffic, but I’ll also get over it because it’s just not the same as resentment. Resentment will have you feeling angry, but anger is not resentment.
I’m going to relate to this from a relationship point of view. Mainly because I’ve never had a resentment against anyone else in my life before except for 2 people in particular that I was romantically involved with. People can build resentments towards other people for many different reasons. Could be family members, coworkers, or even neighbors. Doesn’t always have to be centered around love.
Even when I communicated my resentful thoughts to my significant other, they still brewed inside of me, almost boiling over. Mainly because nothing changed to fix the issues by my partner. Even still, though, I could have ended things rather than dragged them on and on, which was just as bad as the issue itself.
Resentment can manifest inside you for a very long time, if not forever. It can carry itself into other areas of your life, maybe you’ll be aware of it or maybe you won’t. It can flow over into your professional life, your personal life, and basically into any and every area of your life. It can start to affect your future relationships that haven’t even come about yet.
So here are a few things I’ve learned along the way. Hopefully they can help you somehow.
1) Communicate!! I know I mentioned above that I communicated in the past. I still don’t feel that I did enough. Be sure to communicate with whoever is causing you to feel this way, every step of the way. If things aren’t changing, then communicate that. If they are, then communicate that also.
2)No slumps!! Try to focus on the good of the situation. I know you’re probably thinking, how is there anything good dealing with resentment? Just try. Even if it’s the tiniest thing, grab it and focus on it.
3) Be willing!! Be willing to move and grow past resentment. At times, I did not even want to move past it because I felt it was validated. That’s not good, and very wrong on my part. No matter the rights and wrongs, no matter who, where, when, or what, at the end of the day it was only killing me on the inside. Not anyone else. Don’t let that happen.
4) Writing!! Writing played a HUGE role in my forgiveness. If there are times when you just can’t communicate, whatever you do don’t hold it inside. A pen and paper is the perfect release. Write down who you’re upset at, why, and what and let it out. Now.
5) Change of scenery!! If it’s possible, remove yourself from the situation. Actually, no matter the circumstances, take a good 3–5 break from it. If it’s your employment, take leave. If it’s at home, stay at a hotel or friends house. Just release yourself from the situation.
The main thing is, do whatever you can to not let it consume you. Try to find a way to work on forgiveness or some kind of way to balance out your feelings. If not, you will end up harboring ill feelings towards the person continuously, it will always be on the back of your mind. If it lingers inside you, it steals room for happiness, which means you’ll never be 100% happy. Annnd...
It's just not worth it.
- Jennifer Underwood
Battling Irritability; Strategies to get back to happiness
Irritability is like that unexpected rainstorm during a picnic—it dampens your mood, disrupts your plans, and leaves you feeling a little soggy. But fear not! Just as you’d pack an umbrella for a picnic, you can equip yourself with strategies to combat irritability and reclaim your sunny disposition
1. Understand the Culprits
Before we dive into battle mode, let’s identify the culprits behind irritability. Lack of sleep, stress, hunger, and even that coworker who insists on microwaving fish in the office—these are all potential triggers. Awareness is half the battle won.
2. Sleep Like a Koala
Koalas sleep around 18 hours a day. While that might be a tad excessive for humans, quality sleep is non-negotiable. Create a cozy sleep sanctuary: dim the lights, banish screens, and imagine yourself nestled in eucalyptus leaves (optional).
3. Snack Smartly
Hangry is a real emotion. Keep your blood sugar stable by snacking on nuts, fruits, or a granola bar. Avoid vending machine temptations—those neon-colored chips won’t solve anything.
4. Breathe, Grasshopper
When irritability strikes, channel your inner grasshopper. Take deep breaths. Imagine inhaling calm and exhaling frustration. Bonus points if you hum “Kung Fu Fighting” while doing this.
5. The Art of Selective Ignorance
Remember that coworker with the fishy microwave habits? Practice selective ignorance. Focus on your work, drown out the fishy symphony, and pretend it’s a soothing ocean breeze. Namaste.
6. Dance It Out
Crank up your favorite tunes and dance like nobody’s watching. Bonus points if you incorporate interpretive dance moves. The twist-and-eyeroll combo works wonders.
7. Hug a Cactus (Metaphorically)
Life throws prickly situations at us. Instead of getting all spiky, embrace them. Imagine hugging a cactus—the pain is temporary, and you’ll emerge stronger. Plus, cacti don’t judge.
8. The Power of “No”
Learn to say “no” without guilt. Decline that extra project, politely decline Aunt Mildred’s fruitcake, and decline to engage in office drama. Your sanity thanks you.
9. Seek the Zen Zone
Find your zen zone. It could be a cozy nook with a cup of chamomile tea, a meditation app, or a hammock swaying gently. When irritability knocks, retreat to your zen fortress.
10. Laugh Like a Hyena
Laughter is the ultimate irritability antidote. Watch a funny video, read a joke, or reminisce about that time you accidentally wore mismatched socks to a job interview. Hyena-level laughter guaranteed.
Remember, battling irritability isn’t about winning a war—it’s about finding peace within. So go forth, armed with these strategies, and reclaim your sunny picnic (minus the rain). 🌞🌧️
*Disclaimer: The author is not a koala, grasshopper, or hyena. Results may vary.*
