Six takeaways for a happier life

Posted bymeadandreaPosted inLive your best life

Yay, it’s sunny again. The 40 days and 40 nights of rain have finished following the downpour on St. Swithin’s Day, and now we can enjoy an Indian summer.

This month’s blog is about happiness. Can we learn to be happy?  I think so, and here’s my thoughts. I’ll start by being a bit controversial; people I’ve met over the years with a happy demeanour often have a deep gratitude. Those I’ve met who are mostly miserable often have a sense of entitlement.  Still reading??

I know we can’t always feel happy or make ourselves happy; events in our life we have no control over determine that, especially for those who suffer with their mental health or long term illness. For the purpose of this this blog, let’s focus on the things we can control that may help us be happier.  

So, let’s begin with entitlement! Generally, “entitled” people feel sorry for themselves; they often crave adoration, are not great at compromising, and believe their needs should take priority.  On the other hand, those who have a sense of gratitude are mostly forgiving people who accept responsibility for their failures, set goals and often have a life plan, even if it’s not written down. They are happier people.

Also, contrary to what you might think, it’s not career achievement or money that makes us happy. The most consistent finding learned through 85 years of research concludes that positive relationships keep us more satisfied, healthier and help us live longer. Bearing that in mind, here are my “happiness takeaways”.

Having lots of money will never buy you happiness, BUT!

Life is about living, not about accumulating money and possessions.  However, here’s the harsh reality: to live a reasonable life, you must work hard to make enough money to pay the bills. Working hard also fills you with pride that being idle doesn’t. You need enough money to make memories with those you love and care about.

You are responsible for yourself.

There is no one to blame for your lack of happiness but yourself.  Yes, we’ve all had bad stuff happen, some people more than others, but to be happy, you must put the past behind you and take responsibility. You’re the one who dictates the course of your own life. Don’t wait for others to solve your problems; stop feeling sorry for yourself, find your goals and priorities, and go for them.

Worrying is a pointless waste of time and energy.

Worrying makes you unhappy. As you age, you’ll realise that everything you’ve worried about is no longer important. Focus on the things that matter in life.  I’m a worrier, and I wish I’d learned this lesson sooner (I’m still practicing 😊)

Just Do It!

I love the Nike strap line “just do it”. Thinking and doing are not the same.  When you value “the thinking mindset” more than “the doing mindset,” you’ll eventually end up with a list of ideas and plans, most of which will never get done.  Being a “doer” instead of a “thinker” requires discipline and commitment, but think of the sense of achievement and how happy that will make you.

Learn, Learn, Learn

Accepting everything at face value is boring and makes your life empty. Life is about discovering and learning new things. To find true meaning in life, you must look beyond the surface of things, be curious, and ask questions.

Relationships matter more than anything else.

As the research proves, relationships with others are the key to happiness. Be that our partner, children or otherwise, they provide us with true happiness and make us feel good about ourselves. That’s why it’s important always to nurture them. Don’t make life difficult for your loved ones.

To finish, I’ll return to my earlier statement about entitlement vs. gratitude – you’ll be much happier if you practice the latter. Where entitlement says, “I’m owed that,” gratitude says, “The world doesn’t owe me anything.” Where entitlement says, “I deserve this,” gratitude says, “Everything I get is a gift,” but perhaps not my autoimmune disease 😊

Once again, thank you so much for reading and sharing my blog to raise awareness of autoimmune disease.  I’m very grateful that it regularly reaches the top 3 monthly views. 

Don’t forget, gratitude is the wine of the soul; you now have a great excuse. Cheers!

Until next time xxxx

Published by meadandrea

Blogger, writer, author, love to travel, photographer

2 thoughts on “Six takeaways for a happier life”

  1. Hi Andrea. You have the gift of wisdom. Your positivity shines through even in the face of adversity.
    Thank you for your wise words.
    Enjoy the Indian Summer.
    Love Cathy. X

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