A Happier You

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We must be responsible for our own happiness, which starts within, as opposed to putting this responsibility in whole on outside factors.

According to Psychology Today  “…it is important to realize that there are many components to happiness.  If you are feeling sad, then you may be prone to focus on what is wrong with you that makes you unhappy.  When you realize the role that life situations play in happiness, though, it helps you to see how changing your environment can also change your outlook on life.”

When we have sources external to us that are affecting our moods, it is important to identify and address these aspects that may be draining our spirit. We must put this action in motion if we can remove ourselves from a negative environment. It is important not to underestimate how draining an unhealthy environment can be to the spirit, but we must also realize that we can’t control others; we must be responsible for our own emotional state.

We must take ownership of our present moment and our own destinies. If we’re not living our dreams, we must take control of the reigns of life and change direction. Happiness is not a destination; it is a way of being. I recommend you surface your creative spirit and allow this expression to help a happier you rise in the present moment.

Talk to me about a happier you; what does this person feel and look like?

The evolution of you, continued

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Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

I believe the pencil is quite a remarkable invention. This slender little utensil holds, within its power the potential to change anything for the better. It inspires creation and, if you follow my column, I believe the power of creation to be the ultimate gift; it is Godlike.

I share the exercise in the article in hopes to challenge you to prioritize you in your own world; many times we sacrifice self and this leads to lack of health, exhaustion and, overall sadness. My list of requests forces you to be kind to you; it gifts forgiveness, inspiration, creativity, self-love, and improvement. If taken seriously, this little task can kick start a more appreciative you as you move into the New Year.

Allow 2015 to surface the best of what is yet to come for you and this starts with a genuine appreciation for self!

Happy New Year!

Positive thoughts shape you, continued...

Lifetime Art Impressions, LLC photo

Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

Todays article was inspired by Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday’s interview with spiritual speaker, Russell Simmons. They discussed his success and how much he attributes this to his spiritual endeavors. Russell devotes much of his time to meditation and yoga. In his work he creates music as an offering to world. He feels once you find your own bliss within, you do not see the world as a void but as a vast place for your offering to manifest.

He spoke of happiness coming from inside out instead of the outside in; once you realize this, you’ll define and find your own success apart from the world’s view.

I have let meditation slip off of my priority list; I’ll be putting it on the top again in order to calm my world. As Russell has realized, this place that can be reached once we still ourselves is pure and serene. It is a little piece of heaven that exists within each of us. Why wouldn’t we want to visit this realm as often as possible?

Do you meditate? Have you ever tried it? It will help cleanse your thoughts; it soothes and aligns you with your natural rhythm.

Have you had any self-discoveries while in this mode? If so, share them with me.

  

Living your life to the fullest, continued...

Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

I've been working on living in the moment for the past couple of years. REALIZING that multi-tasking totally destroys this concept! I had to throw away my old self and retrain my thinking. I found that my God given senses are the best tools that help me "live in the moment".

When you're trying to take something in, think about how all of your senses apply. Really look closely at the environment and become one with it. Good, bad or in different when you take it all in, it makes an impression and this process, in itself, enables you to release it and move on in a healthy way.

Have you made an effort to live in the moment? How has this changed your life? Drop me a note and tell me about it!

The key to happiness, continued...

Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

I think for most, including myself, we let our ego get in the way of our happiness. It likes to guide us by gauging our level of happy by the toys we own. In the article I ask you to list 3 intangible things that will bring you happiness and then to engage yourself by applying action to the list. For me, I am happy when my creativity helps relieve pain from others suffering hardship. It is the goal and foundation of my work today. I feel like the tip of my iceberg (in a good way) has surfaced allowing me to feel the warmth that comes from this intangible but very real feeling. The next thing for me is self-love. I'm getting there but I can't check this one off yet. I'm working on my health by exercising several times a week and changing my perspective of what is acceptable to me. I thank my body daily for enabling me to get out of bed and accomplish my many lists but I'm still tweaking this one! The 3rd item for me is making sure my actions reinforce my words. In other words, I practice what I preach. I want to be authentic all of the time. This is very important. I realize I am not perfect, I'm far from it, but I need to make sure my efforts are sincere and I embrace the world and myself in this manner!

Share with me 3 intangibles that make you happy. I'm excited to know!

Denial is a refusal to acknowledge, continued...

Click on the below article to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

Denial is a pretty powerful hindrance found in most of our everyday lives. If you are human, you have embraced this concept at some point. Hopefully, as you've matured into an adult, you were able to recognize it more quickly and put it in its place before it caused too much havoc in your world.

For me, it is very difficult to play a side-line role to this when a friend is actively numbing out reality. I'm someone who really doesn't hold back, and as you can imagine, this can be both good and bad. I'm somewhat polished and tactful so I try to make sure timing is in my favor when confronting a loved one with subtle education of reality. I'm sure I've lost friends in the past but, I'm also sure, they weren't true friends if we didn't have a relationship that was based on honesty. I believe core, sincere friendship can endure any trial and tribulation. And, I appreciate commentary from others about my life, when it comes from a loving place.

Today, I'm feeling better than ever with the blessings I have manifested in my life and I believe I'm on the right track. I just take baby steps, deep breaths and continue to push forward embracing reality. I took my glasses off in 2008 and it really is a beautiful and fulfilling picture outside of them.

Are you facing the truths of your life? Can you share them with me?