Chasing happiness.

Many have asked where is happiness? Is there a place in our lives that we will be the happiest? Or is there a secret formula to finding happiness?

Before we can find happiness…we should probably define it first.

“Happiness is who you are minus your neuroses. In other words, happiness is your original state minus the belief that happiness has to be bought, or minus the fear that happiness is somewhere else. Inner happiness is a release from foolish external conditioning and a return to divine saneness.”

Happiness isn’t anywhere specifically, it’s not a place or a just specific moment – it really is in how you live your life.

No matter how much money you make or where you live, if you can find happiness in what you do, then that is happiness, whether it is – raising your children, or in the work that you do, you can fill your life with what makes you happy.

Each of us have many things that can make us happy.

Be creative in anything. Creativity can inspire and focus one’s mind and energy into something that the person loves doing. That creativity translates to mindfulness, which translates to being in the moment, and for us that creates happiness.

You may have heard the phrase enjoy what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life, turns out that is very true.

Can happiness be taught?

Yes. Encouraging optimism can lead to reduced depression, and encourages productivity, physical health, and immune activity. Gratitude is another skill that when practiced can teach someone how to be happy. Exercising is incredibly beneficial because it increases your dopamine. It can be exercise at any level from taking a walk to running, or swimming to lifting some weight. Anything that gets your heart pumping, is sure to release dopamine. Once your dopamine is increased you will see an increase in your happiness because you will feel better.

How to become a happier person?

Use these strategies, to become a happier person:

• Be with people that make you feel joyful. Best way to tell is that they put a smile across your face.
• Always honor your values. The more you take a stand on your values the stronger you will feel.
• Accept the good, the bad, and the annoying.
• Always picture your goals.
• What makes you happy is what you should do.
• Have a purpose.
• Follow your heart.
• Be flexible, not rigid.
• Notice the beauty in everything.
• Be in the moment, and go with the flow.

While you are on your search – be mindful, do not forget about the gifts of life, friendship and family, gratitude, and of course love!