Does Happiness Come From Within?

I enjoyed this article so much from the blog “Transitions,” that I figured I would re-blog it. Great read….

Steve Rose PhD

Meditation

With Eastern philosophy currently on trend in the Western personal-development genre, gurus have been popping up everywhere, preaching the idea that happiness comes from within. This perceptual change is usually achieved through detachment from ego and the material world of possessions through meditation or present-centered breathing practices. This ultimately leads to a state of non-striving whereby the practitioner finds happiness by no longer seeking happiness.

Personally, I’ve found many benefits in inner-based practices, particularly those of Eckhart Tolle. Although working on our inner-life can free us from the forms of striving that prevent happiness, we are still stuck with a problem: all forms of striving can’t disappear. If this were the case, our societies would immediately collapse and idleness would ensue. And who really wants to give up all forms of striving? I personally love striving to write better, think of better ideas, lift more at the gym, and become…

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Sometimes Love is Just Not Enough

SometimesIt is my opinion, however negative it may sound, that sometimes love is just not enough. It does not matter how much you love someone or how much you want them to see your ways. You cannot change someone no matter how much you want to. Sometimes you fall in love with someone for reasons unknown and then as the months go by and the years roll in, you realize you are committed to someone who is so different from you and the way you were brought up that you don’t know what to do.

You come to realize that you have reached a completely different “level” and you are now traveling different paths. You know you do not want to walk away, but you also know how unhappy you are. Do you stay and make it work? Try for the kids? Try because you said “for better or for worse?” Yet, on the other hand, do you keep losing the essence of who you are? Do you stay in a relationship that is no longer fulfilling or satisfying and is detrimental to one’s health?

I am not promoting you walk away, split up, or get divorced. However, I do believe that it is more important to be happy and to maintain peace in your life and within your own mind. Keep in mind, I am not talking about “who leaves the toothpaste uncapped” or “the toilet seat up, or who does and doesn’t help with the chores around the house.” I am talking about deep-rooted differences in your very souls. It takes every ounce of energy to be in a relationship that is a constant battle.

Of course, I do believe you must try all of your options, for example, counseling, marriage therapy etc…

I am in no way promoting divorce. I had an amazing example at home. My parents were high school sweethearts who were married for 30 years, when my mother’s life was cut short by cancer.

However, I BELIEVE that ultimately our goal in life should be to be happy and to learn and grow from our experiences in life. Sometimes being truly happy with ourselves and at peace, makes us better partners, friends and/or parents.

Just because you walk away from a relationship that you have genuinely tried to work at, does not make you a failure. This can simply mean that this chapter in your life has closed and you must move on.

I also believe that now-a-days, relationships are even more difficult with so many people getting involved at much older ages. This only means that you are more set in your ways and that you and partner just bring more “baggage to the table,” making it that much harder to “blend” together.

Honestly, I do believe in love and that there is a special someone out there for everyone; with that being said, I also believe that there can be more than
one person that is right for you at different stages of your life.

Sure commitment and loyalty are important, but I repeat, when your well-being, happiness and peace of mind are no longer a priority, you must evaluate the relationship, no matter who is in the middle. You must truly be happy and fulfilled in a relationship in order to make it work. If you are not truly happy, how can you make someone happy or become a better human being? How can you contribute to this world if you continue pretending and just going through the motions?

You have to do what is right for YOU. Keep in mind, that as we grow as human-beings, not everyone can grow along with you. This is where the paths take different turns. I guess what I am ultimately trying to say, is do not consider yourself a failure because your relationship does not succeed.

True love lies within us and it is only through that love that we can grow and find someone who can join us on that level. I hope that you can work through your relationship and be on that same level to make it work. If it does not work out, know that you did give it your all, and you are still a wonderful and loving individual, no matter what!

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Are You Tired of Being Unhappy?

ARE YOU UNHAPPY AND FEELING DEPRESSED ALL THE TIME?

1af80-shift2bhappensAre you tired of being unhappy?  Do you spend hours scrolling the internet trying to find the solution to all your problems?  Do you feel “blah” and depressed the majority of the time?  Do you have money problems and don’t know how to get out of the “hole” you are in?  Well, if you are here reading this page, I am here to tell you, you are not alone.  It is so easy to fall into a rut.  It is so easy to forget what you were passionate about.  Sure, you  may have your family and probably a job but you are still down in the dumps and not really happy, right?

NOT SURE IF YOU ARE IN THE “UNHAPPY” CATEGORY

  • Do you frequently numb yourself with alcohol, drugs, sex, television, or  the internet?
  • Do you You feel disappointed with life in general?
  • Have you forgotten what you were passionate about?
  • Do you feel like life is unfair, that you are a victim of circumstances that are beyond your control?
  • You want to do something with your life but you don’t see the point.
  • Do you have frequent negative thoughts and a pessimistic outlook on things?
  • Do you just go through the motions of life? Work, traffic, eat, sleep?
  • Have you lost interest in your favorite activities?  Change Just Ahead Green Road Sign with Dramatic Clouds, Sun Rays and Sky.

Well, guess what? Even if you answered yes to these questions, it doesn’t mean you have to stay that way. Change is just ahead YOU have the power to be happy!  YOU are the key to that change. It might not happen overnight but little by little with some positive coaching and reinforcement, you can get back to your old self and get motivated again.

Stay with me on this site and you will read some uplifting and motivational articles, as well as being able to shop for self-help books.   I am here to tell you that your life does not have to be a hum-drum routine everyday.  YOU have the power to change your life, starting with the way you think. So let’s practice thinking positive and work our way to a happy, successful life that we all deserve. And I say that, as I take the journey with you everyday, learning a little bit more and more.

We were not put on this Earth just to “get-by.”   I will help motivate you and help you find what you are passionate about.  I will help you get inspired to make a difference in this world – in your family, in your community, in your job, in YOUR life!

You already made the first step by staying on this page!

You can also check out the BOOK STORE tab for some self-help books or you can bring a smile to your face by visiting “THE HAPPY STORE” filled with t-shirts, mugs, stickers and more to show off your “be happy pride!”

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Think Happy, Really?

be happy square

Think happy?  You are probably thinking to yourself, you have a million things to worry about, how can you think happy?  But, really, what is the point to the worry and stress? It is not helping is it?  I know what you are thinking, if only it were as easy as “thinking happy!” But you know what, if you are going to think so much, it may as well be positive! The more we read positive things, stories and quotes, the easier it is to motivate ourselves on a daily basis! It’s true!  Try it. Just for a week. Keep reading things that are positive, whether it is this website,  our FB page, quotes, the bible, daily affirmations, whatever works for YOU!  You will see yourself becoming a happier person, someone people want to be around.

When people ask you how you are doing, what do you say? How do you answer that question? Think about it. Do you start telling them all your problems? Tell them how tired you are? Try answering in a positive way.  “I feel good, how about you?”  Make sure to ask the other person as well. Putting someone else’s interest and well-being before yours is another key to helping you become a better person.  Now this doesn’t mean you put everyone’s needs before your own, it simply means, being kind to others and helping people out is a way to give back to the Universe and help you grow as a person.

Ultimately, that is the goal in life, in my opinion, to grow and become a better person, to make a difference in this world.

So come on, join me while we make this the best possible day! And trust me when I say, I understand it is no easy task, when you are feeling “blah!” But you got this! It’s got to get better starting today! #thepowertobehappy

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How Full is Your Bucket?

When was the last time you said something nice to someone, to your kids, to your spouse or significant other?  Sometimes we forget how important it is to be kind to others and to share positive things instead of always complaining.  The old saying, “if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at at all,” could not be more true.

Often times we get caught up in the craziness of life, of our kids, of our work and we forget to stop and be nice to people.

I highly recommend this book, ” How Full is Your Bucket,” which I feel should be read by all, especially if you are a boss, supervisor or manager. Why not make others feel more positive? A few kind words to someone, can make a huge difference in their day, maybe even their lives! It is also very helpful on how to talk to your children and teenagers!

It is a great reminder on how we should “fill our buckets” and others with kindness etc… ‪#‎bekind‬ ‪#‎bepositive‬ ‪#‎powertobehappy‬ ‪#‎payitforward‬

“How did you feel after your last interaction with another person? Did that person — your spouse, best friend, coworker, or even a stranger — “fill your bucket” by making you feel more positive?”
The Power to be Happy's photo.
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Change Brings Growth

 Are you living your life the way your parents planned for you?
Is this really “as good as it gets?”  Is this really where you want to be 5, 10, 15 years from now?  I remember when my husband proposed to me and I was so scared of actually being “married,” of changing my life.  I remember what he wrote inside my engagement ring box:  “A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are built for.” I didn’t understand the magnitude of that statement then, but now I do!

Whether you are going to get married or divorced or move or have a baby, whatever the change is, you and I both know, it will be scary, but it will be a life lesson, no matter how it turns out.  Change can be a good thing.  Have you ever thought about how you were raised, you know your upbringing? Does it really matter today?  Sure, you may have been raised in a great, loving environment but is that going to help you today become a better person, a better parent, or to make more money?

In my opinion, not really.  I think that what is important, is what we do now – the risks we take, the changes we make and the things we are willing to learn.  Whether you had a great childhood or a bad childhood, it is indifferent to what you can do now and how you can create a better future.  Just look at some of the people who came from broken homes or poor environments, who are extremely successful today (ie:  Oprah Winfrey, Steve Harvey, Ralph Lauren, J.K. Rowling and more.)

Most people are afraid of change, of challenges, but they are essential to our human growth; without change, we are stagnant. Sure, making a move is scary, whether you are changing jobs, moving to a new neighborhood or a new town, making new friends, or starting a new job venture…whatever it is, it will be scary but without change, we do not grow.

In life there are never any guarantees, so why not take the leap of faith and follow your dreams?  Why do we have to have the mindset that we must stay put, live in the same house forever, or live in the same town?  Sure, I understand about stability for our children but in the same breath, if you want to make a better life for you and your kids, why not follow your heart and your goals?

It is important to remember, to have a plan, not to live your life as a “gypsy,” (at least when you have kids, I mean,) but if you are holding back because you are scared…don’t!  We only have one life to live,  so make it a good one and go for those challenges, go for those things that scare you.  Those are the moments of human growth, when we learn and experience new things, new feelings, new people, new adventures.

If you have a dream or a goal, what are you waiting for?  Don’t say you are too old, or you can’t because you have kids. There are a million examples out there of people who were in worse situations than you, who made a change and achieved their dreams.  You can too!  Sure, it might be a struggle, but the fact that you make the first step, the move to better yourself and your life, is success already.

YOU are the creator of your own consciousness, so create the kind of change you want in your life!  ~Mommy Warrior

I write this article not only for you the reader but for myself as well!  It is a life-lesson we must all learn.

Like I read in an article in Forbes magazine, “Change is difficult, not changing is fatal.”

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What Are You Doing to Make a Difference?

What are you doing in this life time to make a difference? We are not put on this planet just to get by and and do nothing. Find your purpose and do something to help someone or yourself.

Make an effort to stop being apathetic!  We always start the new year with a Apathyresolution, but life should not be about New Year’s Eve resolutions. It is great to make a resolution but the key is to follow through.  Life is about making a difference in the world, whether it is in your own household, family, workplace or in the community.  Don’t just make a resolution and keep it for a week – be honest with yourself and commit to make a difference.

Start today, one day at a time. Find your purpose in life!  Take some positive action!  It might take a while but start with something small.  Smile at someone, volunteer somewhere, do something positive!!!  Turn off the TV, get off the computer and do something for the greater good! 

Start with an intention and then set your goals.  All you have to do is START!  #actnow #powertobehappy #purposeinlife

There are two great days

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The History of Sadness ( Melancholy)

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Kindness

Kindness: Just Another Proof That Good People Exist

“When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.” ~ The 14th Dalai Lama

Often times I hear people complaining that the world we live in is full of mean, cold, cruel and negative people. But I really don’t think that’s true. I guess if you look for darkness, that’s what you will find. And if you believe that darkness is all that there is, that’s what you’ll experience. But if you seek the light, and if you believe that the world we live in, is full of good, kind and loving people, than that’s what you will experience.

I am an optimistic. I like to look at the bright side of things. I like to look for the good in people and I like to think that good is what we all want to experience. In fact, I really believe that at the core level, underneath all our fears, doubts, insecurities, negative thoughts and many limiting beliefs, we are all good people. At the deeper level we are all kind, compassionate and loving beings. Because that’s our true nature, that’s our real essence. That’s who we truly are. And I also believe that one of the many reasons why we enjoy watching positive and inspiring videos like the one I’m going to share with you today, is because these videos remind us of who we truly are underneath it all. They remind us that we are all made of love and made to love. And that in spite of all our external difference, we are all one big family. We are all ONE.

Albert Einstein said it so beautifully, “A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”

We are all in this together, one big family. And the more love, kindness and compassion we project onto those around us, through our  presence, our words, our actions and behaviors, the more love and happiness we will bring upon us. Because whatever we give, life will give back to us ten fold. And if we give love, laughter, kindness, happiness and compassion, that’s exactly what life will give back to us, ten fold…

The world is full of good people, you just have to look for them. And this video is just another proof that they exist.

Enjoy:)

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Three Choices

3 ChoicesThis is by far one of my favorite quotes.  Basically, it says when something bad happens, you have 3 choices:

1. You can let it define you.

2. Let it destroy you.

3. Let it strengthen you.

We have all had something bad happen to us. Maybe something bad is happening to you right now.  Whether you are suffering from an illness or lack of money or you are just just plain ol’ heart-broken, you cannot let this “bad thing” define you and you certainly cannot let it destroy you.

By doing nothing, and wallowing in your sorrows, you are allowing the problem to consume you.

Remember, you have the power to be happy. You do have the power to make choices. Choices that will make you feel better about yourself and the situation.  You might not see it right away but doing nothing will certainly not help you at all.  It is choice number three, that we must all strive for.   You wer given this life

We must learn from our mistakes, from our pain and suffering and become that much stronger for it.   When you have doubts, remember that you were given this life because you are strong enough to live it!

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