Authentic Happiness Secrets

Authentic happiness is within your reach. The secret to happiness is really more about uncovering who you truly are, and nurturing that, rather than finding or acquiring something or someone outside yourself.

In happiness secrets one through five, we talked a lot about the 'inner work' of finding happiness. Yet, cultivating happiness isn't always about doing deep inner work. Much of it comes in those small moments we might be tempted to pass by.

Secret Six

Allow yourself to slow down and enjoy little things.

Listen to the birds sing.
Smell the roses.
Watch your child sleep.
Go outside at night and look at the stars.

Really let yourself be present.
Engage your senses and notice.
Fully take it in, even for just a few seconds.

Anne Frank says,

"The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature."

Secret Seven
You might be relieved to know that believing we have the ability to mult-task is an illusion. We are actually less efficient when trying to multi-task than when focusing on a task. It is even said to lower IQ.

Luckily for us, a secret to happiness is to focus and get totally absorbed in a task, especially one that is meaningful or survival-based.

So cut back on what isn't adding real quality to your life. It's okay to do less. It's better to do less if you are doing to much. Likewise, if you need to take up an activity that engages you in life than do so. Volunteer, cook dinner from scratch, clean a room in your house, knit a scarf, take lessons and learn something new. Be productive.

Let yourself become fully engaged in what you are doing so you get "in the flow". Turn off your phone, the TV and radio. Set a timer if you need to, but give this activity your full attention while you can.

Secret Eight
The brain chemical serotonin has a calming effect and contributes to your feelings of well-being. There are ways you can optimize your serotonin levels naturally.

The list will sound familiar.

• Enjoy moderate or gentle exercise.
• Reduce stress
• Eat healthy foods and limit sugar consumption.
• Enjoy some morning sunshine.
• Get a massage or other type of bodywork.
• Do any necessary emotional and mental healing.
• Get enough sleep. I don't know about you, but after a few nights of poor sleep I feel more crabby than happy. Enough sleep paves the way for the next day's happiness. Make this a priority for yourself and your family.

There's a saying that we are most like the five people we spend most of our time with. Surround yourself with people who inspire you to be happy and practice habits of happiness themselves.

This includes the people you watch on TV or listen to on the radio. Play upbeat, happy music. Music is powerful and affects you greatly. It includes what you read. Positive energy will affect you positively. It's easier to move in the direction of happiness when those around you exude this energy already.

Build and nurture relationships with the people who are important to you. Again, don't qualify these relationships with expectations. Be open to possibilities. "I wonder what I can do today with my children so they experience finding happiness today. What meaningful activity can you share together?

Secret Ten
Only wishing for authentic happiness without implementing the habits of happy people won't help you move forward. Take the time to review each secret to happiness and choose one you need most. Take a step and begin practicing it. Then add another happiness secret and another over the next few weeks.

If you are saying "I want to be happy", but think you are too busy to worry about how to find happiness, or that it isn't for you, stop.

Adjust your thinking and your priorities. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Get yourself off the hamster wheel and step into a life that fosters authentic happiness for you and your family. Your measure of holistic health, and theirs, depends on it.

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