5. Look up. In the last year I’ve become obsessed with clouds. When I look up at the clouds I realize how big the Earth is and how small I am in relation. I feel connected to a larger world, and I can sense that the solutions to my problems are simply waiting to be discovered. The magic of the sky convinces me daily that there are more possibilities than impossibilities in my life. Embrace the wonder of nature and appreciate your connection to the world.
6. Acknowledge your emotions. If you feel hurt, angry, disappointed, betrayed, abandoned, used, or whatever, you are doing yourself no favors by pretending that you don’t feel the way that you do. Allow yourself to feel how you feel, release your emotions, let them go, and then move on.
7. Find a buddy. There are times when our best alone isn’t good enough, and we need help. Sometimes you need someone to help you stay accountable. If meeting a friend is the only way for you to go to the gym in the morning, please find a friend that will join you for a morning workout. There is no shame in needing a little help from a friend. Drop your pride and ask for help if you need it to get out of your rut.
8. Commit to yourself. We live really full lives that are often over scheduled. Some of us don’t have the time to prioritize our needs, but if we don’t, we will never change our lives. You have to commit to yourself. Invest time in doing the things that make you happy and will help you move forward. Be patient and give yourself permission to take things one day at a time. You are not a machine, so stop expecting perfection from yourself. Commit to making the time every day that you need.
9. Run from negativity. If you are unhappy in a situation, you will find lots of people that will be thrilled to complain with you and encourage your whining. Misery loves company. Make a conscious effort to run from negativity because complaining about your unhappiness is not going to actually change anything. Seek encouragement from people that are positive and optimistic. Identify inspirational quotes that resonate with you and post them in your home and workspace.
10. Take ownership. This is your life. You can’t control everything in life but you can impact so much. No one is going to change your life. That is for you to do. So do it. Stop making excuses. Stop procrastinating. It won’t be easy and that is okay. Your life will change, when you change it.
11. Dance. If all else fails, turn on the radio, and get to moving. No one has to know. I promise it will make you feel better.
Angela Irwin (www.angelairwin.com) is a lover of life and light seeker. She published “One Choice Choose Happiness” which is a 30 day guide to help you choose happiness. She and her friends at Induo Events (www.induoevents.com) began the #MeetMeAtHappy movement which was created to unite people that are passionate about living happier lives. They are in the middle of the 30 day journey and it is still time for you to join the movement. Follow them on Facebook at @AngelaVictoria and @INDUOEvents for more information.