I resolve to . . .

I woke up in a FANTASTIC mood & I have decided to quit throwing pity parties for myself.  I know that things will not always go the way I want them, but I need to feel blessed that I am alive and that I have my family & friends.

My view coming in this morning just re-confirmed that I am so lucky to experience each and every day anew.

If you'd like to be happier (who wouldn't?) the first step may be to challenge your own views about happiness.

Maybe you think that to be happier, you need more than you have now -- more freedom, more money, more love ... fill in the blank. Or maybe you've convinced yourself that this is as good as it gets.

We already know that basing our happiness on external circumstances can be tenuous at best. So what does create feelings of happiness? Happiness is a personal concept that is probably different for each of us.

Take a moment to consider what happiness means to you.

That's one important step in understanding how you can bring more happiness into your life.

Think about the people, places, and things that fill you with joy and peace. Do you feel happiest when you're at home, or at work? How about when you're spending time with friends and loved ones? Or when you're reading an uplifting book, watching a funny movie, or donating your time to help others?

Whatever activities you enjoy the most, make an effort to bring more of them into your life.

It's easy for us to sabotage ourselves by placing restrictions on our happiness. We affirm that we'll be happy if this happens, or that happens, but not when the other happens.

Of course, certain situations just aren't pleasant no matter what - but for the most part, we can choose to enjoy most of our experiences and outcomes, even if they aren't what we originally expected.

Beyond all of this, however, most important is our willingness to accept that happiness is largely a choice we make in every moment, regardless of our surroundings.

Happiness is not a gift we're waiting for - it's already within us.

All we need to do is choose to embrace it; which can be easier said than done, especially if we're in the midst of difficult circumstances. The true skill we should be strengthening within ourselves is learning how to be happy on a basic level, even if our lives aren't perfect. By acknowledging that our lives will never be "perfect," we give ourselves permission to enjoy our lives as they are now.

Make today a great one!
xoxo MJ