One of the most proactive ways of developing a happy mindset is to have a strong relationship with yourself.
When we view ourselves through a loving lens, the disappointments, judgments and outside noise will be less likely to chip away at our self-worth. When we regularly practice giving compassion to ourselves, it becomes more natural to fall in love with our lives.
This all sounds so straightforward and easy to apply. Just be kind to ourselves, compassionate and loving and all will be well. While this is the absolute truth of the matter, sometimes adopting this mindset takes a little bit of extra deliberate attention and practice.
These are some of the things that have helped me fall madly in love with my life.
Get Passionate.
When was the last time you did something that you have a true passion for? Imagine what it would be like if you incorporated your passions into your daily life. Living the life of our dreams and loving the life of our dreams, usually means we are engaged in our passions. When we do an activity that gives us that charge or zest for life, whatever that may be, we are filling up our spiritual bucket. When we are fulfilled from within, it becomes second nature to take ownership and love the life we are in. Passion creates an energy that is contagious and uplifting, include it in your recipe for a life well-loved.
Take Time to Reflect.
Take some time to regularly reflect. It could be through meditation, journaling or perhaps talking to yourself in the woods. Take stock of all that is going well and feel deep gratitude for that. If you must, yell really loud: "I LOVE MY LIFE!" This is a perfect thing to do while talking to yourself in the woods.
Self-reflection is also a wonderful opportunity to create a clear vision for your future. What are your dreams? Think about them, talk about them and write them down. Have some fun and make a vision board with colorful images and affirmations detailing your dream life. This creative expression of your desires and goals will become like your personal road map and first step to making them happen.
When we have awareness of what our big dreams include, we are more likely to recognize and jump on the opportunities as they come up. When we are moving in the direction of our dreams, no matter where we find ourselves on that path, it is common to feel happiness and peace for being in a place that sits well with who we are.
Surround Yourself with Positive Peeps.
I love the saying, "we are what we eat." I think the same is true about who we surround ourselves with. We become like the people we regularly share space with. Negative Nellies have a way of sapping energy over time, and their dark cloud can cast shadows on even the most positive people. It is so refreshing and inspiring to be around people who take accountability for themselves and who genuinely want to see you do well too.
Of course, the recipe to a good friendship is being a solid sounding board and compassionate shoulder when need be. Discussions won't always be about sunshine and lollipops (though that could be fun!). One way of distinguishing whether the relationships and regular exchanges you take part in are healthy or not, is to ask yourself this question: Are you merely the dumping ground for someone else, or does the relationship involve giving and receiving? Only you can honestly answer that question, and only you can decide whether the people you are surrounded by are lifting you up or bringing you down.
Celebrate Every Chance You Get.
Celebrate your wins, big and small. Celebrate other's wins, big and small. This kind of feel good energy is exactly that, it feels good! Life can become monotonous and dull if we let it. Fears can override our passions, if we let them. We get to choose how we show up. Celebrating the many gifts life offers us on a moment to moment basis is probably the most powerful way of feeling good and loving life. Sing a song, bust out your best dance moves and celebrate the life you are in. This is something that can be done right now, there is no need to wait. Dance, Celebrate, Dance!
Restart, Right Now.
Each day is a gift to start fresh and practice living and loving our lives as they are. If there were things about yesterday that didn't feel so hot, or had you considering maybe this isn't the life you want. Restart from where you are and shift your focus to this moment. Find the evidence of the joy that exists right now. Give some of the above ideas a try, they work for me every time. Just remember: "Passion, Reflection, Positive Peeps, Celebrate, Restart and Repeat!" Oh ya, and EnJOY!
Fall in love with your life, that is why we are here!
If you liked this post, you will love my new book Fall in Love with Your Life, One Week at a Time