So.....you?ve decided to do what it takes to experience happiness. That?s great! Deciding to change your life is the first step towards making it . What are your next steps? What are the key elements of this new life you?re seeking?
In the previous blog post we defined happiness as 'living your best life'. What does 'your best life' mean? Below are a few key elements for a solid foundation.
Create Meaning in Your Life
Do you know your purpose in your life? Something larger than yourself that moves you to get up in the morning? This doesn?t mean you need to find something to help you change the world. Your personal purpose might be taking care of your family or volunteering at the local dog rescue. You get to create your life the way you want to live!
Going After Your Dreams, Vision and Passions
If you want to live your best life, you have to go for it. Take chances and try things to find how you want to live life. It doesn?t matter what you decide to try -it?s your life, you make the rules. The important thing is that you start defining your dreams and take actions to move forward.
Others may be negative and say you can't make your dreams come true. Don't let them stop you. This is YOUR life. You and you alone are in charge of your life.
Live with a Positive Outlook
This does not mean living life through rose colored glasses. It is learning to look for the good even in challenging times. You can change your perspective to be more optimistic. When you have setbacks don't let them keep you from reaching your dreams. Bad things are going to happen at times to all of us. This is a given. How you respopnd to them is up to you. A positive outlook will help you to bounce back more quickly.
Develop Healthy Relationships
As humans, we are social creatures. You must have good relationships to thrive and be happy. Toxic relationships will hold you back and harm your mental health, possibly taking you backwards into the negative thinking patterns. Healthy relationships can be cultivated like anything else.
Spend time with the people you care about and who lift you up emotionally and inspire you to grow. Change any toxic relationships and if you can?t, end them or distance yourself from the other person. Meet new people and develop healthy relationships with them.
These are the elements of a happy, fulfilled life. If you continue to develop these things, you?ll be closer to living a life full of happiness, meaning and purpose.
