Happiness Starts with YOU — 20 Ways To Be Happy with What You Have
If there is one thing that I have been unabashedly proud of myself, it is that I have never waited for anything or anyone to make me happy or at least I think so!
“Happiness starts with you” and the ‘You’ in this matters a lot.
Let’s dive in deep to see how being happy with yourself can open doors to the most joyful moments of your life.
What is Happiness and Why it Starts with You
Let’s start with a basic question.
What is happiness? It does not have a defined answer as happiness for everyone means different things.
Driving a BMW might be happy for some and for others eating ice cream would do.
It also does not depend on things we have, it lies in our everyday experiences, in the people we see, things we do and experiences we go through.
Overall it is a beautiful feeling where you feel joy, your heart is excited, exhilarated, boosts you, and that radiates through your face. Now you know, it starts with you!
Do you know, happiness is contagious! That’s why whenever a baby laughs, the mood becomes so lighter. The same happens with a class of students and office workers. If your peers or teachers are happy, it immediately passes on.
To Be Happy with What You Have, Be Happy with Yourself
Everything may not be rosy about happiness as many times people battle with themselves to be happy the way they are.
To love oneself beyond everything is the key. If you ask me, who do you love the most in this whole wide world, I will say it is myself.
I say this with the utmost confidence because the only one who stood by me when everything shattered was me and I believe that I deserve the happiness I need.
- Self-acceptance
- Self-love
- Self-awareness
Ensuring these 3 helps you to accept, love and be happy with yourself.
20 Ways To Be Happy with What You Have
1. Be Grateful
When you are being grateful for every little thing you have, you will feel content and happy with what you are blessed with. Right here, happiness starts with you.
“Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.”
― Eckhart Tolle
2. Enjoy Little Things in Life
Some people live for these little things and they make life so beautiful. Enjoy a sudden outpouring of rain, a fresh bloom of flowers, a postcard from a friend or even a handful of nuts.
Life is beautiful and most of the time it is very simple. Living it the way it is supposed to be, enjoying every moment gives so much happiness.
3. Share
All of us have something to offer to others. Be it a slice of sandwich or a hand to help, we can always help people when needed.
All that is needed is a heart to give. When we share, our happiness is doubled. Be happy with what you have and share it wholeheartedly to see the joy multiply.
“The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.”
― Barack Obama
4. Engage in Art
Art influences creativity, heals wounds and helps people to connect. It is a wonderful medium to see life in a different light.
5. Fall in Love
Fall in love with yourself, with life, with the things you do. Give it 100% dedication and revel in the process of life itself.
6. Do Everything Wholeheartedly
I have been taught this so many times from my childhood.
Be it from my mother who quotes Thirukkural which says, When you do something, do it so well, otherwise don’t do it at all or from my dearest friend who often says, when you do something, give it your all and do it piece by piece and not part by part.
The joy you get when you do something wholeheartedly is just bliss.
7. Work Hard Consistently
When I started to rebuild my career, I did not have much to do. But whatever little I had in my hands, I did with full dedication, giving my best and that paid off.
You may not have much now but whatever you have, do it well, keep growing it, every single effort will pay off. Thus, be happy with what you have and see it getting multiplied.
8. Don’t Do Anything Against Your Heart
This is extremely important. After all, we human beings are special because we can choose between things.
I am not talking about right or wrong. I don’t believe it but trust your heart, do what feels right in the right situation. Stay true to your heart.
9. Hold Your Values High
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