Be happy

Once upon a time there was a little girl who loved to please people. She knew if she got perfect on a spelling test her mom would be happy. She knew if she looked pretty she became popular and popular was good. She learned to be agreeable and not have opinions because conflict wasn't valued in her world- better to just acquiesce. Gradually this girl mastered the art of pleasing others but forgot entirely what she loved and wanted. She lived in a beautiful home, travelled to beautiful places, and seemed to have it all. The one day she woke up to discover that none of this had been her dream and in fact she was so out of touch with her own feelings that she couldn't even decide if she was happy or unhappy, angry or apathetic, disappointed or deluded. She didn't have the words for the feelings and even when given the words, she couldn't describe what happy felt like in her body or where what it was like to be angry.
That girl was me at 30. 
I am proud to say that over a decade later, I have mastered happy. I am truly the happiest person I know.  I am certain about my likes and dislikes  and I have pretty strong opinions on a vast assortment of topics that I share enthusiastically despite the opinions of my friends and family.
I have attended courses, workshops, read hundreds of books, and been a diligent student of me. Sound self-centered? I choose to think of it as my duty. A gift I give myself and my family & extended family.
Happy is our natural state, our birthright. As one of my favourite mentors says "happiness is a choice", so why not choose it?
Need help en route to your happy place? Find a mentor, take a class. Here are a few great tips to get you started:

1. Listen to your body. It tells you what is good for you through health, energy levels, and the amount you smiling. If you aren't smiling, are lethargic, or have poor immunity, your body is trying to tell you to change something.
2. Find a way to do what you love. The cliche is true, nobody wishes they had spent more time at the office when they are dying- but those of us living fufilling lives don't see our path as a job. It is our destiny. The thing that enlivens us and fills our spirit.
3. Play more. Go outside. Dance. Ride a bike. These things are fueling your soul. 
4. Believe you deserve happiness. 
5. Meditate. Science proves it decreases stress, the biggest happiness thief around!

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