Monday 24 November 2014

The Art of Happiness (Part 3)


I noticed in this post, that I was walking around with my own dark cloud. I was fortunate enough to actually realise it, that I was making my daily life less pleasant than it needed to be.

At the Bloggers Brunch, hosted by Kids Business, this was one of the things that a number of the speakers covered. Stacey Ashley, an internationally qualified Master Coach and the Managing Director of Ashley Coaching & Consulting made the point 'How you get through your life is a choice.' She pointed out that while you can't control the circumstances, how you react to them is up to you.

You need to think about what makes you happy. Basically 40 % of your overall happiness comes from what you do and how you go about it each day. When things are tough, think to yourself 'What can I do? What one thing can I do to make a difference to how I feel or this situation?' Sometimes it's a simple as to smile (I often walk around with a scowl, apparently, so this really struck a chord with me).

Be present. Happiness is not the destination, it's the journey. Reflect in the moments that bring happiness. Note them, no matter how small.

Reframe the situation. Instead of thinking in defeat 'This is too hard!', try to ask yourself 'What can I do to make it easier'. Note you can't necessarily change the situation, but what can you do to help you deal with it.

It's up to you to build a positive mindset, and that will give you strength in the difficult times.

Linking up with Things I Know Because I really need to follow some of this advice at the moment.

14 comments:

  1. Yup!
    Well said.
    Leanne @ Deep Fried Fruit

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  2. You got it, Lydia. It takes so much more energy to be miserable than it does to be happy. I choose happy. The project I've been working on all year at work changed at the last minute yesterday. My goals are now different and the timelines moved forward. I could have sat in a corner and cried but that would get me nowhere. I planted a smile on my face and got stuck in. Nice post :) #teamIBOT

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  3. You always seem to write things I need to read. Thank you.

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  4. Nice points Lyida - I think we need to keep writing and reading this stuff so it can sink into our brains - here's to blue sky days.

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  5. It's good to be insightful and then spread the word. Makes even more people happy, or realise how simple and good happy can be!

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  6. Love this, especially this week I have working on a happy mindset. Reflecting on the journey and reminding myself that there is no such thin as a destination, merely the journey keeps on going - so be present in it, be happy in it and be open to all the possibility of that journey xx

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  7. So well said- I really enjoyed your insights! Must have needed to hear them :)

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  8. This is what I needed to read today because by boss is p*ssing me off big time and is driving me nuts. I need to let it go and be happy because she doesn't give a toss about how I feel but I'm sitting at my desk feeling extra cr*ppy.

    Right - smile on my dial - off to tackle the rest of the day !

    THANK YOU !!

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  9. It is hard to always be positive but you're right it really does work. I'm plugging away at that concept, especially as Xmas and two sets of tonsils being removed draws closer!

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  10. It shouldn't be but I tend to find staying in the present to be quite hard sometimes. My mind tends to be preoccupied with worries and things for the future. But you're right - it's not about the destination, but the journey.

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  11. I really loved her presentation.

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  12. Agree so much with this! Changing my perspective of Dyllans sleep helped me feel better about the situation that's for sure.

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  13. I love any advice that tells you to look for the positive, Lydia :)

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  14. Yes!!! I so glad you got this. How is it working for you now, a couple of weeks later?

    Thank you for linking up to #thankfulthursday. I apologise for my delay getting here. xS

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