Monday, August 11, 2014

In search of Authentic Happiness...

Have you ever noticed that themes tend to come into our lives if we open ourselves to them?  It's as if the universe is directing and/or preparing us for the next step...  Okay, I admit that sounds a bit odd, but that happens a lot in my life...

I'm a random library bookie...  I go into my public library knowing there is a book with a message for me, and then I head to the shelves and wander picking up books that catch my eye.  Three out of the last few books I picked up were, "Happier at Home: How I learned to Pay attention, Cram My Day with What I love, Hold More Tightly, Embrace Here, and Remember Now" by Gretchen Rubin, "The Noticer Returns" by Andy Andrews, and know I'm just finishing "Flourish" by Martin Seligmen.

All three books are about increasing your sense of well being.  They present different views, ideas, and exercises to deepen and increase what we often refer to as happiness...  Happiness is not the absence of misery...  That I believe is emptiness...  Happiness is a deeper sense of self, of joy, of peace, of calmness, and more...  I have come to believe that Happiness is within each of us.  It is not a destination.  It is more innate and simply can accompany us on our journey of life if we choose to open the door to our happiness within... (sounds easy - but requires more work that that...  I don't mean to down play the process...)

I strongly believe one of Gretchen's truths, which is, that happiness doesn't always 'feel happy'! - We often do things that are hard, or inconvenient, or a challenge - for they bring happiness in the aftermath.  An example might be cleaning out a cluttered closet or drawer, or having a hard conversation with a family member or co-worker; however, the act of accomplishing or working on these tasks brings an increased sense of well being.

Andy Andrews reminded me over and over that perspective matters!  When life is feeling a tad overwhelming, shift your perspective.  See the gifts, see the teachers who are in your life to help you understand the situation, and be open to the gifts that the difficult situations are bringing to you...

And Martin Seligman has done serious research on Applied Positive Psychology and the difference it makes in our lives if we exercise it.  He has an incredibly scientific approach of breaking down, testing for, and presenting findings of simple activities that we can all do, that will increase our overall sense of well being.

Now - I consider myself a pretty happy person...  My life is full of activity and people that I love and adore.  I LOVE my job, and yet like all folks - my life has some serious ups and downs...  as well as moments of confusion coupled with a sense of feeling a tad lost...   I can't count the number of times when it's late at night and I'm working on a project, and I'll look at my doodles on the side of the page to realize I have written the word "HELP" in the margin of my page...

The universe, I believe, is sending me help - through some very thought provoking books...  If you too might be seeking more happiness - and a greater sense of well being - give any or all of these books a try, or wander into your library and try the same test :o)

You might just be surprised at what you find...  And if you find some good ones - comment on this blog and share with all of us...  for great book recommendations are one of my favorites!