Letting Go Leads to Happiness and Age-Esteem
We often have more time to reflect on our lives when we are older. The fact that we are in control of our thoughts and our thoughts influence our happiness becomes even more evident. This is especially obvious when our minds drift back to what has happened in the past, or to what might happen in the future.
Happiness is within us. Each of us can find what makes us happy, if we want to. However, sometimes we get lost wallowing in our misery. It seems easier to be a victim of circumstances and place the blame for our misery on others.
Well get over it! If you want to be happy, just BE happy! It is as simple as that.
Hard to believe? Trust me, it can be done. Here are three simple exercises to help you begin.
1. Read the message on the balloon at the top of this page and ask yourself, “How much energy do I waste either regretting something from the past, or worrying about something that might happen today or tomorrow that I have no control over?”
Each time that you begin to worry, feel sad or unhappy, ask yourself whether you can do something about it. Can you prevent an earthquake? No. Can you bring someone back who has died? No. Can you take back cruel words spoken in anger? No. So don’t harbor them. Move on to new thoughts. – Happy thoughts.
2. Project your thinking towards what makes you feel good. Act on what makes you happy. Go for a walk in nature. Invite friends for a tea party. Phone a grandchild or cousin who makes you smile. Do something that makes you feel good.
Tip: When you speak with friends or family and they ask you how you are, simply say, “Fine, thank you.” Think of something interesting and uplifting you can share with them, like how beautiful the sunset was, a book you are reading, or a funny memory that you share. Others like to hear happiness in your voice.
3. Become allergic to the negative people around you. You know the ones I mean. They are the energy vampires who leave you feeling exhausted and depressed because of their negativity. Remove these people from your life. Replace them with people who give you energy, who are positive, supportive and encouraging to you. They are the ones who are already champions at letting go of what they cannot change. Use them as role models.
As you practice these suggestions, you will find that your happiness will increase, as will your age-esteem. You are in control.
Bonnie Fatio
