I don't know anyone who doesn't want to be happy. I think deep down that is what we all seek. In my experience many people have no clue what Authentic Happiness is let alone what it takes to achieve it.
I have had the great fortune to hang out with and learn from some truly happy people. I have also experienced true happiness. While I don't claim that I am always in a happy mood; I can say with certainty that I am truly happy with my life. Regardless of the challenges that come along – I remain happy.
Have you ever felt like happiness eludes you? Do you sometimes wonder what true happiness is? Perhaps you're just wondering whether or not you are happy or are meant to be happy.
In any case, the purpose of this article is to outline for you what I am calling the 7 Secrets to Authentic Happiness.
Secret#1: Look Within
You may have heard this before and may have even scoffed at the idea; however, this is so simply true. All happiness begins within. If you cannot experience authentic happiness internally, you will never be able to experience it outwardly.
All physical manifestations are a result of our thoughts and belief of those thoughts. Consistently looking outward for happiness is an effort in futility because it's like expecting wake up in the morning and make yourself a cup of coffee without ever having the thought that you're going to make yourself a cup of coffee.
Yes, it's oversimplified but I want you to get the point. All happiness comes from within – it begins with the spiritual and your belief ushers it into fruition.
Secret #2: You're Perfect
That's right – YOU – WE are all perfect! Why?
Because we are all born with the ability to be who we want when we want. There is nothing stopping us. The universe is perfect which means it can only produce perfection. Imperfection only exists because of our lack of awareness of all that is perfect which is everything.
Authentic Happiness requires that you understand, believe and know that you are perfect just the way you are. Since we are able to change our circumstance and conditions at any given time, we are perfect because we can change.
To put it another way, being flawed is perfect. Flaws are just another mechanism of perfection through which we are able to learn new things and grow. Some flaws stick with you longer than others but only because you have not yet thought differently and believed differently about those flaws.
Essentially, we remain the way we are for as long as we continue to believe that it is the way we ought to be. Once we are convicted in the belief that we can, should and will be something different – then and ONLY then will we change.
This is why you are perfect and truly happy people understand, believe and know this.
Secret #3: Everyone Else Is Also Perfect
It might seem obvious; however, I thought it best to overstate it lest we find ego rearing its ugly head. As you are perfect – everyone else is also perfect. Truly happy people not only see themselves as perfect, they see all others exactly the same.
The fact that other people may not realize that they are indeed perfect the way they are is irrelevant to a truly happy person. Truly happy people know that all other people have to do to experience authentic happiness is to see themselves the way that they see them – HAPPY.
Trust me – this one is super hard for me too; There are plenty of people in my circle that I don't think of as happy. I do realize though that until I can see them that way, I will not be truly happy in this aspect.
Whenever I have been able to see in my mind's eye everyone around me; that I come in contact with as happy – truly incredible things happen and it feels amazing.
I'll promise to continue working on this if you will. Deal?
Secret #4: Make a Difference
It's hard to be happy if you don't believe that you make a difference in your life and in the lives of others. No, it's not an ego-centric thing – it's a feel-good thing.
Why else are we here if not to make a difference in people's lives in some way shape or form? Regardless of how we each do it, what would your existence mean if you made no impact.
At the end of your life, what would you want people to say about you? Were you a teacher, a scholar, a mentor, a giver, a doer… what?
It doesn't much matter what your life amounts to as long as you believe and know that you used your true gifts and talents to make you and those around you better. No matter what your profession or business, it's important to make a difference.
Truly happy people don't do anything just to make a living – they do everything to make a difference. Now, let's not be naïve – we all need to make a living because we have physical needs in this physical world that need to be met. The bottom line is that regardless of what we do, making a difference in the lives of others is supremely important for having authentic happiness in your life.
Secret #5: Have a Servant's Heart
Sometimes you'll hear people ask "how can I serve you today" which is great except that most have no idea what it means to truly serve others.
Authentic Happiness requires that you have a servant's heart. In other words, no matter what you do, your goal is to serve others. Some people may think that living a life of service is somehow beneath them; however, truly happy and successful people will tell you differently.
In fact, that is the definition of life for happy and successful people… to live a life of service. To have a servant's heart you must always genuinely seek to create and deliver value for others through your gifts and talents.
Secret #6: Be Grateful
So often we forget to give thanks; show appreciation for what we have. No matter how big or small, it is important to show gratitude for all of our blessings. In fact, truly happy people never ever focus on what they don't have, they focus on giving thanks for what they do have.
In the world of authentic happiness, there is no such thing as "have not."
It's quite simple…
You see if the universe is perfect and you are one with the universe, it means that you are also perfect. If you are perfect then it also means that all things around you are perfect and are such to the degree you believe them to be.
This means that whatever you do not have is simply because you have not yet truly believed that it is already yours. Once you come to that realization and believe it wholeheartedly, your desires will manifest automatically.
Showing gratitude is one sure way to improve your belief about your abundance. The law of gratitude says that the more grateful you are for what you have, the more things you get to be grateful for. How amazing!
Secret #7: All Things Are Possible
Truly happy people believe something that most others don't – that all things are possible. YES, all things – no matter what you think or believe – all things are possible in a perfect universe.
Authentic happiness is about believing in infinite possibilities because different things make different people happy. If you only believe in what is possible for you, it will be hard for you to see others as happy especially if they pursue things that you do not believe are possible.
For instance…
I am not about to stick my head in a lion's mouth just to make you gasp in amazement; however, the guy who truly enjoys that is still happy. Why should I see him as anything else just because he's doing something that I believe is impossible for me. That's called projection.
Just because I see no reason or have no ability to do something doesn't mean it is impossible or meaningless. Possibility lies with your belief. Meaning lies with what we see rather than with what we're looking at.
Well, there you have it… 7 Secrets to Authentic Happiness which of course as you may have realized by now aren't so secret. These are all insights that most of us are familiar with; however, we often forget and need a refresher. I know I often do and I am grateful for reminders.
I truly hope that this helps you to be happier in your everyday life.
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From Dean's Library |
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