Happiness is…..Winning the Life Lottery

when I make a six digit salary.

• when I’m skinny.
• when I’m in a satisfying relationship.
• when my kitchen is beautifully remodeled.
• when my husband takes out the trash without being asked.
• Or, my personal favorite, “I’ll be happy when I buy those Jimmy Choo shoes.”  (I’m being buried in my happy making Jimmy Choos!)

Here’s the thing about “I’ll be happy when…” it delays being happy now and steals your joy!  My mom, while I was a brooding child and even worse teen, constantly told me, “Lisa Ann (she was really irritated with me), happiness is a choice you get to make every day.”  Then she would walk away, I’m sure muttering under her breath, to keep herself from bopping me one upside the head.  Thing is, what she said is true and when put into practice it really works.

Even with the political climate, markets in turmoil, our lives sometimes seemingly upside down, we can still choose to be happy and find lasting joy.  If you need a little happy boost, consider the following suggestions:

1. Hang out with those closest to you–nurture these relationships so that during the ebb and flow of life, you have great support!
2. Laugh out loud!  A good belly laugh does all sorts of good for your body. Laughter is magic! Don’t take yourself so seriously.  We’re human and we are FUNNY!
3. Avoid the news–including watching the markets.  Going on a news fast can greatly improve your outlook.
4. Exercise.  Even a quick walk with the dog boosts your mood and makes you feel more happy.
5. Volunteer.  Serving others takes the focus off of us and places it on other folks, creates a sense of community and belonging, and makes you feel great!
6. Anytime you catch yourself starting your thoughts, “I’ll be happy when…” quickly turn it around and say, “I am happy now because…”  Sometimes all you need is to relanguage things in your mind to rewire the happy vibe.

There are lots of ideas all over the internet for getting your “happy on.”  These are a few that have worked for me over the years.  As with all things, find what works best for you and go with.  The key is, don’t wait to “be happy when…”  Instead, choose to be happy NOW and be a winner of the life lottery.

Be happy and make this your best week yet!