Friday, April 11, 2008
Simple steps to live a happier life
Sometimes it seems like we are all searching for the proverbial “pot of gold” at the end of the rainbow.
Happiness is put on hold, forever waiting for the better job, bigger house, or shinier car. Why is it so hard to permit a little celebration for the accomplishments thus far instead of instantly reaching for the next goal? How can we lead a happier life right now, and simply enjoy the rainbow for what it is?
The first step to finding inner peace and leading a fulfilling life is practicing living in the present. Living mindfully helps to acknowledge the delight in everyday experiences and encourages a life of tremendous joy. Recognize that this very moment is a gift.
My daughter’s wedding was an event I wanted to enjoy to the fullest. I remembered my own mother warning me not to “wish my life away,” and at the reception, I invited everyone to share in our joy by savoring every moment of the day.
I asked my daughter’s guests to enjoy the aroma, texture, and taste of the wonderful feast that was offered to them. I invited them to soak in the beauty of the venue and to take the time to speak with someone they did not know. By treasuring the details of a day, happiness is extended beyond the moment. We all have so much to be grateful for; by simply focusing on the positive, we can significantly improve our lives.
One way to center on the positive is to think grateful thoughts. Initially, it might be difficult to change the pattern of negative thinking, but with practice it will become a natural habit. Pick one small thing and focus on it every day. It might be as simple as being grateful for a good cup of coffee in the morning. It’s easy to be grateful for the big things, like a wedding celebration; remember to be grateful for the smaller things as well, such as the smell of a good meal.
Feeling grateful for the many little things that are a part of everyday life is an empowering practice. Remember too, that we all make mistakes. If you find yourself thinking negatively, forgive yourself and move on.
Achieving inner peace is an ongoing experience that takes practice, resilience and forgiveness. By focusing on the positive and making inner peace your first priority, you may find the effects of stress lessened. As you are able to build your feelings of everyday contentment, you will experience an open heart, and your best self. And that rainbow will be even more beautiful than before.
Paula Novak, a registered nurse and certified Healing Touch practitioner, is the Clinical Coordinator for Healing Touch and Integrative Care at William. W. Backus Hospital. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. E-mail Ms. Novak and all of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org.
Happiness is put on hold, forever waiting for the better job, bigger house, or shinier car. Why is it so hard to permit a little celebration for the accomplishments thus far instead of instantly reaching for the next goal? How can we lead a happier life right now, and simply enjoy the rainbow for what it is?
The first step to finding inner peace and leading a fulfilling life is practicing living in the present. Living mindfully helps to acknowledge the delight in everyday experiences and encourages a life of tremendous joy. Recognize that this very moment is a gift.
My daughter’s wedding was an event I wanted to enjoy to the fullest. I remembered my own mother warning me not to “wish my life away,” and at the reception, I invited everyone to share in our joy by savoring every moment of the day.
I asked my daughter’s guests to enjoy the aroma, texture, and taste of the wonderful feast that was offered to them. I invited them to soak in the beauty of the venue and to take the time to speak with someone they did not know. By treasuring the details of a day, happiness is extended beyond the moment. We all have so much to be grateful for; by simply focusing on the positive, we can significantly improve our lives.
One way to center on the positive is to think grateful thoughts. Initially, it might be difficult to change the pattern of negative thinking, but with practice it will become a natural habit. Pick one small thing and focus on it every day. It might be as simple as being grateful for a good cup of coffee in the morning. It’s easy to be grateful for the big things, like a wedding celebration; remember to be grateful for the smaller things as well, such as the smell of a good meal.
Feeling grateful for the many little things that are a part of everyday life is an empowering practice. Remember too, that we all make mistakes. If you find yourself thinking negatively, forgive yourself and move on.
Achieving inner peace is an ongoing experience that takes practice, resilience and forgiveness. By focusing on the positive and making inner peace your first priority, you may find the effects of stress lessened. As you are able to build your feelings of everyday contentment, you will experience an open heart, and your best self. And that rainbow will be even more beautiful than before.
Paula Novak, a registered nurse and certified Healing Touch practitioner, is the Clinical Coordinator for Healing Touch and Integrative Care at William. W. Backus Hospital. This column should not replace advice or instruction from your personal physician. E-mail Ms. Novak and all of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org.
# posted by ----------------- @ 4:35 PM 
