Habits are tendencies that we consciously or unconsciously repeat day after day. There are habits that impede our success and habits that bring us closer to success. What habits do you have that you need to maintain? Likewise, what habits do you have that you need to sever? Today I would like to encourage you to develop the happiness habit. Yes, there will be times when we are disappointed, sad and even angry. It is important that you feel those emotions, but you should not stay stuck in those emotions. If you remain stuck in your anger, disappointment and/or sadness, it will be impossible for you to be happy. You must find a way to move forward. If you cannot do it alone, please ask for help from a trusted loved one or an experienced professional.
One of the first actions that you must take when developing the happiness habit is deciding that you will not allow others to control your emotions. For the most part, we are in control of how we choose to respond to the events that take place in our personal and professional lives. Unfortunately, people who are angry, depressed and/or dealing with a life changing event can intentionally or unintentionally hurt innocent people. For this reason, it is important for you to understand that you are just the recipient of their unaddressed emotional discontent. The second action is that you must attack your negative self talk. Negative self- talk is a commonality among all of us, but those who are happy, dismantle their negative thoughts quickly. The final action you must take in order to develop the habit of being happy is to practice gratitude daily. There is a direct correlation between gratitude and happiness. Therefore, keeping the people, possessions and victories that you are grateful for at the forefront of your mind will contribute to your overall happiness. Never allow a day to pass without counting your blessings. I challenge you to decide today that you will make happiness an integral component of your life. Go ahead and smile. You deserve to be happy! Until next time…….
Dr. Jessica Houston, LMSW
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