“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” Charles R. SwindollNo matter what else we do in our lives, if we’re not happy, what’s the point?! Happiness is something we all want, but it doesn’t just happen. Money can’t buy happiness. I say this and other things to my kids ALL.THE.TIME!
It doesn’t matter what grades you get, what luxury items you can afford, how much money you make, where you went to school, what you GPA you graduated with, your size of your jeans. None of these things can ultimately make you happy. You’ll be constantly reaching for the next thing. Outside factors will never last. It’s an inside job.
Last year we had a full two weeks that the most random things happened to our home. It first started with an Uber Eats driver running into our house and hitting our garage door, then a week later our garage door completely fell off the track, next my husband hit a car. It was one expense after the other. Yes, insurance paid for these things but it was all still frustrating. Then, I was anxious and flustered. In my head wondering why do these things always happen and why do they happen back to back?
Now fast forward to a week ago we were on our boat, a brand new tube we boat randomly popped while we were driving out in the lake, we didn’t even get to use it yet, it didn’t just pop, it lost a chunk from the rope, then one of our motors quite and we stalled, lastly while anchoring at a sandbar the anchor rope got stuck in our only working motor and we were heading right for another anchored boat. My brain started to go to why do these things always happen to us, but I instantly started laughing. The kids started laughing. We got in the lake at the sandbar and all started manually pushing the boat. We ended up have the best day. My kids even said that was so fun.
What was the difference from last year? I rolled with it, I was more relaxed, and as Marie Forleo quote goes, Everything is Figureoutable.
Here are my top list you should add into your day or week to boost your happiness and be able to roll with the punches:
- Exercise
- Sleep
- Spend more time with friends and family
- Get outside more
- Help Others: 100 Hours a Year is the Magic Number
- Meditate: Rewire Your Brain for Happiness
- Practice Gratitude: Increase Happiness and Satisfaction: keep a journal and write down everyday what you’re grateful for.
- Breathing techniques
- Acknowledge the unhappy moments. Nobody is happy 24/7. If you get some bad news, make a mistake, or just feel like you’re in a funk, don’t try to pretend you’re happy. Acknowledge the feeling of unhappiness, letting yourself experience it for a moment. Let the moment pass and take care of yourself. Remember, no one’s happy all the time.
- Declutter and Organize
- Find a Self Care Routine
- Seek Therapy and Medication If Needed
- Essential Oils
- Watch Happy Shows and Movies
- Listen to Music
- Take Care of Your Body
- Let go of grudges and the past
Happiness looks different for everyone. For you, maybe it’s being at peace with who you are, or having a secure network of friends who accept you unconditionally, maybe it’s the freedom to pursue your dreams.
If you truly want to pursue happiness, and roll with the punches surround yourself with positivity and see beyond your present circumstances to the bigger picture, both in terms of people and where you’re at right now.
Nikki Lanigan
Nikki Lanigan is a yoga, HIIT, and Barre instructor, she is also a Holistic Health Coach through Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Nikki is trained in Yoga Shred, Yoga Psychology, meditation, chakra balancing, and EFT/Tapping. She has done trainings with Sadie Nardini and Ashley Turner. She got her 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2017 at the Carrie Treister School Of Yoga. Nikki takes a holistic view of health, helping her students and clients reach a place of self-love not just through movement, but with mindset and lifestyle guidance as well. Nikki is also show prep writer for The McVay Media Show Prep and host of the podcast Fit, Fun, and Frazzled. Connect with Nikki on Instagram. www.instagram.com/nikkilanigan.yogaandwellness www.instagram.com/fitfunandfrazzledpodcast
