In our lifelong pursuit of happiness, it's crucial to remember that true contentment lies within ourselves. Happiness cannot be brought, or found in other people's approval. It is found in a peacefulness inside.
In our pursuit of happiness, we must acknowledge a powerful truth; if we are not happy, it is our responsibility to make changes.
This realisation can be both empowering and daunting. It requires us to confront reality. How can we expect someone else to love and respect us, if we don't love and respect our true self, our unique qualities?
This is not always easy, we come from a world where social media suggests we can buy happiness:
but the bottom line is, happiness can not be brought, it comes from within.
To break free from this cycle, we must summon the courage to step out of our comfort zone and societal norms and embrace the unknown. Change may not always be easy, but it is essential for our personal growth and happiness.
Steps to discover who you truly are and finding the happiness you deserve.
Do you often rely on others to make you happy, seeking validation from a partner, friend, or parent? While it's natural to seek support and love from others, it's important to recognise that true happiness and emotional well-being come from within, and comes from accepting our authentic self.
Taking responsibility for your emotions is crucial, especially if you struggle with low self-esteem. It's common for individuals to blame their unhappiness on others, attributing it to hurtful comments from their partners or critical words they received from their parents at a young age. Don't get me wrong, these comments and life experiences do hurt and can stay with us.
But the truth is that when you get into adulthood you have the power to decide your own self-worth, happiness, and overall emotional state. It's essential to understand that no one else can determine your value or control how you feel about yourself.
Remember, you hold the key to your own happiness and emotional fulfilment.
By recognising your self-worth and setting healthy boundaries, you can create a more positive and empowering environment for yourself.
Embrace your ability to make choices that support your emotional well-being and surround yourself with individuals who uplift and respect you.
"A father before he died said to his son: “This is a rugby ball your grandfather gave me, and it is more than a century old. But before I give it to you, go to the sports shop and tell them you want to sell it, and see how much he offers you.
The son went and came back to his father and said, “The sports shop offered me £5 because it is old.
So his father said, “try the second hand shop”.
So he did and came back stating “They have also only offered me £5”
“Okay, one last place said his father, go to the museum and show them the ball”
So he went and came back, this time he said to his father “They offered me £500,000 for this old leather ball”.
The father said. “I wanted to let you know that the right place values you in the right way.
Don't find yourself in the wrong place and get angry if you are not valued. Those that know your value are those that appreciate you. Don’t stay in a place where nobody sees you value”
The first step towards being truly happy with yourself is accepting who you are, flaws and all, none of us are perfect! Often, we are our own harshest critics, focusing on our shortcomings and failures while ignoring our strengths and achievements.
Flip this and acknowledge your strengths and accomplishments. By taking the time to recognise and appreciate our strengths, we cultivate a positive self-image and boost our self-confidence.
If you don’t appreciate your strengths and achievements, how do you expect anyone else to?
Your physical health plays a significant role in determining how happy and strong you feel. Making regular exercise part of our daily routine releases endorphins (the 'feel-good' hormones), improves sleep quality, boosts energy levels, reduces stress levels which all contribute towards happiness.
Similarly, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins can provide essential nutrients needed for optimal brain function, enhancing mood regulation hence making us happier.
Again this is about you taking responsibility for your health, no one else can do this, you have to decide you are worth the effort. It will take effort initially, but in time that initial effort will turn into consistency, and with consistency comes results, and hopefully the result you get from feeling fitter and healthier will be worth the effort!
Humans are social creatures by nature; we thrive on connection & interaction with others. Positive relationships, bring positive emotions, surround yourself with like-minded people, that not only brings emotional support but also contribute towards our sense of belonging & purpose, key elements of happiness & strength.
To truly be happy with ourselves, we must be willing to step out of our comfort zones and challenge the familiar. Our brains naturally gravitate towards repetition and the familiar, as it provides a sense of safety and security. However, by embracing bravery and courage, we open ourselves up to new experiences and opportunities for growth. Stepping out of our comfort zones allows us to explore activities, hobbies, and passions that genuinely bring us joy.
Understanding how to be happy with yourself is a journey of self-discovery that involves embracing authenticity, accepting our flaws, prioritising health, and resisting the temptation of materialism.
Just as a seed grows into a beautiful flower, happiness blossoms when we nurture personal growth, no more negative self-talk, but accepting ourselves, and focus on what truly matters.
By living authentically, we attract people who share our values and support us, forming a like-minded community that uplifts and connects with us.
Remember, happiness is not a final destination but our own journey that starts and ends with self-love and acceptance.
If you resonate with this blog, but feel you need a little extra help to embrace change, maybe hypnotherapy could be the answer.
As a qualified hypnotherapist, I can guide you towards a preferred future and using trance we can let go of past limiting beliefs, empowering you to live your best life.
It offers a holistic approach to helping you develop a positive mindset and promoting overall well-being.
With the power of hypnotherapy, you can find renewed balance, resilience, and a greater sense of control over your life.
If you would like further information, please visit my website or feel free to reach out to me for an informal chat.
