I find myself feeling happier these days. Well into the second half of my life, I have been working out at a group coaching gym for 13 years now. We had a challenge last week – a 2,000 meter row. I wasn’t looking forward to it. In fact, I thought about not going that day. I like rowing but when trying to reach the end by a certain time usually has me struggle to get enough air. Although I hesitated, pushing myself to embrace that challenge turned into a rewarding experience.In this challenge, I beat my last time by over 40 seconds. I felt pretty happy over the last few days and still feel good about my performance.
I noticed that I had a happy feeling most of the day. A project I was working on that was going just ok was starting to take off. More happiness and excitement. I had a dream that night that left me feeling joyful and I woke up feeling good, about the dream and about myself.
I had a great experience working with a trusted plumber who gave me options for the work I needed done. It was a good exchange and I felt empowered to make a good decision. Sunday, I listened to a short podcast by Susie Moore on happiness and luck. These are connected in that when you feel happy, you have more “luck” and when you feel lucky, you feel more happiness.
Believe it or not, we always have a choice. We are hard-wired toward negativity so that’s where we focus our attention first. It’s almost a default situation. Positivity takes a little more work. How do you get out of a negative viewpoint and move toward a more positive outlook?
Start by deciding you want to be more positive and look for the good things around you. Notice what is around you, nature, trees, flowers, birds, life – all busy doing their thing, without judgement or stories. The more you do this, the more you will notice.
We often let judgement and fear get in the way of feeling positive. Try listening to the story you are telling yourself. Ask yourself if that story is really true. Next, try looking at the experience in front of you, the one you are reacting to, from a different perspective. It might change your whole outlook.
It did mine.
With Joy and Gratitude,
Elaine L Stewart, CHC
