Why limit “happy” to just an hour?

A few weeks ago I was in a gift shop and came across a set of drink coasters that said, “Why limit happy to just an hour?”  I had to chuckle to myself and ponder how this is so true.

I’ve noticed that sometimes-especially busy professional women can find it difficult to allow happiness into their lives. I mean, really notice the day-to-day moments and allow themselves to be present and truly acknowledge their happiness no matter how small. That could be in the form of not giving themselves or others credit, not feeling worthy, not embracing the joy of the journey but instead waiting for something more or better. Perhaps they may fear the feeling of happiness and don’t want to risk opening themselves up to let it in.

Any number of reasons can limit being receptive, or embracing happiness. However, by putting conditions on it or postponing opportunities to feel happy, we miss out being present in our lives at that moment. Yet, that “moment” is all that we truly have.

“Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon.”  - Nathaniel Hawthorne 

 Are you postponing or limiting your happiness?

 Here is a quick quiz – see how many you answer True to:

• You rarely acknowledge out loud that you are happy or feel good.

• You have a hard time allowing others to care for you or do nice things.

• When others acknowledge good things in your life or about you, you are quick to diminish them.

• When you are enjoying yourself, you find it awkward or feel like you need to constrain yourself.

• Celebrating your successes feels awkward even boasting.

• Being around other happy people bothers you; perhaps you may even resent them.

Even in these tough times, we can experience much happiness, because happiness comes from the inside. It’s a choice you make. It’s not going to show up in a package with a big bow and say, “I’m here!” “It’s time to feel happy.” Rather, give yourself permission, and let go of any limits or conditions for things to be perfect before you allow yourself to feel happy.

“Remember happiness doesn’t depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely on what you think”.  -Dale Carnegie

The benefits of letting happiness in: Releases stress, shifts your mind-set and opens you up for more, increases believability, hope and inspiration. Don’t wait until tomorrow for what you can be happy about today. Challenge yourself to find at least one thing everyday to be happy about, feel it, breathe it in and then make a note of it. When things get tough, and you start to waiver, reflect on that moment, and open yourself up to more happiness, no matter how small!

“Happiness is not a brilliant climax to years of grim struggle and anxiety. It is a long succession of little decisions simply to be happy.”  - Donald Walters