Tag Archives: happiness

Happiness

by Lisa Chell

The first week of January 2013 represented more than a New Year for me. It was the week that the ‘baby’ of my four children turned 18 and became a legal adult.

Remember turning 18? I do.

One thing has changed from when I was that age: parental advice.

When I was 18 and tossing around ideas for my studies and career, the questions I got asked were: Will you make a good living? Will you be able to buy a house? Does it have security? What kind of benefits will you get? Does it provide a pension?  A typical conversation with my parents would end with “As long as you can make a living and provide for yourself.”

While some of these questions still get asked today, there’s one glaring difference when I talk to my kids. I end conversations with “As long as it will make you happy. The rest will take care of itself.”

Happiness.

I believe it’s been an under-rated and overlooked priority in how we live our lives.  Most of my friends followed the same advice as I did and what I see is disturbing. There’s a whole generation of us who are, just now, seeking happiness, purpose, connection and something more meaningful than a paycheck.

A friend’s marriage ended after 25 years.  The reason? She wasn’t happy.

A former colleague is physically ill and constantly in and out of hospital because he’s so stressed out.  The reason?  He’s in a job he hates but has 19 years invested and doesn’t want to walk away from a good vacation and benefits package. He’s not happy.

A client whose job as an executive paid for all the trimmings, trappings and travel her heart desired and yet she suffered from severe depression.   The reason?  Money didn’t make up for her lack of worth or happiness.

Happiness doesn’t come from the outside in.

How does a person nurture and align with happiness when we were taught to seek something else? How do we wake up every morning and say “I’m happy to be me!!” regardless of what exists in our physical realm?

Good question. I believe it’s been answered in a similar way by spiritual leaders, masters, gurus, speakers, and authors for years. Happiness comes from mind, body, spirit connection and mastery.

What separates the unhappy from the happy is the difference between knowing something and living it.

It may look something like this:

Mind: Self inquiry, living the universal laws, living your values, gratitude, laughter, journaling.

Body: Mindful movement such as yoga, tai chi, dance or walking, pure nourishment, holistic health practices and body work.

Spirit: Daily meditation and prayer.

Happiness is not a time-based outcome. It’s a journey to the sweet spot in your heart and soul that carries positive energy from the inside out.  Wherever you are on the path, today is the best day to take your next step.

Are you unsure how to take that first step towards a happier you?

Pura Vida! Pure Life!

Lisa Chell is a speaker, trainer, Power Coach®, best-selling author and president of Ultimate Clarity Incorporated. Her mission is to help others find happiness and joy as leaders of their own lives through connection of logic and heart.  Lisa and her partner Sherpa of Happiness Valerie Sheppard, are co-creating a Happiness Sabbatical in the tropical, eco-rich splendor of Costa Rica July 19-27, 2013.

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Is Laughter the Best Medicine?

By Valerie Sheppard

Today I enjoyed a wonderful You-Tube video with a group of people staging a ‘laugh-in’ on the subway. It is a wonderful illustration of how laughter is contagious!  To watch it, click HERE.

One of the joys of participating in and teaching Laughter Yoga is that I’ve experienced first hand that laughter, whether purposefully generated or in response to something we see or experience that’s funny, has the same wonderful and generative benefits:  we relax, endorphins go racing through the body, and we receive a big injection of HAPPINESS!  Whoever first coined the adage that laughter is the best medicine was right!

The Benefits of Laughter
Physical Health Benefits:

  • Boosts immunity
  • Lowers stress hormones
  • Decreases pain
  • Relaxes your muscles
  • Prevents heart disease
Mental Health Benefits:

  • Adds joy and zest to life
  • Eases anxiety and fear
  • Relieves stress
  • Improves mood
  • Enhances resilience
Social Benefits:

  • Strengthens relationships
  • Attracts others to us
  • Enhances teamwork
  • Helps diffuse conflict
  • Promotes group bonding

You’ve probably already heard me say that happiness leads to success and not the other way around.  It stands to reason then that if laughter gives you happy moments, it can contribute to your success.

Whatever else you do in any given day, take a few minutes to spend some time in laughter.  You can visit my laughter page where you’ll find funny videos, jokes and images, find a laughter club near you (if you’re in Orange County, come join me at the Laguna Beach Laughter Club), check out some improv comedy live performances or videos, or start giggling for absolutely no reason at all!  When you keep it going for more than 20 minutes, the laughter itself is therapeutic and will energize and inspire your day.  If you’d like to bring more laughter into your workplace, invite LaughFit to create a program there.

Wishing you a laughter-filled day, a life overflowing with happiness, and much success in all things.

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