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.
