Happiness



Today is International Day of Happiness. I thought that would certainly qualify for a blog post :)

So let’s talk happiness. Happiness can mean different things to different people and not always the easiest word to define. When asked ‘What makes you happy’? What would your instant reaction or answer be? What is that thought or memory that fills you with contentment and positivity, makes you smile and leaves you with a warmth?

A picture from my recent trip to Portugal :)

Happiness is something we strive for. It is important not to give anyone the right to take this state of being away. Sometimes it is essential to remember to put yourself first and that’s ok for if you take care of your wellbeing you will be in a better place to help others. That’s not to say one should be selfish or neglect others to attain happiness. It also does not mean that to achieve happiness, you comprise someone else’s. It simply means that your emotional state is just as important as another.



It is far too easy for the stresses, trials and tribulations of everyday life to weigh us down and blind us from what makes us happy. But remember, life is not defined by how you ‘fall’ but what is important is how you rise and keep going. Do not let problems keep you down. Remember, as long as there is life, there is hope. I too get caught up in the struggles of everyday be it if my train is delayed, people being obnoxious, failed or let down by a friend etc. However, these aspects of life is out of our control. Can you make the train on time, make people behave humanely or ensure a friend doesn’t hurt you? If we cannot change something that has befallen us, we shouldn’t be so hard on ourselves. As long as you know you’ve tried as hard as you can and you have ensured you have done the right thing, then why let the troubles of this world take away your happiness or peace? Problems come and go in life, as does most things. It is temporary and it will pass. Whatever may seem to be troubling you today and appears to be the biggest difficulty in this point in time, when you look back at it someday, you will realise how small that aspect of life was. It is far too easy to get caught up in the moment and lose sight of what is important. But, when you take a moment and step back, you realise that life is much greater than that one moment in time.


A picture from my hike in Kent

The point I’m trying to make is, everyone faces difficulties, but you should not let these instances keep you down. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath and a step away from the situation. This will help you to see clearer. If something (or someone) makes you angry, try not to retaliate or say something that would not mend the situation. Often people regret what they say in a moment of anger. Therefore, do not make things more difficult for yourself or another by spitting out whatever is on your mind. But instead take the time to realise that your wellbeing is important and to ameliorate the negativity, give it time and let go. Time to think before you say or do something, time to let things cool down or time to allow yourself to heal. In the rush of everyday life, we need to give ourselves time.  Let go to free yourself. Take a moment to relax, find peace, breath, meditate and do things you like to do, the things which bring you happiness. Also, take a moment to be grateful and getting out of a cycle of wanting more. Be satisfied with what you have. When you find inner peace and contentment, you will exude positivity. And positivity… is contagious :) So pass on that warm smile and brighten up somebody’s day.

It is easy to get stuck in a rigid routine. For instance, wake up, go to work, come home, pay bills, sleep, wake, work, pay… an endless cycle that can result in you losing yourself and struggling to find happiness. Therefore it is important to set some ‘you’ time in your life to do things that keep you feeling alive. Take the time to be kind to yourself and treat yourself. Ask yourself, ‘What makes me happy?’ This could be a home cooked meal, a nice moment to relax and curl up with a good book, a long walk, a hot bath. Whatever it is, find the time to appreciate yourself and realise that you are worthy of happiness. It is the birthright of everyone.


I would love to hear from you! Let me know what makes you happy. If you have any tips, pop it down in the comments to share with myself and others :


Till next time


Sheen xxx


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