I have had numerous people say to me that I am ‘so happy’. And sometimes in this scritchy tone of voice that indicates they may not consider that a good thing. I have also had people say to me that my high energy approach to work ‘looks exhausting’, that I am a ‘spark plug’, a ‘pollyanna’, and ‘crazy’. 😊
I’m usually glad to hear it, because I intend to be this happy. I practice it everyday.
One more time for the cheap seats; happiness is a practice. It’s a discipline. A fun discipline.
Here’s what I do:
Every morning when I wake up – before I think of anything else, let alone reach for Facebook – I think of ten things I am grateful for. This usually starts with the fact that I am alive – as evidenced by the wonderful fact that I woke up at all – and moves up from there (I have a roof over my head, I am healthy, there is food in the fridge… you get it.)
Then I meditate for anywhere from 10 -30 minutes, depending on what I have going that day.
Then I visualize what I want my life to look like and how that can benefit others. I picture that I am in that, NOW. I feel what it feels like to be there, I let myself react to that feeling.
By this time, I am usually happy-dancing around the room, so I just do that for a while. It’s nice.
Then, and this is key – I affirm to myself and the universe that I am worthy of the very best in life, worthy of my dreams for myself and for the world, and that I allow myself to *continue* to receive it all now.
* Continue*- because I have already received boundless blessings – many of which I imagined prior to their happening. I’m telling you, visualize what you want clearly and with the joy actually having already received it. Hold it in your heart as you work towards it, talk about it positively with others, and be open to receiving it because it will come if you let it, I promise you. If I can do it, you can do it too.
After all of this I am still wiggling with happiness, and ready to move around so I exercise, every day, for 30 – 90 minutes depending on the day. Serotonin, ya’ll.
Then I’m ready to work – focused, and with energy, and of course, happiness.
Throughout the day I do and give what I can to other people – whether its time, money, a smile, or just a silent sending of love and blessings.
Don’t have time for all this? Adapt it- I meditate on the train. A lot. I have no idea how many empty classrooms, green spaces, and public toilets I’ve done affirmations in. Kindness is easy, and free- give that person you pass on your commute a smile, or buy an extra something when you grab lunch for someone who may need/want it.
Start small- meditate for 5 minutes a day in the beginning, then move up as you grow in your practice. The important part is that it is indeed a practice.
Think you can’t do it? I’m one of millions that practices this type of routine- people from all walks of life, cultures, and privileges have manifested their own happiness and benefited others through similar methods. This is what works for me– it’s yours to adapt. Or to be a springboard from which you can research and develop your own discipline.
Give it a whirl- and let me know what manifests 😊
Love you all ❤
Actress Academic 