What keeps us from being happy?
This is definitely a subjective question but whatever the particulars of our individual answers, underneath is likely insecurity: insecurity about ourselves, our choices (past, present and future), and/or others’ opinions about who we are and what we do.
Some time ago, my sister Elaine came across this list ~ Seven Rules of Life ~ from Whisper of the Heart. These rules, simple as they are, probe deeply into the aspects of life that can undermine our happiness.
Take a step back, take a little time out, and consider how these play out for you:
Seven Rules of Life
- Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.
- What others think is none of your business.
- Time heals – give it time.
- Don’t compare your life to others and don’t judge them – you have no idea what their journey is all about.
- Stop thinking too much; it’s alright not to know the answers. They will come to you when you least expect it.
- No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
- Smile. You don’t own all the problems in the world.
Now take a little more time out and explore these questions in your journal:
Which rule strikes closest to your truth? Why?
Which one challenges you the most? Why?
Which does not seem true to you? Why?
Which one of these rules can you come into agreement with today?
How can you implement this rule into action in your life right now?
For me, I choose Rule # 6 to be #1. Once we realize that our happiness is in our own hands and that we can, in fact, choose/create happiness – or at least bring our awareness to an aspect of happiness in our lives – the other rules become simpler, more achievable.
Order and implement these rules in a way that works for you … whatever way that makes you happy!
Blessings, Plynn
Plynn Gutman 