“If you want to be happy, be.”
– Leo Tolstoy

If I had more money, then I’ll be happy. If I had the perfect partner, then I’ll be happy. If my loved ones listened to me, then I’ll be happy. If I had my dream job, then I’ll be happy. If I, could I, If I had, If I did…then I’ll be happy.

Or will I be?

Well…no. I won’t be happy. Because the only way to find true happiness is by discovering it within yourself first. It begins and ends with you. Whether you are in a shitty job or have the perfect career, feeling joy and shining your inner light is the key to living a life of balance and harmony.

Searching for happiness outside of yourself or in a bunch of what if’s that may or may not happen, leads you to walking around in big circles. This circle leads you right where you started. Searching for happiness.

Stop searching. Right. Now. Instead look and listen to your heart, your essence, your soul. Within this space is where you’ll find happiness that will sustain you while giving lasting peace and deep inner strength. Only you can provide this. Not anyone else, no other stuff or any other circumstances.

Happiness is also created by living in the here and now. Being fully present while savoring each moment cultivates gratitude for being alive. No matter where you are, how much you’ve suffered or whoever has hurt you in the past… you ALWAYS have something to be grateful for.

Amazing, wonderful and beautiful things will happen. Difficulties, rugs being pulled from underneath you and unexpected traumas will rock your world. All guaranteed. But to remain calm and centered and in all experiences, requires you to embody deep, relentless and committed inner joy.

Happiness is a choice. You can choose to be happy. Or you can choose to be unhappy. It’s up to you. You have free will to decide where to be, what to do and who to be with. If you are in an unhappy relationship, you can work on it or get out. If you hate your job, you can change your perspective or find a new career. God gave you the power to charter your own journey while co-creating your life with the Divine.

Many people claim they are “stuck”. But being stuck is an illusion. No one was brought to this earth to live a stuck life. All of us are meant to experience life filled with joy, passion and purpose with the energy to love and serve others. Taking responsibility for yourself and your life gives you control of your happiness. Not your circumstances controlling you.

Shifting your perspective and changing your mindset, creates the space for happiness to grow. All you need is to see and be aware happiness begins and ends with you. Always.

I don’t a lot of money, but I am happy. I don’t have a beautiful house, but I am happy. I don’t have the perfect partner, but I am happy. Sometimes my son doesn’t listen to me, but I am happy. Doesn’t matter if I, could I, If I had, If I did…because I am happy.

Will you be happy?

Photo by Lesly B. Juarez on Unsplash