Are you happy? Really?

Be honest with yourself about this question. If your answer is yes, that is wonderful and you probably don’t need to read this. If your answer is no, or I’m not sure, then keep reading. I’m going to present more questions than answers, but the goal is to get you thinking (I will also give you some ideas). Keep in mind, there are no quick or easy fixes when it comes to making big changes, but life is just too short to spend it miserable. So let’s look at some different parts of your life:

1. Are you happy with what you do for a living? Whether you work for someone else or work for yourself, are you happy or at least content with what you do? Does your work give you a sense of meaning or at least security? If not, then you should consider doing something else. I realize this isn’t always easy, but sometimes it is more possible than you think. The key is to be creative and open to possibilities. Remember, it’s not always about the money.

2. Are you happy with your relationships, whether with friends or family? If any of your relationships are causing you ongoing stress and pain, then you have three choices. You can change the relationship, end it, or if you can’t do either, then find a way to accept it.

3. Are you happy with your physical and mental health? Or do you frequently feel tired, get sick often, feel sad or just plain don’t like yourself? This will usually be the case if you have neglected your wellbeing for a long time. The way to turn this around is to begin with small steps. It may seem overwhelming, but ask yourself what’s most important to you right now? That’s where you should begin.

4. Are you happy with where you live? Is your home cluttered and disorganized? Is your current town or city where you truly want to be? Sometimes, the grass really is greener on the other side. For example, some people who live in cold and cloudy areas feel better when they move to a sunnier part of the world. Is moving right for you, or do you just need to clean up the space where you are at?

5. Are you happy with your sense of spirituality? Are you doing well in most of the important areas of your life but still feel unhappy deep down inside, or feel as if something is still missing? Then ask yourself this: “What am I doing to nurture my spirit?” Do you need to reconnect with your religion or do you need to explore what spirituality means to you? Whichever it is, do it. Because spirituality affects all other area’s of your life, don’t wait until it’s the “right time” or until you have more free time, because that will most likely never happen.

Remember, it’s good to question things sometimes. It gets you out of the habit of going through life on automatic.

Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions or comments, and please pass this newsletter along to anyone who you think might be interested.