We are all wandering this planet searching for the same thing: happiness. The problem is, we are looking for it in all the wrong places. Attaining happiness seems pretty simple: do things you love, less of what you hate. However, this is the kind of happiness that is temporary. While on the journey for happiness, try finding it within you and around you, not from others. We are human and it is natural to search for us to seek more of to attain a goal. I am here to tell you that long-term happiness starts by doing less. Here's a list of six things to let go of that will make your life less stressful and happier.
1. Give up your distractions
Put down your phone, computer, iPad, Kindle, or Apple watch. Give up binge-watching "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" and go for a walk. At dinner, put your phones in a stack on the table so no one has the urge text. Simple efforts to be more attentive and present make a big difference.
2. Give up the need to be acknowledged by others
This is a tough one. We are conditioned early on to chase after appreciation, approval and love. We are only human and it is natural to want a high-five every time you complete a 3-mile run at 6 a.m. or get a raise at work. Nonetheless, we have a desire to love and be loved. However, if you are proud of yourself that is all that matters.
3. Stop comparing the present to the past.
Despite what Gatsby says, you cannot in fact repeat the past. You will never be able to recreate the past because the only thing for certain in life is that things are constantly changing. If you don't like something about the present, change it. Acknowledge that time is precious and the present is really all that we have.
4. Stop resisting change.
Learning to let go is something most people struggle with throughout their lives. The need to keep things the same comes from a place of assurance and certainty. C.S. Lewis once said, "there are far greater things ahead than any we leave behind" and those are words to live by.
5. Stop being so hard on yourself and others.
Self-loathing, hating and complaining gets you nowhere other than diminishing your self-worth. You will never have the same body as the girl in the magazine because you are not the girl in the magazine. You're YOU and that is something to be proud of.
6. Give up the need to be understood by everyone.
Being understood by someone is incredibly special yet also rare. Not everyone will like you and that is okay. That means you stand for something and believe in something. Who wants to live a life walking on eggshells anyway? Certainly not me. The moment you will start to feel happier within is when you dress for you, think for you, act for you, decide for you and most of all, live for you.
Times is precious.
Don't miss out on life by living for anyone but yourself.
