Hey, hey, my friend!! If things in your world are as chaotic as things in mine, thought you might appreciate a few hints on living happier. If you don't need them now, I'm so glad to hear it! But, keep these handy. Life is 50/50, good and bad, incredible and devastating. You will need the reminders at some point... ;)
These hints are taken from A Letter to My Daughter, 40 Things I Learned About Living Happier by Nataly Kogan, author of Happier Now...and I've tweaked and personalized a few of them for you...
One sweater you really like is better than five sweaters you kinda sorta like and bought because they were on sale. You'll know the one sweater...it's the one your daughter continually asks to borrow... ;)
Don't wait for one person to give you all the love and care you crave. No one can be your all, but some people can be your a lot. Cherish them.
Stop trying to be fearless. If you are trying or learning, you will face fear. It's okay. Remember why you are on the journey and hang onto that...it will guide you through the fear. Remember, everything you want is on the other side of that fear.
Read the whole recipe before you start cooking...
Be grateful, even for the tiniest of things. They all matter. Find something to appreciate. It will lift you up.
Treat yourself as you would treat your best friend.
Most things are better after a good night's sleep...
Don't save the good dishes or the nice clothes for a special occasion. Every day is a special occasion.
You can only change yourself - not other people, not relationships - just you. If you want to change anything - even the world - start with you.
Be.Here.Now. Don't rob yourself of living today because you are lost in yesterday or already leaning into tomorrow.
One spoonful of the real stuff is better than a whole cup of the low-fat stuff...always...
Hiding your unique gifts from others isn't humility. It's stealing. There may be someone whose life will be changed by them.
There's no such thing as a wrong emotion. Feel what you feel, even if it's hard. The less you try to fight or avoid a feeling you don't want to have, the easier it will be to move through it. Stop trying to hold that beach ball under the water...
You are enough. You are lovable, amazing and deserving exactly as you are. You were born worthy. Own it.
People care a lot less about what you do or how you look than you think. We are all mostly focused on ourselves, so stop worrying about them. And remember...what others think of you is none of your business. ;)
It's okay to have a mess of a day. Sometimes you need to eat too much, binge Netflix or hide away under the covers.
Be more honest. Being vulnerable doesn't make you weak - it makes you real. Be real. It's a gift - not only to you but to those around you.
Be creative. Cook, paint, plant, play an instrument, anything. Take a break from living in your head.
Give up ideas of how life should be. Stop shoulding yourself. Nothing has gone wrong.
Most things taste better right out of the container...ice cream, milk, cookie dough, frosting...
Break your own rules as often as possible. Try spicy food even if you're "not into spicy food". Wear something bright if you are like me and love wearing black. Read something you normally wouldn't. Give yourself freedom to explore.
Take care of you. It's not selfish. It's your responsibility to the people you love. There's no glory in being a martyr...
Never be too busy for a hug...or too grumpy...or too proud...
Just because you can't see it right now doesn't mean the path isn't there. Keep taking those steps.
If you have to force it - an idea, a piece of writing, a job, a relationship, a shoe - it's not meant to be. Working hard and forcing something are two different things. Learn the difference.
It's all really about love. Not romantic love, not any specific kind of love, just love. It's within you. Find it. Nurture it. Share it. Grow it. Swim in it. It's always the right answer, although sometimes you'll have a hard time seeing it. Keep looking.
I hope you found one thing on this list to make today easier, brighter, less restrictive...
Live your best life today, my friend.
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