The Goal For 2024: Happiness!

Everyone is looking for more happiness as one of their New Year’s resolutions.  There are some things to consider when you set out to make that happen and remember, no one else can bring you happiness except you.  So, let’s get to work and get this year started on a good note by improving ourselves every day!  Consider starting out by asking yourself a few questions……

Do you overload your schedule? 

We’ve all been guilty of this.  While we think we can be so productive and get it all done, we actually set ourselves up for stress, overwhelm and burnout.  Prioritize and schedule the tasks in your day.  If you find you still aren’t accomplishing the things on your list, you may need to revise and allow more time for the tasks for the day.

Do you find yourself always being the YES person?

While we all want to help others, we tend to do it at the expense of our own health and wellbeing.  You don’t have to organize the party for the grade school class, but you can volunteer to serve cupcakes.  It is OK to say, “I’m sorry, I’m not going to be able to help with that this time!”

Do you have great intentions to take time for yourself for selfcare and fall short?

If you’ve known me long enough you know that selfcare is a daily event for me and it should be for you, too.  Selfcare isn’t a mani/pedi or massage here or there or a monthly dinner with the gang.  It is daily nutrition, hydration, movement, stress reduction, and sleep!  Schedule breaks and exercise.  Fill the fridge with only healthy things, take time for relaxation, reading or meditation.  Get to bed at a regular time to get 7-8 hours of sleep!  That, my friends, is selfcare!  Schedule it!

Do you ignore your physical health?

Is your workout scheduled for ‘someday’?  Do you have great intentions without plans?  Regular exercise, even walking, releases chemicals in the brain that help you feel happy and more relaxed.  Exercise even helps you sleep. 

Do you hold on to grudges for dear life?

Holding on to grudges serves no purpose.  The person you hold a grudge against doesn’t care about how you feel.  Sadly, we are going to get hurt or disappointed in this life.  But, holding on the grudges only hurts you.  Let it go and learn from the experience.  Let the past go and relieve your stress!

Are you surrounded by negativity and troubled relationships?

Negative energy is draining even for the happiest of people.  If you aren’t as happy as you wish to be, look at the people you are around and the relationships you have.  Are they negative, full of complainers or gossipers?  Surround yourself with positive people to improve your happiness.

Do you play the comparison game?

We all start from the same place in life with nothing.  We all achieve success at different times in life.  Comparing yourself to others, especially on social media, does nothing but steal your joy!  People in the same field that are more successful probably started years before you.  Get to work and you have the same opportunities they have.   You are unique.  There is no one else but you.  You are special!  Focus on yourself and improving you.   Start creating and celebrating your own wins.

Do you hide the bad days?

Be real!  We all have them!  Even positive people have bad days.  Acknowledge the bad day and ride it out.   Take a day to recharge.  Focus on yourself and this too shall pass.

Do you find yourself living in the past and worrying about the future?

Nothing we can do will change the past.  If it is a past mistake, learn from it to make sure it doesn’t happen again.  We are wasting energy worrying about tomorrow.  Anything can happen tomorrow!  So, live in the present to maximize your happiness!  Life can change in a moment’s notice!   Appreciate each day as it comes! 

Do you believe you are not good enough?

So many people were told growing up that they wouldn’t amount to anything in life.  Sad thing is many people continue to believe it!  You know, we can be our own worst critic!  We tell ourselves we aren’t good enough, smart enough, or capable enough.  We experience a failure or two and we remind ourselves- See!  I’m not good enough!  It’s time to kick that little voice out of your head when it tells you that you aren’t enough and watch your happiness soar!

Are you looking for happiness in all the wrong places?

Happiness comes from within.  Work on changing you and improving yourself.  You will find more happiness.  No one can provide happiness for you.  Find joy in the simple pleasures of life living in the moment.  Drugs, alcohol and tobacco don’t feed your happiness!  They destroy your health and drain your wallet!

Is your life full of clutter?

There are studies that show that those that have messy, cluttered and dirty spaces are more unhappy, depressed or melancholy. Decluttering can be overwhelming so start out small and sort, pitch and donate.  Set small accomplishable goals to declutter.  Decluttering will improve your self esteem and increase your happiness. 

Do you have a mindset of abundance and gratitude?

Practicing gratitude goes a long way to increasing the sense of happiness in your life.  Be grateful for what you have rather than what you don’t have.  It doesn’t mean you have to settle and not want more out of life.  Set attainable goals to have more in your life or to be more successful in life as you practice gratitude along the journey. 

These are just a few of the things to ponder as you work towards greater happiness in your life for 2024 and beyond!  There are countless articles and books you can read as well.  Just remember that happiness comes from within.  It is your own personal project to  work on! 

What areas are you going to focus on improving in your happiness journey? 

If you have great articles or books you are reading to improve your happiness, share them below with other readers! 

Thank you for subscribing!  I hope you enjoy the newsletters.  I am here to encourage and inspire you on your health and wellness journey through life to be the best you can be! 

Your partner in health and wellness,

Carla