Habits That Lead To A Happier Life.

 Hi everyone! Welcome to HAPPY DAYS Podcast. I am Kelly Ward - Your host.

I hope you are having a beautiful week and I am so excited to be hanging out with you today so Happy Wednesday! My week has been great and today's weather is absolutely amazing, it is sunny outside which is my favorite weather. I am not sure about you but when I wake up and see that it is sunny outside, my mood is instantly lifted and I feel happy. I love sunny, happy weather - especially if it has been raining for a few days and the sun comes out - it signifies that no matter what you may be going through in life, you will find happiness again, there is always hope and the sun will shine again. So I hope you have had a gorgeous week so far. 

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So today I want to discuss the habits that will lead you to living a happier life. I think it is so important to focus on the positive each day, even though on some days you need to look much harder. Happiness is totally subjective, just like art. It is your perception of it. Everyone defines what it means to live a rewarding life differently. In today's world, we are so influenced by what society depicts as what success looks like and it definitely can add a layer of stress and anxiety into your life, because we are influenced to believe that if we don't achieve what everyone sees success as, we are failures, however that is totally not the case because success and happiness is different for everyone and what matters in the end is what makes you happy. There are certain habits that you can incorporate into your daily life that can definitely increase your level of happiness. So I want to discuss some positive habits that will help you live your best life. 

So before you can truly be happy, you need to first focus on improving yourself and that starts with identifying your shadow self. Our shadow selves are the parts of ourselves that we would prefer not to confront or face. They are basically the deepest wounds that have us believing that we are flawed, unlovable, undeserving and unworthy. These shadows surfaced during our early childhood. Your shadows are parts of yourself that you either consciously or unconsciously choose to reject. So think to yourself - what do I not like about myself? - what have you been called out on before? Perhaps it's a need for control, your constant need for validation and attention from others or perhaps it has to do with wanting to please others to be liked. By actually identifying your shadow self - it leads you down the path of accountability, taking ownership of your wounds and triggers and allows you to create a space of deep healing and release of past hurts holding you back. By focusing first on becoming better and improving yourself and being honest with yourself, that opens you up to creating a positive change in your life. 

Alright so I want to discuss the habits that will help you to live a more balanced and happier life. 

So in the morning when you wake up - make up your bed. This sounds so silly but it really is not. It provides you with a sense of accomplishment to start your day and it is so important to celebrate those small victories. Also check in with your friends or family member to see how they are doing, it is important to focus on building healthy relationships in your life where you are supported, uplifted, motivated and held accountable. I check in on my dad every day because he is a positive person so it is super important to nurture and build relationships with people who make the effort with you and who also are positive people. The quality of your life also depends on the company you keep. Choose wisely. I basically only have one friend in my life and I know a lot of people, however the one friend I have - I know I can trust and also depend on. So be aware of who truly wants the best for you. 

Alright - affirmations. So something I have started lately is a manifestation journal and I write down positive self affirmations which I read out loud every morning. For example - 'I welcome good people and good experiences into my life', 'I am fully capable of achieving my goals and dreams', 'I am grateful for all of the good in my life', 'I welcome positive energy and abundance from the Universe.'

By doing this practice, you are slowing down your thoughts and reaffirming to yourself that you are worthy of happiness. This allows you to become more mentally prepared for the tasks you have to achieve that affirmation or goal and you are allowing it to manifest itself into your life. Something that is also really cool to note is the benefit of essential oils. So I have actually done a course on holistic massage therapy, I am a huge fan of essential oils because they have a calming effect which can benefit your life if you are a highly stressed person. So what I recommend is to turn on your diffuser and smell the aroma of your favorite essential oil. Lavender helps you to start your day off tense free and rosemary basically helps aid your memory for your day ahead. 

It is important to also ensure you schedule time for yourself to work out on a daily basis. It can be for 15minutes to an hour. Totally up to you and remember that working out is not to punish your body but to look after your body and it leaves you feeling strong and confident inside. So don't forget to work out and then also thank your body for what it does for you by stretching as well. These simple techniques add up in a positive way in your life because you are making it a priority to take care of yourself. 

Do something creative, I love painting, strumming on my guitar, listening to music. Any form of expression allows you to release any feelings of anxiety or built up stress and you simply enjoy the moment you are in. It is like sitting on your favorite beach in the summer time or laying beside your pool at home, when the sky is blue, there's no wind, you are staring up at palm trees and the sunshine is on your skin. It is a feeling of bliss. When we suppress parts of ourselves, we don't allow ourselves to be ourselves and that makes us unhappy. 

Lastly - schedule a self care routine at night before bed, where you practice self care. Whether it's applying a face mask, having a relaxing bath, cuddling up on the couch with a blanket and some tea or having a glass of wine and enjoying a good book. Find simple ways to enjoy your life everyday. Stop only focusing on all of your issues. Be aware of them so that you can work through them but don't forget to also enjoy the moment. Unfortunately being unhappy and negative is much easier than being happy and positive because as humans we are wired to survive and to be prepared for anything, it is in our nature. We sometimes get lost in what society pressures us to do and be, however while the world will do its best to define you, telling you who to be, how to act and what to think, remember that every fiber of your being was designed with purpose. The way you think, communicate ideas and also the way you express yourself. You are a unique combination that makes you special and different. Embrace that. Sometimes we get caught up in thinking that we must 'become' someone to be great or special, however greatness is already within us. It is basically at the core of who we are. I wish everyone happiness, success, good health and lots of positive vibes. 

Thank you so much for hanging out with me today, I wish you a lovely week ahead!

I love you 

Goodbye :)