There are a number of things a person can do to become happier. One of these is to know the things that feed your heart and soul and make you happy. You are a unique person with specific loves. One way to know what those things are is to do this exercise: Read this over, then close your eyes and do this. Imagine a large blank movie screen in front of your eyes. Think of a time you felt happy, content, peaceful, proud or calm. You may have been 4 years old, a youth or if may have been last week or last year. Don't over think it, just let the images or memories arise spontaneously. Then see it, hear it, feel it, smell it and let yourself be there. Were you alone or with someone? What was happening? How were you feeling? What did you like about that moment?
For one person, it may be being alone in nature, for another person time with family, for one person both family and nature may be in their image. You may remember a milestone like having a child, wedding or graduation. It may be simply sitting in the sun or having time of just being rather than doing.
Once you identify these things, do these things more often. I know this sounds deceptively simple, but it can really make a difference in your life and wellbeing. We often think it is only the grand vacations that make us happy, or the rare moments of our lives. But what are the feelings we hope to experience and how can we create these feelings and attitudes in ourselves in our weekly life?
For me, I need time with friends, family, nature and pets to be truly happy. I also love to travel, but a new place nearby can be as rejuvenating as an expensive trip. It is important to listen to our specific needs and fill those.
If you can't come up with memories, you are probably depressed or overly stressed or anxious and would benefit from counseling. Or, if you just want to uncover what makes you happy and what blocks you from self-care, call me. I can help.
Be well.
© Lisa Cottrell, LPC, 2012
For one person, it may be being alone in nature, for another person time with family, for one person both family and nature may be in their image. You may remember a milestone like having a child, wedding or graduation. It may be simply sitting in the sun or having time of just being rather than doing.
Once you identify these things, do these things more often. I know this sounds deceptively simple, but it can really make a difference in your life and wellbeing. We often think it is only the grand vacations that make us happy, or the rare moments of our lives. But what are the feelings we hope to experience and how can we create these feelings and attitudes in ourselves in our weekly life?
For me, I need time with friends, family, nature and pets to be truly happy. I also love to travel, but a new place nearby can be as rejuvenating as an expensive trip. It is important to listen to our specific needs and fill those.
If you can't come up with memories, you are probably depressed or overly stressed or anxious and would benefit from counseling. Or, if you just want to uncover what makes you happy and what blocks you from self-care, call me. I can help.
Be well.
© Lisa Cottrell, LPC, 2012
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