Happiness,

For me happiness is a massive belly laugh with my dear amigos or Mamma Bear. It’s a refreshing dip in the ocean. It’s when my morning smoothie is particularly on point. It’s straight after a large and completely satisfying morning dump.

Like many of my more philosophical articles, this post isn’t based on research or anyone else’s truth but my own, but I think I’ve got a pretty relatable insight so please stay with me.

Happiness is finding those that light you up like a Christmas tree. They could be like-minded friends (or like-minded strangers that become friends), a mentor, an idol, a family member or even a cute little animal (how can a baby kitten not light you up?). So the more you surround yourself with these sorts of people/animals the happier you will be … right?

Seek out these special beings and don’t be shy about it! If you want to see a friend more often then tell them how brilliant you think they are and invite them ’round more often. If you have an idol that you absolutely adore, take steps to be in contact with them. If you have a mentor that guides you,  frequently remond them how much you appreciate their time, and keep working alongside them. And if you have an animal companion, spend time with them each day and tell them how much you love them – I’m sure on some level they will understand. Life is here to be shared. So be upfront about your love! Tell them, whoever they are, how extatic you are to know them.

Happiness is noticing the small things. Oh dear, Rachel’s getting all mushy, gushy … yeah I know it’s an age old saying but seriously, we spend so much of our lives noticing what isn’t right (seen the news lately?) but what a difference it would make if we counted our blessings! It doesn’t have to be anything much, just something that slightly improves your day (like the angelic dog that wants a pat outside the supermarket doors, or your favourite brand of coconut water being on special.)

See my post on gratitude and finding the blessing here.

Happiness is dreams coming true.

• Take opportunities – even if they scare you. Dream big and trust that everything will works out the way it’s supposed to. I’m not saying that shit won’t happen. That there won’t be hard times to challenge you. Resist slipping into negativity. Stay centered and focussed on what you want. Keep chasing your desires.
• Create a vision board that you can continuously add to. Write down what you want – no matter how crazy you think it is.
• Manifestation journals are also a lot of fun! Without getting all hippy on you it is amazing how powerful the act of putting something into writing can be! Put out there to the world what you want – no limits applied – just dream big and back yourself!

Happiness is doing what you love. Take the time to think about what brings you joy. What puts an infectious grin on your face? What makes you skip or dance when no one is watching? What feels you with tingles and butterflies (the good kind)?  Take every opportunity to experience these feelings – all at once if possible.

Happiness is making a difference. Give compliments, to both friends, family and strangers (whenever they pop into your head, if you admire their confidence tell them, nice earrings, tell them, insert compliment hear, yep you got it, tell them!). If someone drops something, pick it up for them. If someone is unwell, light a candle and spare a thought for their recovery. If someone is upset hug them and tell them to let it out and you’ll be there to talk if they need afterwards. Trade the expense of your morning coffee (or some other regular purchase) and donate to a charity that you believe in (or to buy a small present for a friend or family member that deserves a pick-me-up). Oh and give smiles, lots and lots (and lots and lots and lots … we got this?) of smiles! Seriously you can make someones day just by grinning at them, so let your goofy grin shine.

Happiness is treating yourself like a best friend. Hug yourself (no it’s not weird), talk to yourself (no this won’t make you a lunatic) and use gentle words such as love or sweetie, take the time to honour your needs (this is NOT selfish) and love yourself unconditionally. It can take work, but slowly and gently take the steps to fall in love with YOU! Reduce and then eliminate negative self-talk, forgive the imperfections that previously weighed you down and stand strong with a mindset that you are FABULOUS!

And if all else fails and you lose your way, invest in a comfy pair of happy pants. You can’t have a bad day in happy pants!

These pants are so frigga-liggin comfortable! Seriously the absolute tits! It’s like wearing happiness. Loose, breezy and oh so stylish. The best bit? They were a hand-me-down from my cousin, so they were free to boot.

What do you reckon? Could these simple habit changes hold the key to our living snazzier lives? Let me know amigos.