As the sun rose yesterday, it’s was that time again to wish friends, family and even strangers a Happy New Year. Yet have you ever considered what ‘happy’ means? What would a happy year look like for you?
I don’t mean make a new year resolution that lasts for a few days. (More about that in last year’s blog on the topic). I mean, what will make a difference to the way you look at your year as a whole and the way you will feel when you get to the end of it in 365 days time.
For me it always comes down to health first. With a family member in hospital at the moment, I can sense how much that is affecting the whole family. Everyone’s mood, energy levels and our relationship with each other is suffering too. Conversely when my clients are no longer in pain and they start to feel better, they have the energy to address other areas in their life and everything seems to run more smoothly. That leads them to a sense of more peace, contentment and ultimately happiness.
So the feeling of happiness for me is when we feel content, at peace and relaxed with where we are right now. It’s not about fulfilling other people’s expectations or having to do anything in particular. It really is a state of being. After all we say ‘BE happy’, not ‘do happiness’.
Encouraging happiness
So how can you encourage that state of being throughout the year?
Below is a video to give you an insight about what might be getting in the way of your happiness. It struck a cord with me, as I too was so surprised, when I visited Kenya when I was 11, that the people seemed happier than me, despite having a lot less than I had.
Also I have 3 events that might help you maintain or improve your happiness in 3 very different ways yet still focus on self-care.
18th Jan Accunect self-care is a great way to bring better balance, energy and health for you and your family. (Early bird ends on 6th Jan if you want to save £30 and get a 30 min relaxation session with me included). Here is more about what it involves.
On 24th Jan starts 50 shades of guilt ( 3 X 2hrs on Friday evenings). This is a trial run at a very reduced price for 4 people willing to give me some feedback to develop this into a day workshop. I have discovered that guilt is often an issue for clients despite the fact they generally aren’t aware of how much it is affecting their sense of happiness.
If you would like to stop guilt getting in the way of your happiness then here are the details.
9th Feb and 26th April Mindful Moving Mediation will help you explore how movement affect your mood and how you can find a place of peace within and feel more connected. Early bird ends 20th Jan. Here is a link to a video about how movement affects your brain.
So all that is left for me to say is happy and healthy New Year.