In Pursuit of Happiness?
The Art is in the Simplicity of its Design!

The pursuit of Happiness, an age old quest. We go off half-cocked on some wild goose chase without truly knowing the way forward. Find out what makes you happy and include more of it in your life.

Just as I find this rocky beach beautiful, you may view those rocks as an obstacle to reaching the sea. Being happy is no different - it's different strokes for different folks.

Here you will find:
3 easy steps to define your own happiness

The pursuit of happiness is the chase, but you must have goal insight.

You are responsible for your own happiness. NO one else can make us happy in a lasting sense. As parents we are responsible for our chidren's 'emotional literacy' and need to help them understand and control the powerful emotions they will undoubteldy encounter.

First steps to greater Happiness?

• The realisation you are unhappy, sad or lacking in some area of your life.
• Knowing how you would like things to be different.
• Finding the impetus, motivation to change it.

Emotions are notoriously difficult to define in words but I find quotes a really succinct means of expression. Before you move on to define happiness for you:-
which of these Happiness definitions are you most drawn to?

Don't start living tomorrow - tomorrow never arrives.
Start working on your dreams and ambitions today.
(Anon.)

3 Easy Steps in Pursuit of Happiness

1. Know what you want!

   ---

   In the absence of the word Happy which characteristics would you like MORE OF IN YOUR LIFE?

   Amused Abundant Adventurous Autonomous Brilliant
   Bountiful Blooming Celebratory Cosy Comfortable
   Carefree Calm Cheerful Creative Delicious Delightful
   Deep Dreamy Elated Elegant Ecstatic Easy Energetic
   Empowered Free Fantastic Fulfilled Funny Feminine
   Grand Glad Good Giggly Healthy Hopeful Important
   Joyous Jubilant Kind-hearted Loving Light-hearted
   Magnanimous Magical Masterful Marvelous Nice Needed
   Natural Open Playful Peace-of mind Peaceful Powerful
   Proud Protected Quiet Ready Rested Silly Sexy
   Surprised Tempted Triumphant Ten-times-better
   Trusting Understood Velvety Vibrant Vivacious Well
   Wonderful Wild Wicked Young Youthful

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   NOTE: I do know what it is like to be really low...when it is impossible to conceive of ever feeling that good again. It is OK to work from a negative emotion ....as long as you decide what emotion you want LESS of and how you would like to feel instead. e.g. irritable .....calm, bored......interested

2. Check over your list - one word at a time.
   Notice your internal reactions to it.
   If you feel any doubts, then put it to one side for now. You can add it back-in later if you wish.
   Now...are there any qualities that are missing? Feel free to add your own.

   You should now have a list of qualities that make up YOUR personal 'feel-good' inventory - the emotions you want to have more often or feel more deeply in your life.

   You may already know which of these you already possess in abundance or noted those which are a little under par at present.

   As you choose which ones to include in your list in pursuit of happiness now, notice those that are lacking... RIGHT NOW.
   Be aware of any thoughts and images that come to mind ...
   that may give you some idea ...
   of the things you would like...
   to do ...
   to be ...
   to have more of ...
   in your life.

3. For each item on the list you have created, write down a sentence or two like the ones below. Write them in the present tense, as if they already exist, in the same way as writing affirmations.
   
   For example

   I am .....adventurous, youthful, healthy and light-hearted

   I have..... abundance, joy and laughter. I am fulfilled and creative

   My life is.......ten-times-better. I am playful, empowered, trusting and understood

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Congratulations! You have now created your own happiness goal - it wasn't so difficult after all was it?

YOUR HAPPINESS DEFINITION!		YOUR HAPPINESS GOAL!

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On a Personal Note

I almost gave in, but resisted and persisted long enough. Now many new doors are opening in my life.

In pursuit of Happiness, ask yourself -

What is it that I really want to be doing?

Happiness will not magically appear. Nothing will change without ACTION. It will seem daunting at first, but you will choose your next steps carefully too.
Now you know more about your own brand of happiness - time now to take steps towards achieving it.

If I knew I could not fail what would I do/have?

NOW YOU KNOW where you are going, but you haven't arrived yet. The fun part is in the journey. Enjoy the journey and you'll appreciate your destination all the more.

'Which way will make us happy - shall we turn left or go straight on?'

The Pursuit of Happiness may lead us on great adventures.

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