Happiness Exists In The Here And Now

"The amount of happiness that you have depends on the amount of freedom you have in your heart."- Thich Nhat Hanh-

Happiness doesn't come about by having an accumulation of wealth, acceptance from others or the perfect body. It instead starts with having the internal strength and courage to confront your insecurities and grow from them as a source of personal empowerment. Happiness isn't something that exists in the past or future, it exists in the here and now, even as we face the inevitable struggles and challenges of everyday life. You will never find happiness unless you choose happiness as a way of being because if you are suffering in your heart, that pain will surely follow you wherever you go.

TRUST THAT ALL IS GOOD

No matter what is happening in your life right now, TRUST that all is GOOD and unfolding in your BEST interests.

As hard as it may seem, pain, suffering, stress, and other difficulties are the admission tickets to the game of LIFE. But, at times, we cannot help but think that life would be so much more pleasant without the hassles - Right? But isn't it also TRUE that in a world without hurdles, there are no champions? And without rain, no rainbows? Isn't heat necessary to produce gold, pressure and polishing necessary to produce diamonds, and adversity necessary to produce CHARACTER?

Here's how Henry Ford expressed the same sentiment: "Life is a series of experiences, each one of which makes us bigger, even though sometimes it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward."

Misfortune is an OPPORTUNITY to LIFT yourself to a HIGHER level - When an eagle believes her eaglets are large enough to learn how to fly, she begins to take apart the nest and push the eaglets out. After this rude awakening, the eaglets discover they have WINGS! They can FLY! The universe is constantly nudging us, pushing us off one cliff after another, in the HOPE that one day we, too, will DISCOVER our wings and SOAR to new heights.

Even under the worst circumstances, we can CHOOSE to focus on the POSITIVE rather than the negative. We need winter to APPRECIATE spring, rain to appreciate the sunshine, and adversity to be THANKFUL for the calm after the storm.

Focus On Your Well-Being

Change your relationship with food.

 

Focusing on well-being starts with changing your relationship with food. Food is fuel for active living. Do not strive for a number on the scale but for a weight at which you feel strong and energetic. Ask yourself if your diet contributes - or takes away from - your health and ENERGY LEVELS.

 

When food becomes a tool for active living, and exercise becomes a tool for increased strength, your body becomes a tool for your mind. Suddenly, your body has the endurance and power to do what the mind wills.

 

Change your relationship with exercise.

Regular exercise creates power and endurance, which can help you enjoy more activities for a LIFETIME. Find an exercise you ENJOY. If you hate running, don't run. If you hate the gym, don't spend your time there. Instead, experiment with exercises you've never tried before. Is there an exercise or an exercise program that makes you feel physically empowered, grounded and centered? Then do THAT and be "CONSISTENT!" 

 

Befriend your body, and ask yourself how you want to spend your life energy. Imagine for a moment that you took all that time you spend thinking about "appearance" and focused on how much you love your ability to communicate well, or what a great mom you are, or ways to solve the issue of homelessness. If you took all that ENERGY and used it for GOOD, not only would your life improve, but the world around you as a whole would improve, as well.

Connecting With Nature

Today is the start of a new day to move your body, awaken your mind, and renew and revitalize your spirit!

 

Did you know that being out in nature is perhaps the most powerful source for personal empowerment? When you work out in the fresh air, you not only enhance your physical-mental-emotional condition, you also deepen the connection you have with the environment. Exercising in nature, is a holistic approach to fitness that honors the interconnection of body, mind, emotion, and the environment.

 

When you spend time outdoors, especially being active, you can lift your mood, think more positively, feel more internal calm, and experience greater harmony with the world around you. The natural world right outside your door is actually the most superior gym imaginable-for our bodies, our souls, and ultimately, our consciousness.

 

So get outside and move your body! Renew a powerful personal connection to the natural world, one that will feed not just your body but also your soul! 

Body Image Involves Our Perception

Body image involves our perception, imagination, emotions, and physical sensations of and about our bodies. It s not static-but ever changing; sensitive to changes in mood, environment, and physical experience. It is not based on fact. It is psychological in nature, and much more influenced by self-esteem than by actual physical attractiveness as judged by others. It is not inborn, but learned.

We all may have our days when we feel awkward or uncomfortable in our bodies, but the key to developing positive body image is to recognize and respect our natural shape and learn to overpower those negative thoughts and feelings with positive, affirming, and accepting ones.

1. Listen to your body. Eat when you are hungry.
2. Be realistic about the size you are likely to be based on your genetic and environmental history.
3. Exercise regularly in an enjoyable way, regardless of size.
4. Expect normal weekly and monthly fulgurations in weight and shape.
5. Work towards self-love and self-forgiveness by being gentle with yourself.
6. Ask for support and encouragement from friends and family when life is stressful.
7. Decide how you wish to spend your energy - pursuing the "perfect body image" or enjoying family, friends, and most importantly, life!