International Day of Happiness

The International Day of Happiness was established by the United Nations to recognize the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world. Still, happiness is not the only option we have.

When we are temporarily unhappy is because we need to learn, or let go of, something. When the unhappiness becomes chronic is because we were too caught up in the unpleasantness.​

What is happiness?

​To me, happiness is when your heart rate is normal and your breathing is slow and deep, and when you close your eyes and bring a smile to your face while your mind stays focused on only one thought or none at all. All of those things at-the-same-time. 

I understand it's simple but not necessarily easy to do all those things especially when we've been doing the opposite since forever. But don't worry. Being happy is not the only good-feeling option you have.
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Close to feeling happy

Happiness is not the only good-feeling emotion. You can also feel playful, serene, inspired, wise, loving, or joyful. The goal is that you feel pleasant emotions most of the time —70-100 in the Harmony Scale of emotions. 

Download the Harmony Scale to see some of the other options you have.

If you are going through a rough patch during this International Day of Happiness, no worries. Unpleasant emotions are great to help us learn, grow and evolve. 
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Not feeling happy?

If you feel emotions of boredom, frustration, worry, anxiety, pessimism, doubt, anger, resentment, regret, fear, sadness, depression, or emptiness, it’s because you are going through experiences that are meant to help you remove what needs to be removed from your past so you can move forward. 

When we have been feeling unpleasant emotions for a while, 0-50 the Harmony Scale, that is because we are focusing too much on the pain of the experience that we forget we are supposed to get the learnings and return to our natural harmony —state of relaxation, rest and peace.

When you get the learnings, you have a new perspective of life. It’s like you have been moved from the seats of the very front row in the movie theater to the seats in the middle. You are able to see the bigger picture.
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How to go back to happy again

To be happy, or feel pleasant emotions, is to let go of the struggle. Just like when somebody is learning to swim and is struggling too much to stay afloat.

They struggle and suffer. But if only they let go of the struggle, the body naturally begins to float—as long the lungs are filled with air, of course.

So, I recommend you to do all you can to stop the struggle. Seriously. Just let ig go and see how you naturally begin to relax and feel good again.

Here are some previous blog posts that might help you stop the struggle:
♦ Happiness is Where You Live
♦ Happiness Should Not Be Your Goal
♦ 6 Steps to Begin Living a Happier Life

A great obstacle to happiness is to expect too much happiness.” —Bernard de Fontenelle
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Remember to feel good. Go outside and observe, appreciate, and smell the flowers. It is for your own benefit, and for those around you, that you feel good. And of you are not don't feel good, pay attention to the learning or the need to let go of something.

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Related Publications:

Happiness is Where You Live

Happiness Should Not Be Your Goal

6 Steps to Begin Living a Happier Life
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The Art of Letting Go

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