Happiness is Yours for the Taking

Happiness. The pursuit of so many. In fact, we are known in America as those who live for "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.'

But so many seem without happiness. Why is this? Is happiness truly elusive or do we simply not know how to take hold of it? It is my contention that happiness is yours for the taking. That is, anyone can be happy if the choose to be... and if they know how to get it.

So what does it take to bring us to a state of happiness? Here are a few thoughts to get you on your way:

Do not try to control circumstances.

One of the biggest "happiness busters" I see is in the frustration people experience (and wallow in) because circumstances have gone awry. This is because their mind-set, whether they know it or not, is that they should be somehow able to control circumstances. But let's get this straight: You can't! So the first thing you can do to give yourself happiness is to stop trying to control, or taking responsibility for circumstances that are outside of your control! Understand that you can only control yourself.

There is only one thing you can control in this world and that is yourself. You can't control the weather, other drivers, your kids or spouse, or anything for that matter outside of your own beliefs, thoughts, attitudes and actions. Focus all of your attention on developing yourself and doing what is right - controlling yourself while letting what will happen, happen - and you will find happiness opening up within you.

Decide what it is that you want out of life and then stick to it relentlessly.

This is two parts: First, know what you want. Get real clear with yourself. Take a private retreat to be alone if you have to, but come to grips with what you want your life to look like.

Secondly, devote yourself to that passion and do not be sidetracked. It is interesting to me how many options we have - good options - that if we pursue them they will actually crush our happiness because they will take us away from what will really make us happy.

Live for a legacy. We cannot be self-absorbed and live only for ourselves. Yes, we only control ourselves, but we can live for the betterment of others. Live your life in such a way that others are touched and you will find yourself feeling happiness in ways that you could never imagine. For example, I get some of the most touching emails from people I have never met (and probably never will) who tell me how I have helped them. There is little else that brings me such happiness!

Settle your finances. Whatever your financial goals are, get them! Having poor finances is one of the major causes of unhappiness. Now, some people are completely content on $30,000 a year. Others need $200,000 a year. That is okay. We all have different desires, needs, and goals. But the key is to know what you want your financial life to look like and then do what it takes to get there. Among the major things to do is to eliminate as much debt as possible, if not all!

Surround yourself with good friends. Good friend are such a blessing! I have some of the most intelligent, capable, successful, and caring friends a person could have. I have three or four people in my life that I completely trust and admire. When friendships are clicking, there is almost nothing that provides more happiness. Take time to develop your friendships. Spend time with them, do fun things with them etc. Even as life gets more and more busy, make time with your friends a priority.

Develop your primary love relationship. I spoke at a groom's dinner recently and one of the points I made was that marriage will show you both heaven and hell! Marriage, when it is going well will send you out the door each morning on cloud nine. When it isn't going well, it affects every area of your life negatively. Do whatever you can - work hard - at developing your primary love relationship. The rewards of happiness you reap will be tremendous!

Happiness is yours for the taking - and hope you will take the time to develop your life in such a way as to be able to experience all of the happiness you can handle!

About The Author:

Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations turn their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and achieve their dreams.

To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on the subject of Secrets of Influence go to http://Chris-Widener.InspiresYOU.com/ or call 800-929-0434.

Family remembers man who fought for his life, happiness
NewsOK.com (subscription), OK - 5 hours ago
A public service to celebrate the life of Bobby Murcer will be at 11 am Aug. 6, at Memorial Road Church of Christ in Oklahoma City. ...

Real Salt Lake: Joy finds happiness on the field again
Deseret News, UT - 4 hours ago
By James Edward Real Salt Lake brought in the outspoken defender to shore up its left back position, and Joy was anxious to make a great first impression. ...

The Canadian Press
David Duval finds happiness, may have found his game at British Open
The Canadian Press,  England - 11 hours ago
SOUTHPORT, England — David Duval strolled up the final fairway on a cloudy day in dark sunglasses, waving to the cheering fans, back in a familiar place at ...
From the Los Angeles Times Hartford Courant
all 67 news articles

Ode to joy
guardian.co.uk, UK - 8 hours ago
At the outset, that looks like a mere narrative device, contrived to sell a ramble around the subject of happiness as a ripping yarn, doubtless with an eye ...

Happiness is a hot grill
Capital Press (subscription), OR - 29 minutes ago
By Linda Whitmore Controversy swirls around outdoor cooking. First - is it called barbecuing or grilling? Then there's the debate about whether you should ...

BELGIUM IN BULGARIA: Pavilion of temporary happiness
Sofia Echo, Bulgaria - Jul 17, 2008
We could say that it started with King Leopold II back in 1889, who, while ruling in Belgium, wished to improve the view from his window at the royal palace ...

Hard to understand tears of happiness
Sand Mountain Reporter, AL - 10 hours ago
Then Mary began to sob – with happiness, she said. I still don’t understand that part but – take my advice – it’s getting clearer to see, even through my ...

Kajwang’s pursuit of heavenly happiness ends in a hell-hole
Standard, Kenya - Jul 17, 2008
Gerald Otieno Kajwang. The name brings a smile on the face. Think of the chubby cheeks, bulbous eyes and wing ears all melting into a grin, the body swaying ...

Get High on Happiness:
Jewishinstlouis.org, MO - 16 hours ago
Anger does not have to destroy happiness, but it often does. We generally have a difficult time having two emotions at the same time. ...

MOST THINGS CONSIDERED: Happiness may be finding the right lid for ...
Manville News, NJ - 11 hours ago
By Minx McCloud Special Writer I just attended my high school class reunion – 40 years! Woo-hoo! And we all look the same as we did in high school (cough) . ...

Wind Chimes and more...

Windchimes for great gifts!

Happiness-Marriage-Love-Divorce-Suicide-Peace Within-college