I freely admit I eat too much chocolate (if such a thing is possible), but one of my favorites are the individually wrapped dark Dove chocolates.
Not only do you get a tasty treat, each wrapper has some little saying or words of wisdom.
As I unwrapped my little square of decadence and popped it in my mouth, I noticed the words on the wrapper.
“Create a happy place.”
I can’t even count the times I’ve heard people say “find your happy place.”
The problem with that is that you can’t find what doesn’t exist. Before it can be found – it has to be created.
I think that’s why those four simple words resonated so strongly in my heart.
It’s so easy to get caught up in trying to find happiness, we tend to lose sight of the fact that we hold the power to create our own happiness.
If you don’t even know where to start, put yourself in a quiet place where you can thoughtfully bring to mind things that make you happy. Maybe it’s sunshine on your face. Maybe it’s a certain yoga pose. Maybe it’s the feel of a child’s arms around your neck giving you a sticky-sweet hug. Focus on those happy thoughts, how they make you feel. Let yourself relax and absorb them. Memorize them. Write them on your heart.
Then, the next time life gets to be a little too hectic or hard, close your eyes and take yourself back to that place of happiness you’ve created.
Magically, you’ve found your happiness.
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Each Monday I share my thoughts on happiness in my own personal Happiness Project for 2014. Feel free to post your thoughts or comments on happiness.