How to be happy. The 50 lessons I've learnt so far.
Welcome to my personal notes to self.
None of us get through life without the a few scars. Like you, I’ve had my fair share - from self doubt, to dead-end jobs, interstate moves and isolation. To the big scary one…divorce.
But from every success, failure, hardship or happiness I’ve reflected and grown. And life, despite its ups and downs, keeps getting better.
Today I’m sharing the 50 lessons I’ve learnt to make me happy.
Let me caveat this by stating what I think should be obvious - I still get angry, moody or have down days. But I find my way back to happiness pretty quick smart, and these 50 lessons are the reason why.
Take what resonates for you, and leave what doesn’t. We’re all different and don’t need to think alike. I’m not an expert on anyone else’s life except my own (and even then…)
I hope todays essay changes the way you think for the better :)
Don’t take anything personally
From rudeness to rejection - it’s not usually about you. That person might be having a bad day, or the timing was off. It doesn’t make you bad, wrong or unworthy. Brush it off and get on with your day. (Be self-aware though - you’ll know if you can do better)
You’ll never lose from trying hard
Even if you don’t succeed at the task, what you learn from trying is worth its weight in gold. You’ll build resilience and a work ethic that can take you anywhere. It’s rare to succeed on our first attempt so be the person who tries hard and doesn’t give up. You’ll make it.
You never lose from being kind
It’s the greatest gift you can give someone. And it always comes back around.
When people show you who they are, take note
If someone doesn’t treat you the way you want to be treated, don’t expect them to change. It’s up to you to take responsibility for what you will and won’t accept.
Loving, liking and accepting yourself will change your life
You’ll make better decisions, be more loving towards others and live a happier life! It really is the key to everything.
There’s no ‘end goal’
We’re a work in progress and no ‘thing’ will complete us. Set about creating a life that feels good and continue to grow. Once we get the job, the partner or the house we don’t put our feet up. We keep working, keep loving and maintain what we have.
You gain confidence from keeping the promises you make to yourself
Follow through on your promises and feel your confidence sky-rocket! Start small and build up. It’s life-changing. If you say you’re going to go for a 30-min walk, go for that 30-min walk. It’s not about the walk, it’s about doing the thing you said you’d do. Build that trust in yourself and you’ll feel unstoppable.
(Note — this is why I started The List - I wanted to keep a promise to myself that I would write one newsletter a week. 82 weeks later I haven’t missed an issue and now write 2 x week!)