9 Steps To Happiness

9 Steps To Happiness

Happiness is something we all want and desire.?Majority if not all of us want to be happy. We do all we can or the things we feel appropriate to be happy. We chase so much after this thing called happiness; sometimes we get it and at other times it is far beyond our reach. These times of lack are the times of difficulties or turmoil in our lives.

We have come to believe happiness comes with success. Society has contributed so much to making us believe we have to be successful before we can be completely happy. Unfortunately, we have bought into this idea and it is ruling a great part of our lives. Material success does not always bring happiness. Sometimes, it brings the greatest sadness you never thought of.

There are times you have postponed being happy because your salary has not come in or you have not achieved that thing you are working on. There are times you have been so hard on yourself and denied yourself happiness. There are times you just wanted to laugh and let go of the worry but you felt that is not proper. You felt to do that shows you do not care or are less concerned.

There are times you have also wondered why you are not permanently happy. You are happy today and tomorrow is filled with sadness and so much uncertainty. You want to give up on this pursuit of happiness because you feel tired and drained from everything.

How you feel is valid and relatable. Every human being with feelings has felt like that at one point or the other in their lives and will continue to feel like that as long as they breathe. You are not alone and will never be alone. However, you need to take it easy on yourself.

Happiness is a journey but unlike every journey, this journey does not have a destination. You need to keep going; keep traveling. You will continue to have battles with happiness as long as you live. Happiness does not come and stay with you forever. There are times it leaves you. Happiness is not a permanent state or stage in life. You will be happy and you will be sad. Just accept it whichever way it comes.

It is possible you are not happy because you are looking toward the wrong places and doing the wrong things. Check out these 8 steps. Hopefully,?they help you…enjoy

1.Do not overlook the little things

If you are truly in the pursuit of happiness then you need to pay more attention to the little things. These little things are what we ignore sometimes. It could be taking a walk, having your shower, playing with animals, or engaging in charity works. It could be anything and they vary from individual to individual. Just find what those little things are for you and pay attention to them and do your best to achieve them.

2. Learn to forgive

This can never be emphasized. Forgiveness is a vital part of your happiness journey. To be truly happy, you must learn to let go. You must learn to forgive. Grudges will only make things difficult and complicate your life more. Forgive not because the offender deserves it but rather because you deserve to have your peace. Forgive before you begin your journey to search for happiness else you are wasting your time. You can never be happy with grudges.

3. Build useful relationships

Build relationships but not just any relationship. Nurture meaningful relationships. Build bonds with those who can be there for you as your support system. Life is easy and happier when we have good people around us. Put energy into meaningful relationships but be sure those people have equal strength in you and the bond. Move with people who are passionate about pure happiness and not material happiness. Meaningful relationships can hold you up when you fall more than any other thing can or will.

4. Help People

Invest in people no matter how little it looks or seems. There is a high chance those you invest in today will come back tomorrow to express gratitude. They will be there to lift you when you fall tomorrow. Never despise the gift of men and women. They are the surest investment you can ever make. Have an open arm to everyone who comes your way. Helping or investing in people is not always about material things; sometimes all that is needed is a listening ear. Be kind to people no matter how small they look or seem before you. You never can tell what tomorrow will give birth to.

5. Avoid comparison

Comparison is the number one thing that can and will steal a better part of your joy. Try to be content with the little you have and be proud of your little effort. Comparing yourself with others simply shows your inability to trust in your efforts and hustle. Nothing breaks a person down as comparison does. It will make you believe and feel your efforts are not good enough. It is always about how well others are doing. Comparison will make you feel others are better than you and you are worthless. Avoid comparison on your journey to happiness. Stay far away from comparison as much as you can as you climb your ladder of happiness.?

6. Be optimistic

Pessimism brings you down in all ramifications just like comparison does. The only difference is that with pessimism you see no reason to start at all. You do not see any good reason to start or do anything at all. It limits you and your ambitions. If you want to truly walk the journey of happiness then you need to cast away the garment of pessimism and put on the garment of optimism. Optimism helps you go on even when there is no end or success in sight. Optimism is what you need to walk your journey. You do not want to be a pessimist. The last time I checked, no one likes to be around a pessimist. Pessimists are always negative and downcast. Be more of an optimistic person than a pessimist.?

7. Be yourself

Try not to live a life that is not your own. Try not to live the life that someone else has designed or set out for you. It would leave you broken and sad at the end of the day and when you are done living the life they want you to live, you will come back trying to find yourself and it might be too late then. You must be your authentic self if you want to be happy or you want life to make more sense to you. There is joy in being yourself. There is fulfillment in being your true self. There is nothing like being YOU. Be you cause being you is beautiful.?

7. Criticisms

Try your best to be open to criticism. There is no way criticisms would not arise. You are not perfect. Even God who is perfect and spotless is criticized and condemned so how much more a mere human. Try not to let the criticisms get to you too much. Evaluate whatever criticisms there are and work on yourself if they are true but never dwell on them. A dog who stops to bark at everything on its way will never arrive at its desired destination. You are not a dog but do your best to not dwell or wallow in what your critics say. You will only be doing yourself more harm than any good.?

8. Avoid burning bridges

Avoid burning bridges but do not hesitate to burn bridges that prove detrimental to your mental wellbeing. Some relationships can be worked on no matter how bad things have gone but some cannot and they must be left in the cold to freeze. On your journey, build relationships but also break some. Always have it at the back of your mind that people come and people go. If you genuinely feel a relationship does not serve you well again then let go but be careful.?

9. Avoid hurting people

Try not to hurt anyone on this journey although it is impossible for you not to hurt people. Do your best to be good to every soul. Do not hurt people for the fun of it; it might come back to haunt you tomorrow. Do your best to be a good human being. Others are on this same journey that you are as well; either help them walk it or leave them alone in peace.?

We are all on this journey together and the least we can do is to help one another. I hope these steps help you on your journey. Best wishes to you and myself.???