Finding Happiness & Joy During Turbulent Times

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Here are a few reasons why I think the ranking is so low, despite all of the privileges and opportunities that we have in the US ...

I didn’t grow up in the United States so I think it gives me a unique perspective on culture and life here, I’ve experienced different. I believe sometimes the American spirit and the pursuit of the “American dream” to push and strive for more can lead to a lack of joy and happiness.

I can safely say Americans work longer hours, more days and take less time off to reset and spend time with family than people in Europe. The constant work and chase of the American dream sometimes leaves people feeling that they are less than, they are lacking, there is something wrong with them.

I see a healthy dose of “comparisonitis” here in the US as well. If we are always comparing our situation to others (whether we really know their situation or not) then it’s hard for us to just experience joy and happiness. “Comparison is the thief of joy” is a phrase I learned a few years ago and it’s true.

Another common problem I’ve identified is a general lack of gratitude. When you are always pushing and comparing you don’t take the time to appreciate and value the simple things in life, the small things that make up all of the moments of a truly happy life.

I do believe some of us are naturally more joy-filled and happy. It may be genetic, it may be childhood programming but this I know, even the happiest person has bad days. Even those who seem to walk around in a permanent state of joy face struggles and hard times. The difference is how these people choose to see their situation. It’s all your experience of the bad situation. Your choice in how you respond or experience it makes the difference.

I’ve witnessed people in the hardest and darkest moments of their lives after losing a loved one. Yes, they feel sadness and loss but they make a decision to be grateful for the life of the person. To remember good moments and to keep moving forward and living life in honor of the person they lost. And yet others will internalize the loss and focus on it and that loss leads to them shutting down their old lives and existence.

I often see people putting off their happiness. Or thinking happiness will come at some prescribed point in the future. It can sound like “I’ll be happy when I lose the weight”, “things will be better when I get that promotion”, “if only I had a new — insert thing, house, car, relationship, face, body, job,….then I’ll be happy. There is nothing wrong with being driven, having goals and dreams and wanting more for your life. I see people get into trouble and lose sight of their joy and happiness when they think that joy and happiness is conditional upon them attaining the thing. My best advice is be happy now. Experience your life now. Find things that bring you joy now. Yes, continue to look forward but don’t lose sight of what you have in your life now that could be the source of your joy.

1. Gratitude. THE most important thing is to find something to be grateful for and make it part of your everyday life. There is always something to be grateful for no matter how hard the struggle. Even if it’s just the cup of coffee in your hand or the roof over your head. It may not be what you want in that moment but being grateful leads to a shift that can help move you closer to what you desire.

2. Serve. Finding ways to serve and give to others is the best thing to pull you out of a slump or a case of the doldrums. When you put others first you get a sense of joy from seeing them do better and it takes you out of your own head which can often be the biggest obstacle to those seeking joy. We often realize just how good we have it when we take the time to serve others in need.

3. Community. Find a group of like-minded people who support you. Whom you trust. Whom you can add value to and vice versa. Many studies have been done that show the happiest people and those who live long, healthy lives have the strongest relationships and community. We aren’t meant to do it alone and the more we lean into community the happier we feel.

4. Get outside in nature. Walk, listen, and connect with the world. If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, stuck and just lacking in some way get out of yourself, get out and just see the world. Experience it, the sights, the smells, the sounds. It can be a great reset just to walk it off. Give it a try next time things seem hopeless.

5. Put down the phone. Disconnect from social media. Stop comparing and looking at what other people have. As I mentioned, “comparison is the thief of joy”. Our interconnected and fully connected world is an incredible gift and a curse. We see the best of what people want us to see. We see beautiful curated lives and people and it can leave us feeling lacking. Put down the phone and just experience what is yours and go back to number 1 and be grateful for that. When you stop comparing you free yourself up to enjoy what you have.

Stop making it about you and make it about them. Listen to understand what the person says they need from you. Often loved ones try to “help” and try to “fix the problem” or give solutions. Speaking from my own personal experience sometimes the person who is depressed doesn’t want or accept the help. Often putting on a brave face is their attempt at getting through their problem and we can’t force our thoughts or feelings on them. Just listening and being ready when they do need us is often the best thing we can do. Sometimes all the person needs to be seen and heard and that provides a moment of relief from everything seeming to be too much. If loved ones can take a step away from their need to fix or be right and just be supportive small breakthroughs and signs of hope can start to appear when the person is ready.

This is part of a longer article I wrote last month for Authority Magazine.

I've also included these points in a video too.

• I'm taking a well-earned vacation in my country of birth, England. I'm connecting with my family and friends and creating amazing memories with my girls and husband. This brings me joy and happiness!
• In one of the most recent?LUNCHTIME LIVES , I spoke to the wonderful Pat Whitbourne, she's an international tarot reader based in the UK and helps us demystify what it's all about.
• I had the honour of hosting 2 events last month (Exhausted to Energized 3-day immersive experience and Your Magical Day Masterclass). They were both fabulous events and I've had some great feedback from those who attended. If you missed them, you can still download the Your Magical Day mini program HERE .
• As a reminder, I have some great free resources on my WEBSITE . I'd love for you to check them out and let me know how things change when you implement the habit changes.
• Ready for some useful tips and techniques to change your life? You'll find some helpful articles HERE .
• I have a great affirmation this week that links directly to creating joy and happiness in your life.

I hope you found this useful. I would love it if you subscribed for more.

My love and light to you

Claire?xx