HAPPINESS IS A CHOICE

I had an interesting conversation with a senior-level woman lawyer who told me "happiness feels unattainable" for her.

I was saddened to hear that because what I know for sure is this: happiness is a choice.

Many people are confused about what actually increases happiness. Some believe it is success, money, love, or power. They are wrong.

Happiness emanates from within the person you choose to be. Everyone has experienced some form of pain, disappointment, and unhappiness in their life journey. You have and so have I. But happiness is not dependent upon your circumstances or experiences. It is very much tied to the choices you make about the life you want to live. How you choose to show up in life and what you choose to offer to others.

Your happiness is your choice. Once you choose happiness, it can become a habit by intentionally doing things daily that increase your joy.

As a leader, you may have spent a significant part of your life becoming one. The person you are and the qualities you possess got you here. You may have sacrificed your personal happiness along the way, and now are unsure about how to get it back.

Well, now is the time to do more of what ignites the happiness and joy within you. What makes you smile from your heart. A deeper connection to the person you are will actually improve the work you do. The person you are and the leader you are will be happier.

Try these:

1. Understand that your work can never validate your value and worth. You were born worthy of a loving, happy, and fulfilling life. Your career can never love you. Don’t allow your personal happiness to depend on professional achievements. Instead, allow it to flow from who you are as a person. Cultivate the habit of happiness.

2. Learn to communicate from your heart. You must allow your emotions to possess an inner voice that is as valued as your logical voice. Emotions matter. They are not facts, they are feelings. Learning how to express them in a thoughtful manner will positively change your relationships and your life.

3. Prioritize self-care which can include a number of things beyond the usual, like limiting overwork and exhaustion; quiet time; downtime binge-watching your favorite series. If resting doesn’t come naturally to you, work at it. Schedule time to rest if necessary. Don't let a diagnosis force you to take time for your life.

How will you choose happiness?

ABOUT LAKESHIA EKEIGWE - I coach lawyers and leaders to create lives they LOVE and careers that thrive! I am the founder of the Women Lawyers Global Network, a private community for women lawyers to receive coaching and connection to help them gain clarity about their next level. To learn more, click here.

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