Don't Worry - Be Happy

Let's face it, we are bombarded every day with messages that give is the impression that if we buy the right thing, earn more money, meet the right person, go to a certain place we will be happy. We are taught from a very young age that our happiness depends on some outside source. We make up rules about what will make us happy. "I will be happy when.."  When in fact, we have everything we need to be happy right this moment. It is within each of us. It's within our mindset, not our circumstances that we gain happiness. I'm sure you've heard about people who have a goal, they reach that goal, then go for another goal because they didn't feel happy. It becomes a never ending cycle. Now, don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with wanting to do better and have better. What I am talking about is the perception that people, places or things will make us happy.  There are many cultures in around the world that emphasize finding your happiness within. They are people who have very little material possessions, and yet they have an amazing mindset about what it is to be happy. They live a life of abundance because they appreciate the natural resources around them, they are grateful for what they have, who they are with. Studies have shown that people who have an optimistic outlook live longer, healthier lives. They have a better recovery rate when dealing with major life changes, illness or economic challenges. They have conditioned their thinking patterns to believe that they have all that they need in that moment, and developed a habit of focusing on what makes them feel good. They move and breath in a way that produces a happy state of mind. They don't worry, and be happy.