Road to Happiness 101

"Happiness is not having what you want, but wanting what you have."

- Anonymous

What does happiness mean to you? Happiness is very subjective and means different things to different people. So what does happiness mean to you? I think we can all agree as we age the things that brings us joy and a sense of fulfillment shift a bit and become a little more simple. We realize that all the extras are a "nice to have" but discover over time it is not what truly makes us happy. Here are some key elements that have helped me in my journey to finding true happiness.

Without true and unconditional love , happiness to me is non existent. I think as we get older we obtain deeper more meaningful relationships. The superficial ones still come and go but are more easily distinguished. The genuine relationships that we develop with our partners and good friends provide us with support needed to flourish in all aspects of our life which enables us to be happy. When we have children, a whole new love is discovered in which words can not explain but some how it fills our hearts with enormous joy.

Also with age, acceptance of who we are becomes a little bit easier to see and embrace. The need to sacrifice our own happiness to please others becomes a little bit less. As we slowly let go of all the "suppose to's" in life, it gets easier to be open to all the opportunities that lies in front of us. We begin to become more genuine to our true being which leads to a greater happiness.

In a world that is so hectic and constantly moving, meditation allows you to take a pause to clear your mind and truly listen to what is inside your heart. It does not have to be inside a yoga studio, it can just be quiet moments that are taken throughout the day. The quietness that surrounds you allows you to get a deeper understanding of what your true joys and passions are. To reflect upon the path I you are currently on and evaluate if any adjustments need to be made for future growth professionally and personally. To ask the tough questions, "am I doing what truly makes me happy and if not "what changes can I make?".