Fresh Start: How to Be Happy

by | Jan 2, 2017 | Advice | 2 comments

I’ve always really liked the idea of a new year. A fresh start. The chance to try again. I think New Years is like an important reminder to check in and evaluate. How did things go throughout your year? What could you do better? Did you finally find your groove with something? I like the idea of taking advantage of these check ins to find new ways to challenge myself.
It’s easy to fall into routine in your life. How often do you really take the time to lean inside yourself and ask am I happy? Is there anything I want to change?
 
While I totally believe in every day being a new opportunity to reinvent yourself, new years offers you a pre-made clean slate. A whole new set of 365 fresh days to do whatever you want with.

 

What will you do with them?

 

I said at the start of 2016 that it was going to be my year. After spending a few years making sure everyone else was taken care of and happy, I decided to focus on myself. Despite some heavy lows (like losing my dad), 2016 was packed full of exciting challenges, unexpected opportunities, and new adventures. I was tired of being unhappy, so I spent the entire year testing and changing, narrowing in on how exactly to find and hold on to happiness.

 

Happiness isn’t always packaged how you might think.

It’s often tucked inside painful challenges and unexpected twists. Letting go and learning how to accept those things was a big part of my 2016. But after spending the whole year chasing the ever elusive emotion, I’ve come to understand some things about how to fit happiness into my life.

 

Because the truth is, happiness is always available. It’s constantly flowing, ready for the taking. But we’re all usually so busy fitting everything else into our lives that we forget to leave room.
If you’re tired of constantly feeling overwhelmed, dissatisfied, and unhappy, I invite you to hang around this month. For the first time ever, I’ve decided to devote the entire month of January to a theme to encourage myself (and you!) to start your year off right.

So welcome to How to Be Happy January.

The always positive, encouraging, and sweet youtuber Nikki Phillippi has given me personal permission to share this wonderful theme of her’s with all of you. After starting every year with her positivity, I decided to stop being a spectator and start doing.
 
So once again, I’m starting the year off by saying this year is going to be my year, and I want you to do the same. Starting off with that statement will encourage you to make decisions daily to stay true to your plan. When you’re planning out your days, weeks, and months, keep that thought in mind and ask yourself if what you’re agreeing to aligns with your goal.
I’m a yes girl. I was a yes girl, always agreeing to everything even if it was the last thing I wanted to do. A people-pleasing way of life might seem noble, but in actuality it’s a sure fire way to fester resentment and unhappiness.
Politely declining is always acceptable. Staying true to yourself and your plans for the year are always allowed. You just have to make your happiness as big a priority as you make everyone else’s.
The best part of life? Every morning you have a new opportunity to become a happier version of yourself.

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2 Comments

  1. I love this – thank you so much for the reminder to choose happy!

    Reply
  2. “Happiness isn’t always packaged how you might think.” SO good and so so true. 2016 taught me that for sure.

    Reply

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HI, I'M JOEY

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