Let it Go
Shannon King, Charity Director
Happiness is not something that just happens to you. It’s created by you, in the mind. We’ve discussed how your thoughts create your reality and thus determine your happiness. Dale Carnegie once said “It isn’t what you have, or who you are, or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about.”
It’s so important to honor yourself and your own happiness. Which thoughts are shifting you out of your happy place? Here are some common pitfalls that you need to stop falling into immediately.
Acting like everything is ok when it isn’t.
Honoring yourself means taking time to practice self-care. Being an adult with responsibilities like school, work, family, bills, etc. makes it difficult to slow down and put ourselves first. It’s important to listen to your body and allow it to tell you what it needs. When you feel sick, tired, or sad, take the time to take care of you and your needs. Being strong doesn’t mean never needing some time out. To be able to take care of others you must first take care of yourself. Allow yourself to take that nap or skip an event. Don’t be afraid to get things off your chest and talk about what is bothering you.
Thinking you aren’t ready.
So many of us are waiting for the perfect moment to come along. The perfect moment to go back to college, switch jobs, or start a family. We’re waiting for a moment that will never arrive. Life is full of distractions and unexpected events. If you really want something there is no time like the present. If you are feeling inspired, this is your moment. Go for it. Stop waiting because the perfect moment may never arrive.
Punishing yourself for past mistakes.
Be kind to yourself. Stop living in the past. Stop blaming yourself for your mistakes and punishing yourself over and over with regret or embarrassment. Take time to step outside of your current viewpoint and look for the lesson. Ask yourself, what do I need to learn from this? Then, be quiet and listen. My son’s teacher says, “Mistakes make your brain grow.” Find the lesson, be grateful for the experience and move forward with your new perspective and knowledge. Remember, FAIL means first attempt at learning.
Putting another people’s happiness before your own.
I once overheard a weary preacher’s wife say, “A preacher’s wife is always ministering to others, but who stops to ministers to her?” This goes back to the first point. You can’t dip into your well to nourish others if your well runs dry. Take care of you first. Make sure you get enough sleep, exercise, healthy food, and don’t forget to do things for yourself that make you laugh. This is your life too.
Running away from your problems rather than face them.
Take care of the big things first. Ignoring the problems won’t make them go away. It only causes you extended worry and anxiety. Face them head on and get them out of the way. Don’t allow them to grow. Everything you want in life is on the other side of your fear, so face it head on. You can do this.
Obsessing about the little things.
When you start obsessing ask yourself, how much will this matter next week? Next year? Five years from now? This allows you to put things into larger perspective. Life is unpredictable and things don’t always go as planned. Stay in the flow and try not to let things bother you that are out of your control.
Comparing yourself with others.
Today you are YOU, that is TRUER than true. There is No ONE alive who is YOUER than YOU! – Dr. Seuss
No two people lead the same life. Often what you see in public isn’t the whole story as to what goes on behind closed doors. Don’t worry about what others think and don’t compare yourself to what others have. A little friendly competition can be a good motivator but once you allow it to become obsessive it can make you stop appreciating the good things in your life. Give yourself permission to live your own life that is as unique as you are. You are on your own journey and you are creating your own life.
Last but certainly not least, remember to always listen to that still voice within your heart. This is your own personal internal guidance system. It’s always looking out for your best interest. When things get out of alignment remember to stop and breathe, listen to your heart, do more of the things you love, and let God handle the rest.
