We’ve all had the days where happiness seems like a dot on the horizon, but Happiness Expert, yasemin Trollope shows us how to start smiling now!
by Yasemin Trollope
“Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.” Jim Rohn
Thanks Jim, well said, and true in so many respects, but potentially inflammatory for those feeling lost, alone, unsure of what to do next, or simply ‘down in the dumps’. We’ve all been there at one time or another haven’t we? Where the concept of happiness seems so far away, it’s almost impossibly out of reach; having to crawl through far too many emotional hoops to find it.
Of course, once you do find it, it’s truly the most amazing gift one could have and you quickly come to realise that the journey you took to get here not only made you stronger but more appreciative of life’s lessons, too.
I believe happiness is something we have to work hard at finding (and keeping). In many respects it’s a relationship, one that you not only have with yourself, but with others too. And while I’m all for being happy right now, it has taken me a long time to recognise that planning for your life of happiness is a task that takes hard work, commitment and the ability to listen to your instincts.
Last year, my husband and I were away for 8 months, travelling the world and fulfilling a lifelong dream to live in New York. When I first brought up the idea of leaving behind my wonderful job, friends, house and family in Sydney to follow my dreams, I was greeted with a banquet of mixed responses. My worried mum was unsure that I’d ever be able to get a job as good as the one I had, while my dad was certain I’d run out of money. It took time for them to realise that following your dreams is all about sacrifice, but when you know in your heart that you’re doing the right thing, suddenly all those uncertainties fade into nothingness.
Now that I have gone and returned, I’ve learned so much about myself. So much about my fears, my instincts, my self-belief and most of all, my happiness. Because when you have the patience and foresight to read the signs that point you in the right direction, you’re only going to sail into happy-land. I’m so sure of it.
The first place to start is finding out where it is you want to go. It’s so easy to follow the path of least resistance, only to get to the end and realise you’re lost and that your true path is 10,000 kilometres to the southwest. But don’t worry, in my opinion you’re never so lost you can’t find your way back. Think about your skills, passions and motivations and work to these strengths, not against them. Most people know deep in their heart what it is they’re truly meant to do; sometimes it’s the thing you dream of doing if you won the lottery or in another life. But why wait until then? Why not just do it now?
Once you know where you’re heading, suddenly you will see doors open and opportunities present themselves that you may have missed in the past. It’s like reading the street signs that show you the way to go. I have found this to be so true for me and many other people on a similar journey. Trust that your instincts will show you the right way.
I also think that while it’s one of life’s necessities to dream big and work towards your passions and goals, it’s also important to reward yourself daily and seek happiness from the small things, too. Candles, baths, nature, loved ones, laughing, writing, good food…all these things are on my list of ‘make me feel good’ and it’s essential to bring them into your everyday.
My advice? Take the plunge. Right now. Stop thinking, start doing, listen to your instincts and if all else fails, listen to Oprah…
“I believe that every single event in life happens in an opportunity to choose love over fear.” Oprah Winfrey
