It is so wonderful to realize that happiness is something that you attain from inside yourself. Just this knowledge alone, of knowing that we have all the power within to create our world is so empowering. It is also amazing when we acknowledge that we can tap into the beauty of the universe and enjoy all the surroundings around us. The beauty of this world should make us all happy. Looking at a beautiful baby or child laugh and smile, looking at the sunset, counting the stars, and watching the waves in the ocean flow back and forth. Right now I can hear my next-door neighbor playing a beautiful melody on the piano. All we have to do is tune into what’s around us, and find the wonder in it.

People from all over are discovering what it means to truly live a life they love. To live in any other way is just cheating yourself. You need to begin now to create your world of happiness. You don’t wait for happiness to come in the future, you create your future now, you live happy now, and then all the best will follow.

By just taking a few simple steps, you will help yourself to begin to appreciate all that is great around you. When we can look at both, what’s good, and not so good in our lives, along with having an optimist attitude to work with it, we are then ten steps ahead…. and all else is attainable standing from this very powerful point. The best thing is that to get started, you only need to make simple shifts towards happiness.

SHIFT ONE--Create an optimist mindset. What you think is what you will bring towards you. Start using positive affirmations everyday. Write them out, put them where you can see them when you awake first thing in the morning, and before you go to sleep in the evening. Carry your favorite ones on a small index card, and glance at them throughout the day. What you think is what you are. You first need to feel wonderful and happy inside yourself, after that it will emanate outwards naturally. And if you think you are happy, great and successful, then you are.

SHIFT TWO—Tap into your inner essence. Dig deep, learn all about you. Take the time to look at what you want, and what your needs are. Then take action towards attaining those needs. Learn how to release your essence and create in your life what you need to make it shine. In order to do this, you need to really take time to do whatever it is that relaxes you, and look within. I recommend setting a schedule of quietness for you, and just listen to your inner voice and thoughts.

SHIFT THREE—Treat your body and mind with the upmost respect. Learn how to nourish your body and mind with all that is good. Enjoy and eat delicious healthy foods that are good for you. Create an interesting exercise routine that does not bore you. This could be a beautiful walk one day, a yoga class the next, maybe go to the gym, play tennis. Whatever gets your body moving. Take time to feed your mind as well. Read books that interest you, books you can learn from, or simply enjoy for their entertainment. Listen to cd’s or participate in teleclasses and workshops that will help you to make changes and learn new skills. Simply sing and dance around the house, put your pajamas on when you have nothing to do on a Sunday afternoon, watch movies, make your favorite soup, drink healthy tea, take a bubble bath, anything to simply relax your mind.

SHIFT FOUR—Learn to nurture your relationships. Take special care not to take anyone for granted in your life. Respect what is important to them. Learn to communicate on a real level. Try to be aware of changes you can take to make certain situations better, if they are in need of change. Become mindful of the other person, of the way they are, and love them for who they are.

SHIFT FIVE—Love yourself. In order to fully be there for everyone important in your life, you need to be there for you first. Take special care to always treat yourself well.

Remember when you focus on the positive, and tap into your tremendous potential, all will start to flow towards the attainment of what you want more of in your life. Also always be mindful of doing what you can for others. Have gratitude for what you can give, and for what you have.

Joie de Vivre—simply meaning—enjoyment of life.

"Write it in your heart, that everyday is the best day of the year"-

Ralph Waldo Emerson

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