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Dear Unlearner,
In the past few years, I have been thinking a lot about happiness. I have my down moments, but they have been pretty brief. When living in Paris drove me to depression, I left right away. I was back to my happy self in no time.
I realized most people are not happy.
Happiness isn't something that just happens to you. It's not a result of your circumstances or the people around you. It's a deliberate decision you make every single day. And like any skill worth having, it takes practice and dedication to master.
Happiness is like a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it becomes.
You wouldn't expect to bench press 200 pounds on your first day at the gym, right? Similarly, you can't expect to be happy all the time without putting in the work.
How do you train your happiness muscle?
Start small.
Find little moments of joy in your day-to-day life.
Appreciate a beautiful sunset.
Savor that first sip of coffee in the morning.
Smile at a stranger on the street.
These small actions may seem insignificant, but they're the foundation of a happier life. Many small happy moments form a happy life.
Happiness is a daily habit. The more you practice, the better you will get. As you become more familiar with accumulating small happy moments, you can start facing bigger ones.
Had a bad day at work? Choose to focus on what you learned rather than what went wrong.
Stuck in traffic? Use that time to listen to your favorite podcast or practice mindfulness.
Remember, happiness is a journey, not a destination. There will be setbacks and tough days. But if you stay committed to your happiness practice, you'll find that there is joy in everything.
Learn to walk away from toxic people. If people are not happy for you to be happy, drop them.
Learn to walk away from toxic environments. If the environment gives negative energy, leave.
Learn to walk away from toxic influences. If the vibe is off, run.
Happiness is a choice.
You choose it.
Until tomorrow,
Cammi
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This is awesome!! I learned from Thich Nhat Hanh to put on a half smile and it immediately lifts my spirits and, as you suggest, I do this when passing strangers. I usually get a smile back. I've also found I'm pretty happy the solving a problem.