Happiness Is an Inside Job

Barbara Barr Bengen

What makes you happy? In a time driven by achievement, material possessions, and social success, some people spend their lives chasing happiness in things outside of themselves. Some believe that wealth, relationships, or recognition will finally bring them joy. However, true happiness is not something that comes from outside sources. It is an inside job.

Happiness is rooted in mindset and self-awareness. No matter how perfect one’s life may seem, a person who lacks inner peace will struggle to feel truly content. On the flipside, someone with a positive outlook and strong emotional resilience can find happiness even in difficult situations. For happiness is less about what happens to us and more about how we interpret and respond to life’s events. So, what can we do to find happiness?

One very important aspect of inner happiness is gratitude. When we focus on what we have rather than what we don’t have, we shift our mindset from scarcity to abundance. Some people accomplish this with a gratitude journal, through journaling, with prayers of thanksgiving, or simply by thinking of three things for which you are grateful each day.

Another component of happiness is self-love. When we rely on others for our validation, we often feel empty without that external approval. For many, it takes a lot of work to learn to appreciate our own self. By learning to appreciate our self-worth, we create a foundation for happiness that is not dependent on circumstances or other people. Many turn to books, podcasts, quiet time, life coaches, or daily self-love activities to help them grow in this area. Louise Hay once said, “Remember, you have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.”

Ultimately, happiness is a daily choice. For many, it’s not always easy to choose happiness. It does require effort, self-reflection, and learning to find happiness in the moment. While outside factors can influence our emotions, lasting happiness comes from within. When we take responsibility for our own happiness, we free ourselves from seeking happiness from outside sources and discover that true happiness has been inside us all along.

In April and May, the Wellness Integrated Network of SaddleBrooke is offering the following classes:

Zen Meditation (complimentary)

Each Friday morning

Agate Room of the MountainView Arts & Crafts Complex

8:30 a.m.: Instruction for new attendees

9 a.m.: Meditation

New class members can register at ZenIntroduction@gmail.com.

First Degree Reiki (12-hour class)

Reiki is a Japanese stress reduction and relaxation technique that promotes healing. It can be easily learned by anyone.

Friday and Saturday, May 9 and 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the home of Patricia Gould

Register at reikinaturalhealingus@gmail.com.

Barbara Barr Bengen will resume classes at a later date.

The Wellness Integrated Network of SaddleBrooke offers small group classes on a variety of wellness topics and modalities. For more information, email winsbaz@gmail.com or call 520-399-7400.