Do you have happiness backward?
The majority of people get caught up with thinking "when " - when I achieve this, when I get the promotion, when I find a partner ... then I’ll be happy.
What if you stopped living life in fast-forward mode when it came to your happiness?
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but happiness will not come knocking at your doorstep when you achieve your goals.
The secret to happiness is finding it in many little moments throughout your day.
Looking forward to small pockets of happiness throughout your day, or as I like to call them daily doses of "awe", are when you feel present, relaxed, grateful, and have a sense of lightness in the moment.
Personalize what your "awe" is.
Here are 10 examples:
Being around people who make you forget you have a phone
The rush of feel-good chemicals and accomplishment after a workout
Sitting quietly watching the sunset
The first sip of coffee in the morning
Listening to your favorite artist
How kind the barista at the coffee shop was
Eye contact and smiles exchanged with strangers on the street
Going on a walk with no destination
Performing a random act of kindness for someone
Gazing out at the ocean and feeling the warm sun kiss your SPF'd skin
I'm not talking about vast experiences like visiting the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls - it's about doing more of those seemingly everyday experiences that amaze you - when you're in complete observation mode of things outside yourself.
The more moments and snippets of awe sprinkled in your day the sooner you will find actual happiness, gratitude, and a feeling of appreciation that makes your whole life experience better in the long term.
I challenge you to spend more time in awe mode.
Your life is full of incredible sights, sounds, and sensations you have yet to observe.