Dear Reader

Today, we are going to get started on the subject of happiness.

Usually, when someone asks me what is the #1 secret to being happy, I tell them they should get involved in whatever excites them the most.

This is good advice.

Happiness, in my opinion, especially happiness that lasts, is most often a by-product of enthusiasm. If a person, secretly in his heart, wants to be a fireman, he shouldn’t go into installing fire alarms, for example, just because he has heard that that is where the money is.

Happiness Is Where the Enthusiasm Is.

Please remember this!

Remember it also, if you ever need to hire someone. Always look for the most enthusiastic person, not necessarily the most qualified.

When you are enthusiastic about life, opportunities open as if by magic. And the more you appreciate Life, the more Life rewards you. The more you appreciate and are grateful for what you have, the more Life offers you.

Most people are unexcited about life, so they gossip or belittle others. These type of people are rarely happy. The reason, they don’t like themselves, so keep the focus on others. These people may seem happy, they may seem to be popular but secretly they are the saddest and most insecure of all.

There is a famous saying, don’t watch what people say, watch what they do.

The people around you might give you the illusion on social media that they are living this amazing life, they are always in new clothes, always seem to be going on holidays, always having fun.

But don’t watch what they say, watch what they do…

So, if they are giving the impression of having an amazing life much superior to yours, but work the same job as you, let that be a red flag. They could well be in massive debt! With pressures you couldn’t even imagine.

Trying to live up to their standards will ultimately lead to unhappiness.

Instead, be inspired by those that are sharing their gifts and talents with the world, those that are creating and helping others. Maybe inspiring people with a podcast, a YouTube channel, or a blog.

Very often these are the people that are creating imagining and innovating. These are the people that will share their wisdom with you, if you ask…

Growing up I didn’t have social media, but I still looked up to the people that were going to all the parties and seemed to be having all the fun. For many years I put all my energy into trying to be like them, taking my mind off my abilities.

What I discovered was, the people I was looking up to where very often self-centred, and arrogant. They were not excellent communicators like I thought, they just run others down and made fun of everyone for their amusement

It’s so easy to judge yourself based on others, resulting in you never being happy with who you are. Leading to thoughts that you’re not good enough, feelings that you have nothing to offer.

This is the type of thinking that can lead to depression and anxiety.

From an early age I had the ability to make people feel better about themselves, the gift to make people smile. But for most of my life I took this gift for granted, which led to a lot of unhappiness.

By nature, I am quiet and reserved, so when I was surrounded by loud and extroverted people, I felt out of place. All my energy was being directed at trying to fit in with people that I had nothing much in common with.

But the moment I removed myself from that environment, embracing my gifts, my levels of happiness soared.

Happiness that lasts doesn’t come from others it comes from within. It comes from sharing your gifts and talents with the world. Sharing your enthusiasm with others.

It could be a passion for art, music, cars, technology, decorating, listening, or organising. No matter what your passion is when you focus on that area you will excel, and with that success will come unmeasurable happiness.

Enjoy your weekend.