Beginner's Guide to {Real} Happiness

Everyone wants to be happy.. but are we really? This post will help you gain clarity on the happiness we all deeply desire and explore how you can access it.

1. Distinguish happiness from Joy

Happiness is not an emotion or a state of mind. Like peace, it is the very nature of our being. It is the background of emotions and experiences. Think of it as the sky behind the clouds that is ever present. Joy, on the other hand, is an emotion linked to personal preferences and pleasure.

2. Practice acceptance

Accepting everything in and around you is key to finding happiness. Embracing things you don’t like about yourself, others, the world, or your failures is important. Embrace it all without judgement, no matter how hard it may be. One step at a time.

3. Become an Observer

Becoming aware of your feelings and your internal dialogue can help you notice your behavioral patterns. This can give you a better understanding of yourself and allow you to fully embrace your human nature.

4. Feel all the feels

You can’t possibly have ‘good vibes only’ all the time. The reality is that we all experience painful events and negative emotions. Don’t suppress them for the sake of appearing optimistic. Understand that you are a whole person and you have a wide range of emotions. Instead of denying the difficult ones, you can learn to manage them.

5. Realize that happiness is inside you

We tend to lose ourselves in the pursuit of material wealth or experiences, expecting marvelous things to happen to us to feel happy. It seems as though we have to make an effort. However, happiness is basically returning to our natural state—just being, in peace and openness.

Accessing {Real} Happiness

Accessing real happiness is much simpler than you think—yet this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s easy! It requires understanding, acceptance, and self-compassion. If you're feeling overwhelmed or need support on your path to happiness, I’m here to help. As a self-love coach, I can guide you through the process of embracing your true self and finding the happiness that resides within you.