Happiness Makeover

I got this in an e-mail this morning. It's some pretty useful information. The article is geared toward women but men - you can apply it to you too!!

THREE STEPS TO A HAPPINESS MAKEOVER


Have you ever wondered what your purpose in life is -- why you're really here? What if I told you the real purpose of your life is to enjoy it? Therefore your destiny is simply to have a happy life. I know that sounds like a fairy tale, and unless you're a Disney princess, it seems impossible, but if you watch any TV these days, you know anything is possible with the right makeover. A happiness makeover, however, is a little different than the extreme TV makeovers because it involves not only the physical but the emotional and spiritual parts of you as well. Physical well-being is anything that improves the physical: your body, your surroundings. It's what you can see. Emotional well-being is anything that makes you feel good inside. And spiritual well-being is anything that connects you with your true self -- your inner goddess. Here are three easy ways to improve these areas of your life so that you can get well on your way to achieving a happier new you:


1. Respect your body and your environment

The environment you live and work within -- your home, your car, your office, your backyard -- is a reflection of you. Fill these places with things you love to look at, like art or flowers; things you love to use, such as a CD player or colored markers; or things you love to be reminded of, like pictures of loved ones. At the same time, keep these places spacious and neat so that positive energy can always flow around and to you. This is one of the basic principles of feng shui. Besides that, you'll just feel more in control and clear-headed without so much clutter to distract you.

You must also remember to take care of your body. Honor it with nutritious food and exercise. Make exercise an integral part of your everyday life. This doesn't have to be a regimented program. It could be as simple as running up the stairs in your house instead of walking or gardening or playing with your kids outside. Think of exercise as a little extra movement you incorporate into your daily schedule. If you have time for a regular class, make sure to pick something you love to do. If you need motivation, team up with a friend, partner or personal trainer.

2. Nurture your feelings

Your feelings are part of who you are and you must acknowledge and feed them. This means not burying your negative emotions in an attempt to be happy. They'll only stir more deeply and longer if you don't accept them. You need to see them in order to release them. This also means doing things that make you feel good, inside and out. Maybe it's spending time with people you love, dancing, talking over your problems with a friend or even eating your favorite chocolate ice cream. Sometimes you need to do something totally indulgent to feel good, and that's perfectly okay once in a while. Give yourself permission to indulge in whatever it is that makes you happy. You must believe that you're worth it, whether it's time, money or calories. Do it completely guilt-free, knowing that the benefits of nurturing your innermost passions will make you a happier, giving and loving person.

3. Connect with your inner goddess

We've all heard the phrase "women's intuition," but what is it really and how can that make you happier? Intuition is that little voice inside of you that tells you things like "take that job," "stay away from that guy" or "go this way." It can save you time, or in some cases, save your life -- either of which should make you happier. Intuition gives you information without your having to think about it. It allows you to just "know." Unfortunately, in our modern society, we don't learn how to develop our intuition, and we lose it like a muscle in atrophy.

There are a number of ways to connect with your inner goddess -- the easiest being some kind of meditative practice. Meditation could be different for everyone. Not all of us like to sit cross-legged on the floor while burning incense and chanting. Meditation can be as simple as taking a walk through the park, inhaling and exhaling deeply or listening to soothing music. It's anything that helps quiet your mind, opening a space for you to connect with your inner voice.

Focusing on and nurturing all three parts of yourself -- the physical, emotional and spiritual -- will make you look and feel much healthier and happier. So go ahead and break open that box of chocolate truffles. Just remember to take a nice long walk afterward.