Power Phrase: Don’t Worry, Be Happy

“Happiness doesn’t depend on any external conditions, it is governed by our mental attitude.” Dale Carnegie

You could have hoped to see a sign that would signify the importance of December 21 2012 too. I certainly did myself. A few of my friends reportedly saw double rainbows and golden lights across the sky. Try as hard as I could to convince myself that the cluster of clouds formed to the image of a heart that day, I knew that it would be more a figment of my imagination.

Still, there was no denying that I spent a glorious time in the park for a good part of the day. My intention was to be in a positive vibrational state. In short, I just wanted to be happy. And I was. In the company of my children and husband, we had a lovely time on a picnic mat.

Love Paves the Path to Happiness

“Everyone chases after happiness, not noticing that happiness is right at their heels.” Bertolt Brecht

Now, as I reflect on it, it seems that I could have missed the message that day. Even though the heavens did not roar out words of wisdom, surely the love and laughter in the air meant something. Yes, there are many things to be appreciative about for I am truly blessed.

It is easy to draw attention to what is not there, rather than what-is. I could have gone on about not seeing signs of rainbows…..or I could bring attention to the abundance that I am already enjoying.

Don’t get mistaken. It is not all sweet. Like any other families, we have our challenges. However, our desire is to build a foundation built on love, no matter how petty our quarrels can be at times. We believe that it is the best way to weather any difficulties that life throws at us. It is also nice that my husband and I are pretty much on the same page about the spiritual direction that we wish to take.

A life that is successful has to be a happy one. Anyone boasting about how money he makes but who leads a life of misery, is surely missing the point about what true success is. Money can buy lots of things but having loads of it cannot guarantee happiness. I had since realized that love is the answer to happiness. To be happy, I need to first love myself unconditionally. For anyone, the capacity to share love increases with a cup that overflows.

Telling Positive Stories

“Happiness depends upon ourselves.” – Aristotle

My husband loves to go out for tea. And sometimes over tea, we would discuss about the work challenges we face. Admittedly, there will be times when the more we pore over our difficulties, the more emotionally challenged we feel. And so with conscious awareness, we would make attempts to steer the conversation away from negative stories.

However, what we first discovered is that it could take supreme effort to be positive. The mind has an ingrained habit of telling and recalling stories that are more negative. If we are not mindful enough, we find ourselves back to sharing our woes and complaints.

And so my intention from now is to tell more positive stories. Telling them throughout the day would keep vibrations high. Perhaps I will share them on my blog too. A touch of humor to the stories will surely brighten anyone’s day, including mine 🙂

Don’t worry, Be Happy

“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.” Epictetus

I used to be a worry wart. Fear was my primary driver to taking needed actions. Unfortunately, my anxiety levels got worse when I had children of my own. Suddenly, there were many more things to worry about. While I had reduced my baggage over the years, I believe that there is more to let go of.

Worry is fear about the future. We believe that something bad may happen even though we could just as easily imagine a more positive outcome. Without a doubt, excessive worrying creates unnecessary stress.

Everyone around warns me about stress levels hitting a high, with my elder girl taking the nation-wide Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE) during the year. It is nothing like having a bunch of well-meaning mothers as well as the teachers in school, who are far too willing to let me know about the impending stress.

And so bracing myself, I intend to use the opportunity to release any parental anxiety and to manage overall expectations. Chances are a worried parent is only going to contribute to overall stress levels…..while a parent who has worked on freeing any attachment to outcomes is the best way to support his or her child. In other words, the power phrase or mantra for the year: Don’t worry, Be Happy.

Power Word: Happiness

So there I have it. My power word for the year is Happiness.

My intention is to be happy. I hope to do this by telling positive stories, infusing the energy of love and to be contented with what I already have. It will be nice to hum to the song “don’t worry, be happy” the whole year long.

To manifest a dream of fulfillment, happiness has to start with me.

Happiness is, after all, a choice.

To a joyful year,

Author. Adventurer. Life Coach. More About Me.

Share Your Power Word for the Year

A power word or phrase sets the overall tone of your intention for the year. What is your power word or phrase for 2013?

P.S. For more ideas on how to create a power word or phrase for your vision and for intention setting, click over here: Life Vision Mastery.

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