“Happiness is not by chance; it is by choice.”
– Jim Rohn
Take a moment to notice how the outside world impacts your feelings, thoughts, moods, reactions, and the interpretations you give to them. For some, it may be the news, the weather, family, friends, home life, work responsibilities, or health, to name just a few.
What might you do to shift your energy to something that feels lighter, more open, expansive, and joyful?
Research shows that, as humans, we have a negativity bias. This means we tend to hear, internalize, and hold onto negative thoughts longer than positive ones. As a child, and even as an adult—I found this to be true. I would remember negative comments more vividly and allow others’ perceptions to affect how I felt and responded.
The key word here is respond.
Life’s experiences have helped me learn and build the inner strength to realize that only I can decide how to receive and perceive information—and, more importantly, how to respond. One might call that freedom, relief, wisdom, and trust.
How does that show up for you? Can you relate?
Marci Shimoff, New York Times bestselling author of Happy for No Reason, speaks about happiness as something cultivated from the inside out. Through her teachings, she outlines seven steps to living a deeply fulfilling and joyful life.
For decades, Marci has impacted millions through her speaking, podcasts, and programs such as the Happy for No Reason training and Your Year of Miracles. I am honored and grateful to serve as a coach in these programs, supporting those who desire to live with greater love, joy, abundance, health, and peace.
In today’s world, many of us are being called to ask deeper questions—questions that invite us to drop from our heads, our minds, into our hearts and souls. Why are we here? How is our energy impacting ourselves and those around us, and how does that ripple out into the world?
Many long-held beliefs and systems are beginning to crack and fall away, opening us to a profound realization: we are creators of our experiences. Like the flip of a coin, we can choose which side we align with—fear, doubt, and pain, or trust, openness, kindness, and love.
Some may say this sounds “airy-fairy.” But is it?
Quantum science tells us that we are all energy—both seen and unseen. The energy of one impacts the field of another. This awareness has helped me pause, breathe, and notice how easily I can be influenced by news, social media, and even the emotions of those around me.
It has also brought a sense of humor and relief. I now understand that it is not my job to fix, persuade, or convince anyone. Instead, I am invited to allow, to be present with myself, and to honor my inner truth.
Here are a few practices for you to consider:
3 Practices for Greater Fulfillment, Inner Peace, and Joy
1. Gratitude
Be grateful for your life and your experiences. Each one is here to serve your highest good and growth.
2. Kindness
Kindness is a way of being. It reflects who you are, not just what you do. It flows from an open heart filled with love, forgiveness, and compassion.
3. Contribution
Generously offer your presence, your listening, your time, your talents, and your acts of kindness. These create meaningful connections and impact.
As you move forward from this moment, remember that happiness is not something to chase—it is something to choose, again and again. In the quiet spaces of your breath, in the awareness of your thoughts, and in the kindness you offer yourself and others, you begin to step beyond the ordinary. Trust that within you already exists the peace, love, and joy you seek. Let that be your anchor, no matter what unfolds around you.
An Invitation
What is one practice you feel called to commit to as you anchor more deeply into your heart and soul—creating greater freedom, love, and happiness in your life?
