Happiness. We seek it in every day things, constantly. We gauge it by how well our kids listen to us, how many dates we go on, where we go on vacation, the number of dollars in the bank, our dress size, whether or not we can get into that yoga pose we saw on The Gram…or even more ridiculous, client or patient evaluations. The critical opinion of others somehow shatters what sense of happiness and confidence we do have far more easily than a single compliment or acknowledgement can build up. And so, we chase. We constantly pursue happy. But how do we start to get it and actually hold onto it?
By being OPEN. Open to the idea that another version of you exists. A version that’s fulfilled, effective, productive, and better connected to the people and things you care about. A version that goes to work and comes home feeling like it was time well-spent. A version that isn’t rushing to get dinner on the table and get the kids in bed on time, but instead, really enjoys the evening with them. A version that communicates clearly your needs and wants to your spouse, and a version where you can meet theirs without it draining you in the process. A version of you that feels like every day is like a vacation.
How does being open help with any of that?
Think of the last time you misplaced your keys. You search everywhere, starting with where they should be. In a pinch for time, the stress hormones are flooding your brain, spreading through your body and impeding your ability to think clearly. You look here, there, everywhere, even in the unlikeliest of places a thousand times over. And….BOOM. You find them at some point, usually in a place where you looked already.
The moment your brain bought into the thought that your keys were lost, you missed what was right in front of you–all because you told yourself that your keys aren’t where they should be. You were unable to recognize what was right there, waiting for you.
On the flip side, when we open ourselves to the idea that a version of a life that we dream of and so much more IS out there, our brains are able to recognize ways that’s true. Once we receive validation, we start the feedback loop of looking for and finding more validation. It’s all a result of our thoughts creating a belief. Those beliefs, put together, is a belief system, and it’s either working for you or against you, depending on what it is that you are conditioning your brain to recognize.
How can you be more open to the idea of the living the life of your dreams? What are ways you’re actually living it already? I’d love to know!
Having trouble finding the answer? Let’s talk. I’m here to help. Book a discovery call with me here.