Happiness is a feeling we all deserve, it is a balmy sunny day, and the warm rays support our wellness, and make us feel good. We are stronger of drive and spirit.

But unfortunately, the sun is not lasting, irrelevant to where we live in the world; the seasons change.

Yet, we can grow our sense of happiness, when we realise it expands with feelings of self fulfilment; and the linkage of realising that these emotions orientate around self- discipline.

It is not easy to be self-disciplined, in fact, it is hard because being so: is a conscious choice requiring daily self-management.  But when it dawns on us that we can grow and expand our sense of happiness through being disciplined; and that these feelings become life-lasting – then it is certainly worth growing your personal rays of sunshine.

Start with small mind shifts, learning to be consistent is key, and a helpful exercise – perhaps over a quiet cup of tea, is to jot-down the things you are grateful for. Doing so gives you a personal blue print of what you have spiritual or otherwise, whilst exposing aspects of your dormant burning desires.

When I first did this, I realised that I am grateful that I can talk and walk, the early prognosis was that I would be unable to do either. Then during covid my disability worsened, as it continues to do. But I made a conscious choice to exercise, simple stretching, and other forms within the restraints of the impairment. Of course it is painful, but the self-discipline of my routine keeps my attitude strong. We recall that a professional footballer moves the ball firstly within his mind, and regular practice.

And to keep mobile, I must stay slim, so I consistently consume the recommended portions of fresh produce. I got into the habit of batch cooking: roast vegetables,’ soups etc. I first started this routine by keeping irritating props – on my kitchen counter: five fruits placed daily by my microwave, deliberately in the way until I ate them.

I devote regular time to my writings, coax myself with warm rays of self-encouragement talk, and I realise the importance of taking regular small breaks.

My life was turned upside down in the summer, not by my own doing. The details are irrelevant, and I face much uncertainty. I learned who my real friends are and those who are disingenuous. But I have become a far better friend than ever before, to myself.

This attitude has only been possible due to the layers of self-discipline that I continue to add to my personal sun of happiness… and it all began when I realised that units of happiness are internal.

 

I hope you find this helpful.

With SUNNY wishes, Emma x