The Hope & Happiness Connection

Most everyone I meet wants one thing: to be happy. Whether that is defined as having a certain house, partner or profession, the drive for happiness is common among most (or dare I say all) humans. Whether the path to happiness is clear to you yet or not, one sure way to move toward this blissfully satisfied state is hope. Hope is defined as the feeling that what is wanted can be had or thatevents will turn out for the best. It is a thing and an action, when brought into the present moment can have a major impact on your attitude, perspective and life. 

Positive psychology has done a slew of research on hope and how it influences personal levels of happiness. The belief that you can reach your goals, what will bring you happiness, leads you to the means of getting there. Without hope, a sense of inner motivation and drive, the way to move ahead will not be visible. In simpler terms, if you don't have hope, you probably won't have happiness. One feeds the other. 

Hope can be tough to muster, especially when life has brought one challenge after the next. Like anything else though, hope can be learned and grown through practice and attention. If you want more happiness, start focusing on building your hope reserves. Here are a few ways to get started:

• Imagine & Visualize: Take a few minutes to imagine your best, most bad ass self. A year from now, you are completely showing up and defying the odds. What do you look like? How are you spending your time and energy? *** Grab a magazine and create a collage of images that bring this best version of you and life into an even clearer picture. Put the collage somewhere you will see it often!
• Set Intention: Tune into your best self, the things that you hope for, what makes you happy. What is one goal you want to accomplish to bring you closer to this version of you and life? Write this/these down and why it matters that you accomplish this. *** What is one small step you can take this week to turn this intention into action?
• Pen Power: Start a journal or word doc where you check in once a week (or everyday if you're feeling fiery). What is one highlight that lights you up (gratitude list item or surprise)? What is one highlight that has challenged you (and how is it helping you to grow)? *** Remember a time when things seemed bleak and turned out in wonderful ways. Write about it!

There is always, always, always hope. Even when it is blind. Even when it is running on low ebb. Even when... life happens. Commit to trying these steps above for 2-4 weeks and let me know how your hope and happiness grow.

Need more help turning your hope into happiness? Contact me here.

I believe in you & the happiness coming,
Darcy Helene