Happiness can be defined as having something worthwhile to work for. 

Does that particular definition surprise you?  Wouldn’t you expect that having that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow in your hands right now would make you happy?  Well, disavow yourself of that notion.  There is much evidence to the contrary. 

Case in point, go on and review the sad stories of lottery winners.  When faced with a pile of cash, they tend to overextend, waste the money, and end up broke – and many far worse off than they were before the windfall.  And then there is the sadness of the out-of-vogue movie star who cannot enjoy the memories of the good times but is in despair because there is no more to come.

So what is going on here?

The Present and the Future is What Matters

You see, we humans are seekers.  Sure we are here in modern times – yet we are still hunting and gathering.  You think that we no longer gather?  Have you been to Costco lately?

Being aware, being present is the key to happiness.  Do you fully enjoy the present moment?  Do you appreciate your blessings – right here and right now?  Or are you fretting about the past or else are you worried about the future?  When living in the daily hustle and bustle we do not often think about enjoying the present moment.  We scamper from here to there and back – - always on the move.

But where are you right now? Are you aware of why you are doing what you are doing? Is your constant busyness building toward something great?  Is your romantic relationship growing and getting closer? Are your friendships expanding and deepening? Or, not so much?

So What is Your Plan?

There can be a grander scheme in your life.  When you live consciously – when you are aware –  the possibilities for true happiness are endless.  As Byron Katie so eloquently states, love what is. 

Are you happy right this minute? If not, why not?   You have the power. You can decide to be happy. Yes, even caught in rush hour traffic. You can be happy in the short term by redirecting your mind toward positive, constructive thoughts and expressing gratitude for your gifts – even in the toughest situations and even when facing the most difficult problems.

And you can be happy in the long term by identifying and working steadfastly toward your dream.  How can your relationship be strengthened? Closer? Happier?

Action Plan

In the coming week, when you are in a frustrating scene, decide that you will be happy in spite of the circumstances. Identify a happy thought to immediately replace an unhappy thought.  Begin to chart your dream and your long-term goals to shift your time perspective from the “mundane” to the “special.

You’ve got the power.  And now you know that you’ve got the power.  Be happy now!

Just Say No to the Status Quo^TM

Donna Marie Thompson, PhD – The Bouncing Back Now Relationship Coach – is a Certified Professional Coach, a Certified NLP Practitioner, and a Master Practitioner of the Energy Leadership Index. Donna Marie is listed as one of America’s Premier Experts in relationships and personal development. She is the host of the “Bouncing Back Now” show on BlogTalkRadio and on the Real Coaching Radio TV network. Donna Marie has been the featured guest on many radio shows and on the Brian Tracy TV Show as seen on ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox affiliates across the country.

Are you Bouncing Back From a Break Up?  Join me and Coach Laura Hall for a Free Teleseminar on Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 8pm EST/5pm PST.  Are you overcome with sadness?  Tired of life passing you by? There is hope and there is help. Please register here.   http://ow.ly/3UdVt

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